U23 Report: Charlton Athletic 1-0 Cardiff City

Academy

Charlton Athletic defeated Cardiff City, 1-0, at Sparrows Lane on Monday, 10th December.

Jarred Harvey named five changes to the side that drew 1-1 against Bristol City last time out. Paul McKay, Laurence Wootton, Jamie Veale, Jake Evans and Jack McKay all returned to the starting XI.

It was a competitive opening to the game with the hosts getting the first opportunity of the game. Wilberforce Ocran surged down the right flank before smashing the woodwork at close range.

The Bluebirds came close to an opener through Jake Evans, after 26 minutes. A swift counter witnessed the former Swindon Town player fires agonisingly wide after a beat pass from Jamie Veale, just inside the area.

However it was the hosts who took the lead in the afternoon kick-off. Ocran capitalised on a slip from Matt Hall and tapped the ball home into an empty net, shortly before the half hour mark.

Despite going a goal down, Harvey’s side remained determined in their search for a goal. Defender Paul McKay saw his header glance narrowly over following a pin-point James Waite delivery.

City remained persistent going forward after the interval. The lively Waite twisted his body to connect to a cross, which he volleyed just over the bar, from just inside the area.

From just after the hour mark, the Bluebirds were forced to see out the remainder of the match with 10 men. Full-back Daniel Martin was shown a straight red for a late challenge on Ocran.

With eight minutes remaining the home side were also reduced to 10 men. Ryan Bloomberg was sent off after being down substitute Ibrahim Meite; who was through on goal.

The battling visitors continued to search for an equaliser but were forced to settle for a defeat.

The U23 side will host Colchester United in their next league outing on Monday, 17th December 2018.

U23 FINAL SCORE: CHARLTON ATHLETIC 1-0 CARDIFF CITY

Cardiff City: Hall, P. McKay, Martin, Humphries, Brown, Bodenham, Wootton, Veale, J. McKay (Meite 78’), Waite, Evans. Subs Not Used: Pryce, Burwood, Fowler.

Charlton Athletic: Osaghae, Yao, Zemura, Dempsey, Bowry, Blumberg, Sarpong-Wiredu (Morgan 64’), Maloney, Ocran (Kennedy 73’), Clarke (Carey 87’), Odoh. Subs Not Used: Harvey.