Cardiff City's U18s were defeated 2-1 by Bristol City at the Robins High Performance Centre.
MATCH SUMMARY
The first half looked set to end goalless, but Bristol City were handed the opportunity to go ahead from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining. Louie Derrick stepped up and converted to give the Robins the lead at the break.
The Bluebirds started the second half strongly and were given a penalty of their own just after the hour mark. Mannie Barton scored from the spot to restore parity. Yet it was the home side who took all three points after Luke Skinner headed the ball in from close range.
The defeat leaves Tom Hutton's side fifth in the PDL South. Next up for City will be a home game against Brentford on Saturday December 13th, in what will be their final game of 2025 (11:30am KO).
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of Saturday's clash against the Robins, U18 manager Tom Hutton said: "In the academy we always try to look to push individuals at the right moments and the games programme is a tool that we use to do that. The boys have had a real range of experiences this week.
"A lot of them stepped up for the U21s in midweek, we had more boys making their debuts for the First Team against Wimbledon, and then we've had U16 and U15 players perform well in the U18 team. It has been a positive week for the Academy and we're proud of the lads at the moment.
"It'll be a good competition against Bristol City. It's a rivalry and there is always an edge in games like this. They won the league last year so we know they're a good team who've got good players.
"We will be aware of the challenges that will come our way, but we will be there and we want to bring out the best version of ourselves in the match as well."
RECENT RESULTS
The young Bluebirds head into this match off the back of a 3-0 defeat away at Swansea City last week.
Despite Tiger Tobin and Keano Conaty going close in the early stages, Swansea took the lead through Kaven Bloniarczyk. As the first half came to a close, Sam Jones made a couple of excellent saves to keep the Bluebirds in the tie.
Like in the first half, Tom Hutton’s side started the second well. Jack Sykes had a shot saved, while Thomas Prickett struck the post. But Swansea found two further goals from Callum Jones and Kai Rhodes to take the win.
The result leaves City fifth in the PDL South, but only a point behind second placed Swansea. Saturday’s opponents, Bristol City, are eighth.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match at Robins High Performance Centre will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending should use the following address:
Robins High Performance Centre, Clevedon Road, Failand, Bristol, BS8 3TN.
The ground is located an one hour bus journey away from Bristol Temple Meads train station.