By Joe Tunney
USW striker Victor Agaye struck twice as the home side prevailed in a feisty Western Conference Cup encounter at the Sport Park that featured four yellow cards and one red.
UWE made a fine start, controlling the tempo and, through Gilbert Techie and Elliot Teague forcing good saves from USW ‘keeper, Floran Disco.
However, USW battled back into the encounter and struck first after half an hour, with Woody Scott calmly slotting a penalty.
Scott had been taken out by onrushing UWE goalkeeper Josh Sutton and after the referee pointed to the spot, he composed himself and sent Sutton the wrong way.
The lead didn’t last long, with UWE responding almost immediately through Vic Leca.
After some panic at the back, USW allowed the ball to bounce following a goal-kick and Freddie Lovatt reacted first, prodding through to his winger who finished past Disco to put the away side on level terms.
Pic: Ben Withers
The first half antics did not end there however, with UWE having full-back Ollie Filkins sin-binned and the UWE manager booked for dissent before half-time.
The second half began much as the first ended, with USW’s Callum Cox being binned for dissent, but with both sides a man down it was the hosts who took advantage.
Agaye got his first of two goals with a brilliant low finish after being played through by Aido Magalhaes.
His second came soon after with the hosts moving their opponents around and incisively finding Scott down the left-hand side who delivered a low ball in that was dummied by Magalhaes and dispatched by Agaye for his second and USW’s third.
Once again, the half ended in controversy.
UWE defender Cameron Ramage was shown two yellows in rapid succession for dissent after a quick break by USW seemingly put the
game beyond reach.
The officials gave Ramage his marching orders and USW progressed.
The two will face each other in an enticing reverse league fixture next week, with UWE this time the hosts.