USW 3
Frederick (8), King Juniour (17), Holbakken (36)
Cardiff Medics 2
Brebner (29), Cai Evans (60)
HT: USW 3-1 Cardiff Medics
FT: USW 3-2 Cardiff Medics
Image Credit: Lee Clow
By Lee Clow
02 October 2018 | Pre-season
A fascinating first half attacking display from the USW second team was enough to secure a 3-2 victory over the Cardiff Medics first team in today’s pre-season friendly at the USW sport park.
USW took the lead through Frederick who latched onto a rebound from an initial cross before smashing the ball into the net. King Junior soon made it 2-0 on 17 minutes after some great build up play by Fredrick on the right. Harry Brebner scored for the Medics on the half hour mark, tapping home a spilled cross by USW goalkeeper Carr. Only 6 minutes later, USW had a chance to restore their two-goal lead when they were awarded a penalty for a challenge on King Junior. Markus Holbakken took responsibility from the spot and dispatched it well down the middle of the net to make it 3-1 before half time. In the second half, Cai Evans gave Cardiff Medics hope when he outwitted the goalkeeper and scored from his own cross. With the score at 3-2, the Medics started putting huge pressure on the USW defence, but they stayed strong and held out for the victory in a fascinating tie.
USW certainly deserved the victory, and this was down to the desire and energy they put in, especially in first half. Time and time again, the USW players would find success from a long ball or counterattack and this eventually paid dividend when they opened the scoring. This tactic had clearly been worked on during pre-season and it proved successful as Cardiff Medics had no reply. In the second half it was a different tale and you could see the USW players tiring from all the effort they put in the first half, but they remained strong and held out for the win.
As the score line suggests, it was a tight game and Cardiff Medics did show some of their great qualities in the game. One of Medics’ strength in the game was the way they pressed and won back the ball. This allowed them to take control of the game especially in the second half when USW were tiring. The only few criticisms you could give to the Medics were their killer instinct in front of goal and their concentration in defence. On another day the result could have easily gone Medics way.
As well as goals the tie was filled with everything from hard tackles to great build up plays. If it wasn’t for poor finishing the game could have easily ended as a cricket score. Brebner did find the net for a second time but his effort was caulked off for offside 5 minutes before the interval. This goal would have certainly changed the whole complexion of the game going into the second half. The only card to be given in this feisty encounter was on the 88th minute to Markus Holbakken.
After the game, USW head coach, James Mcilvenny, gave his thoughts on the game. “I was really happy with the team going forward and I think we had more structure in defence than we did last season…King Junior was really good for us today…The front three will be the reason we go up this season.”
Cardiff Medics coach also spoke after the game. “I felt in the first half you could tell we were rusty, it’s the first pre-season game back…our defensive shape was probably not what I expected. I felt going forward we were pretty good, we nicked a goal but ultimately lost 3-2…In the second half, I made a few subs to liven it up and I felt we had a good half”
What’s next?
With the first pre-season game underway, both teams will continue to work hard before the full season kicks off.
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