by Adam Evans
UNIVERSITY of South Wales 2nd assistant James McElvenney insists the 2-1 defeat against Cardiff Metropolitan University 4th was a ‘learning curve’.
After their resounding 5-1 win over Swansea University 3rd last week, USW travelled to Cyncoed Campus hoping to build some early season momentum.
But second-half goals from Declan Evans and Will Solari condemned the away side to their first defeat of the campaign.
And assistant McElvenney believes USW will learn from their misfortunes in the Welsh capital.
“I think we have learnt more from today than what we took from the win last week,” said McElvenney.
“It’s tough to take. We obviously wanted to come here and beat Met but that’s just the way it is.
“Thinking we were going to come here and win, we have now realised that we are in a very tough league.”
USW had their goalkeeper Ben Williams to thank for keeping the scoreline goalless at half time, as he kept the home side at bay with a number of saves throughout the first half.
And USW showed glimpses of what they could offer down the opposite end, but, ultimately, Met took control of the encounter and were deserved-winners.
“The football we played was sometimes pleasing and sometimes not,” added McElvenney.
“The one thing we have learnt over the two games is that we need a 90-minute performance and not just for 20 minutes.
“In the end not having that 90-minute performance was ultimately what let us down today.
“There is always a big rivalry between both sides and that was shown today.”
