The Cardiff City under-18s lost 3-0 to their Bristol Rovers counterparts in a pre-season friendly at Treforest.The result was harsh on the Bluebirds who included a number of fledgling players from the regular u16 squad.
The game started brightly with both teams looking to get the ball down and play a neat passing game. Captain Aaron Wildig was instrumental in the team's willingness to get forward and attack, but despite a series of unanswered crosses from left back Jonathan Meads and winger Leigh Smith, their 'keeper remained untested.
It was Rovers' striker Nikel Plummer who had the first telling shot on goal after ten minutes. His long range effort from all of 25 yards dipped too late as it sailed over the bar. Cardiff responded well and a superb linkup between Meads and Iby Farah allowed the midfielder to run free down the left before sending a dangerous low cross into the 'keepers arms.
As Cardiff continued to dominate possession and take the game to Rovers, they were dealt a blow on the half hour mark. The impressive Plummer was played over the top in by his strike partner and took advantage of an off-balance Steven Last to drill home into the bottom corner. It was a good finish by Plummer which left goalkeeper Reese Ottley helpless.
Plummer was a threat again minutes later, this time from a free kick. The striker stepped up looking to bend the ball into the top corner from 30 yards, but his powerful attempt crashed off the bar and was eventually cleared by a relieved city defence.
Rovers were now started to come into the game more and more and their gradual improvement over the half resulted in a second goal on the stroke of half time. This time it was midfielder Jack Camm who was on the end of a left wing cross to curl home from the edge of the six yard box after scuffing his initial effort.
Half time: Academy U18s 0 - 2 Bristol Rovers
Aaron Wildig was withdrawn at half time to catch up with the first team squad ahead of their trip to Plymouth Argyle. His absence didn't hurt Cardiff too much though as again they started well, attacking down both flanks and looking desperate to get a goal back.
The story was, however, much like in the first half where early dominance was undermined by a plucky Bristol Rovers team willing to protect their 2-0 lead and play on the break. It was a successful strategy as they went three up on 60 minutes. Plummer the thorn in the Bluebirds side again as he got his second and all but ended the game as a contest.
The final thirty minutes saw Cardiff go for the consolation goal, but Rovers were resilient. That was until the final few minutes when a Rovers' defender handled inside the area. The referee made no hesitation about awarding a penalty which stand-in captain Meads stepped up to take. But luck was not on his or Cardiff's side as he sent the 'keeper the wrong way only to see the ball cannon off the base of the post and back out to safety.
It just wasn't to be Cardiff's afternoon, but a stern test against a strong Rovers side will do them no harm ahead of this Saturday's more important academy fixture at home to Manchester City.
Full time: Academy U18s 0 - 3 Bristol Rovers
