USW Men’s football 1st 2-1 Cardiff and Vale College International Academy

USW do battle with CAVC International Academy. Pic: Charlie Hewitson

By Ieuan Hogg

USW men’s 1sts were grateful for a strong defensive display as they edged out Cardiff and Vale College International Academy at the Sport Park.

Defender Dylan Giblin capped off a great performance for the hosts with a last-gasp defensive tackle that denied the visitors what looked a certain equaliser.

Despite Giblin and his teammate’s efforts CAVC did manage to breakthrough with a goal from Jovan Teuira. 

 But it wasn’t enough as USW coach Andrew Whittington reverted to a back five with 10 minutes to go to see out the win. 

Whittington explained how he was disappointed with no clean sheet. 

He said: “We’ve got to be more resolute in games, we can’t have games finishing 6-4 and 4-3.” 

USW opened the scoring with a goal from Tito Anderson, who converted his shot after a goalmouth scramble. 

USW continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the first half with a great midfield performance from Isaac Kinaci. 

The hosts then doubled their advantage with a stunning strike at the near post from Yaz Etkin. 

USW led 2-0 at half-time and early in the second half Noah Gorachovas saw his fierce effort blocked on the line. 

The breakthrough came for FCA with Teuira scoring from a shot that was deflected. 

But USW managed to secure the win in their final friendly before the start of the BUCS season, which will begin next week with a clash against local rivals Cardiff Met.