By Charlie Hewitson
USW 4ths lost a bad-tempered clash with their University of Gloucestershire counterparts at the Sport Park, an ugly brawl marring the encounter.
What began as a high-energy, goal-filled game spiralled into chaos. Gloucestershire may have walked away 5-3 winners, but the match will be remembered far more for the escalating tension, heated confrontations, and full-scale brawl that erupted in the closing stages.
As Gloucestershire’s aggression intensified, with several late tackles and verbal jibes, USW’s patience snapped.
The boiling came when USW’s number 2 Reece Baxter stormed towards Gloucestershire’s Oliver Jonsson and manager Dave Cornock while the ball was in play, confronting them with accusations of shouts aimed at him.
Baxter claimed to have been punched by Jonsson and players from both sides rushed in as the confrontation escalated.
A chaotic scuffle near the touchline ensued. Coaching staff tried to intervene, but Cornock received a yellow card for his involvement.
Despite the tension, USW produced a moment of magic when number 12 Oscar Perrella unleashed a spectacular curling strike to score from deep by the byline in the 85th minute at the same time the confrontations began.
USW struck first in the third minute through a beautifully floated cross from a deep free kick, with Jacob Iley assisting Callum Jones to power a bullet header into the top left-hand corner of the net.
But their joy was short-lived, as Gloucestershire equalised a minute later from kick off when a through ball allowed Jonsson to slot home.
Gloucestershire slowly gained control, capitalising on corners and Jonsson put them ahead with a header in the 25th minute.
Pic: Rhia Hebbard
Gloucestershire came out firing after half-time, striking the crossbar before scoring twice in quick succession.
Tad Dresdow netted with a glancing header following a long throw and two minutes later Alan Mindock made it 4-1 with a stunning half-volley.
Frustrations grew for USW resulting in Craig Hill kicking a bottle in frustration and storming to the changing rooms when he was subbed off.
And moments after that, Gloucestershire’s Luis Mendez extended the visitors’ lead after cutting into the box from the left wing and curling into the bottom right corner.
Dresdow, and Cornock were both given a yellow for aggression when celebrating, adding to the tension.
In the 65th minute, USW’s James Hand gave his side slight hope by tapping into back of the net after a scuffle from a corner.
Perrella’s screamer made it 3-5, but that concluded the scoring in a match where ill-discipline left a sour taste.