USW Men’s 3rds overcame USW Men’s 5ths 3-0 at the USW Sports Park in Trefforest.
The 3rds started the game at a rapid pace. This paid off in just the eighth minute when midfielder Archie Thomas played through dynamic striker Mikey Wicherek who dribbled past two defenders and stroked in to the bottom left corner.
Three minutes later USW 3rds doubled their lead when influential midfielder Jake Mahoney crossed to the back post where striker JJ Ogugoa headed in to the top corner.
The 3rds continued to dominate and almost grabbed their third in the 20th minute, Wicherek played David Ings through on goal, who’s shot was well saved by the feet of Tom Ogg in goals. A minute later Ogg pulled off another impressive save when Alex Bevan’s shot looked destined for the top corner.
The 5ths improved towards the end of the first half with chances for midfielders Joe Dallow and Alex Doughty. Dallow smashed a half volley over the bar from a promising position inside the area. While Doughty struck a powerful free kick which just shaved the top of the crossbar.
On the stroke of half time the 3rds were awarded a penalty when the referee adjudged that Wicherek had been fouled in the area. After a moment of confusion Wicherek said that he wasn’t fouled, as a result JJ Ogugoa struck the penalty wide on purpose.
Four minutes in to the second half, 3rds midfielder Chris O’Donovan croseed for Danny Maguire who hit the post.
In the 56th minute USW 3rds grabbed their third goal of the game, Ogugoa passed towards Wicherek who beat the keeper to the ball and tapped in to the empty net.
The 3rds continued to impress throughout the second half, creating chances. Most significantly when Ogugoa’s delightful flick looked to have set up Chris O’Donovan, but the midfielder smashed over the bar from close range.
The game fizzled out in the last 15 minutes, with the 3rds looked comfortable keeping the ball and playing around the back. Deep in to the 80th minute the 3rds striker Ogugoa was sent to the side line by the referee after he committed numerous fouls and questioned several of the referee’s decisions. He also got in to a confrontation with one of the coaches from the 5ths team. This was a disappointing end to a wonderful performance from the striker.
USW 3rds are back in league action when they face Cardiff University 4ths. USW 5ths also visit Cardiff University when they play their 5th side.
By Tobias Hunt
Tobias' Sports Journalism Blog 