Football

USW Men’s 3rds 3 – 0 USW 5ths – 15/1/20

USW Men’s 3rds were victorious in a 3-0 win against USW 5ths in a friendly at the USW Sports Park on Wednesday afternoon.

USW 3rds started off the brighter side and their good start was rewarded just after eight minutes.  Midfielder Archie Thomas played a through ball to Mikey Wickerick who dribble past two defenders and slotted the ball in the bottom left corner with a fine finish.

The 3rds didn’t have to wait long for their second goal. In the eleventh minute Jake Mahoney saw his cross to the back post headed in by the talented striker JJ Ogugoa.

The 3rds continued to dominate and almost stretched their lead to three in the 20th minute. David Ings saw his shot well saved by the foot of keeper Tom Ogg after Wickerick played him in on goal. Wickerick saw his follow up blocked. A minute later, Ogg produced a wonder save to stop a fantastic effort by Alex Bevan.

The 5ths began to improve with chances for Joe Dallow and Alex Doughty. Dallow saw his effort fly above the cross bar after a promising ball in from a corner. Doughty’s powerful free kick was struck narrowly over the bar.

With just seconds left to play of the first half, the referee gave a penalty after Wickerick was allegedly brought down in the area. After a moment of discussion, the striker revealed that he wasn’t fouled. The 3rds showcased great sportsmanship when Ogugoa struck the penalty wide on purpose. As a result, the half ended with the thirds 2-0 up.

The 5ths came out the second half with more desire and produced some good passage of play. However, just four minutes into the half, 3rds midfielder Chris O’Donovan crossed for Danny Maguire who unluckily hit the post.

The 3rds continued to dominate and Wickerick bagged his second goal of the afternoon with a tap in after impressive individual play by Ogugoa.

Ogugoa continued to impress. A sublime flick by the striker set up Chris O’Donovan who was unable to control the ball and volleyed the ball wide.

The pace of the game seemed to slow in the last 15 minutes. The 3rds were comfortable passing the ball around the back. In the 77th minute, the 5ths thought they had gotten a goal back however it was ruled offside.

The 3rds striker, Ogugoa, saw a disappointing end to his divine performance when he was sent to the side line by the referee deep into the 80th minute. This came after he committed numerous fouls all afternoon and questioned various decisions by the referee. The game soon ended in a 3-0 victory to USW 3rds.