City’s U18s fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Millwall on Saturday afternoon.
MATCH SUMMARY
Millwall began the game strongly and took the lead with just over five minutes played, as Sacha Viera slotted the ball into the far corner. The visitors then doubled their lead moments later when Jayden Tektas' long-range effort found the back of the net.
City searched for a way back late in the first half. Jacob Hobson fired just over before Tiger Tobin’s effort stung the palms of Justin Ndikum in the Millwall goal.
It was the perfect start to the second half for the young Bluebirds as they halved the deficit. Logan Cartwright’s low cross was poked home from close range by Jack Sykes. Millwall almost restored their two-goal lead, but Danny Higgs’ superb fingertip save kept the score at 2-1.
City pushed for an equaliser and created several chances. Substitute Axel Donczew showed some tricky feet before curling the ball goalwards. Harry Watts then had two opportunities but fired over on both occasions. Despite late pressure from the young Bluebirds, Millwall held onto their lead.
It’s now a short break for City, as they return to action on Saturday, 22nd November, against Swansea City at Leckwith – 11 a.m. KO.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of the game, manager Tom Hutton looked back on the victory over Colchester United and also praised the form of Leeyon Phelan, who scored a brace against the U’s.
“I was pleased with the reaction from the boys following a disappointing result in the FA Youth Cup," Hutton began. "We debriefed effectively after that game and took a lot of learning out of it, and the test is then, can the boys learn from that as quickly as possible and put it into practice? Saturday offered them the opportunity to do that, and I felt like they delivered. We were a lot brighter in the final third, scored four goals, and the game was a different sort of challenge, but to score four away from home and be dominant all over the field was pleasing.
“The scholarship has been full of ups and downs for Leeyon. He’s come in from an external club, and it’s taken him time to get used to our environment and get to grips with what the club means and the style of play that comes with it. Leeyon has had to be patient but he’s getting a real opportunity now in a slightly different role, but he’s a very good technical footballer. He can handle the football well in midfield and in those forward areas and he offers us a lot. The one thing Leeyon is very effective at is scoring goals and that comes from the timing of getting into the right areas, but also his technical ability. Both his finishes on Saturday were well taken.
“We’ve had some really good games against Millwall home and away in the past. You know what you’re going to get from them from a cultural perspective. They are very hard to beat, and they don’t give you many chances. They will be a team that comes here who will work very hard. We have to have that mindset and try to match that from the off. As always, we will be aware of their threats and challenges, but the focus will be on us and how we play. It’s all about building and getting better each week. I’m pleased with how the group is developing individually and collectively. There’s still a lot of football to go this season, but it’s so far so good.”
RECENT RESULTS
After losing to Cheltenham Town in the FA Youth Cup, Cardiff City’s U18s bounced back to winning ways with a 4-1 victory away against Colchester United.
The only goal in the first half did come City’s way, as Jack Sykes converted from the penalty spot. Sykes would go on to score a second in the second half, while attacking midfielder Leeyon Phelan also scored a brace in the second 45. Colchester’s James Sasere did pull one back late on, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goals, as Tom Hutton’s side picked up another three points in the PDL.
The result lifts the Bluebirds up to second in the PDL South. They remain three points behind leaders Charlton Athletic, but City do have a game in hand. This weekend’s opponents Millwall find themselves sixth in the table.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending should use the following address:
Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.
The ground is located an 11-minute walk away from Ninian Park Station and a 32-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station.