Cardiff ……………………………… 2
Swansea 2ndÔÇÖs ……………………. 4
Following the postponement of last weekÔÇÖs match against Bristol, Cardiff kicked off their BUCS campaign with a home tie against Varsity rivals Swansea.┬á The squad were in good spirits after a productive pre-season, which included a strong performance against the University of South Wales.
A slow start from the home side led to a Swansea goal to put the visitors 1-0 up, but when a Cardiff player was brought down outside the box, midfielder Scott Chester expertly dispatched his free kick into the top right corner to level the scores.
With the scores level, Cardiff looked comfortable, but Swansea always looked dangerous on the break, and soon enough the away side scored and were 2-1 up.
As the teams emerged from the half-time break, Cardiff looked in positive mood to make amends for the first half and started well with good possession, which ultimately led to new boy Rob Jones, on his debut, forcing the ball over the line after excellent wing play from Cardiff.
At 2-2, Cardiff looked comfortable and began to dictate play with quicker passing and a more aggressive approach to closing down the opposition when they were in possession. With the home side looking strong, Swansea countered again and a cross from the wide man was fumbled into the goal by the Cardiff goalkepper.
Soon after the goal, Cardiff full back Chris Hugh was sent off for a second yellow for dissent, and losing a player of HughÔÇÖs quality was evident. Swansea made their extra man advantage count and soon made the scores 4-2, despite the best efforts of Neish, who produced some strong saves, and defenders Lewis Thorpe, James Wotton and Christian Bundgaard Ypkendanz.
Not an ideal start for Cardiff, but there was some positives to take from the game and the players are in a competitive mood to make amends for this opening day defeat when they travel to Bath next Wednesday.
Ben Ricketts
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