By Hywel Fuller
UNIVERSITY of South Wales 2nds fell to a 1-3 defeat against a clinical Aberystwyth University 1st team at the Sport Park.
The first half started as a cagey affair as both sides looked to gain a foothold in the game.
It wasn’t until the 12th minute that the game kicked into life when Aberystwyth defender Kieran Booker should have scored with a free header from a corner.
After that early wobble USW grew more into the game and should have scored from several chances, with Josh Bell and Corey McKeary disappointed not to finish their golden opportunities.
The first goal of the game went the way of Aberystwyth after some good build up play from winger Jelani Higgins. His pass enabled opposite winger Steffan Gittins to deliver a cross which saw striker Pablo de Torres get in front of the goalkeeper to slot home.
The second half started at a much faster pace with USW pushing for an equaliser early on.
But Aberystwyth were able to exploit the space in behind the USW defence and soon doubled their lead.
An excellent cross-field ball over the top of the USW defence from Aberystwyth captain Harri Jones saw winger Gittins square to De Torres who coolly finished with a side-footed strike.
Yet USW were able to respond quickly to this setback with a goal of their own.
It came from a counter-attack off an Aberystwyth set piece and when the ball reached the feet of winger Rhys Hudson he fired low past the keeper.
The goal gave USW more impetus for the rest of the second half but they were lacking the cutting edge to finish off their chances, with the best opportunity falling to Chris O’Donovan, who blasted his effort over the bar despite being one-on-one with the Aberystwyth goalkeeper.
That miss would turn out to be crucial as moments later USW defender Cameron Smith gave away a penalty after mis-controlling a high ball and colliding with an onrushing attacker. Aberystwyth midfielder Matthew Jones converted the spot-kick to seal the spoils.
USW still pushed for a way back into the game but to no avail as Aberystwyth were able to comfortably see the game out.