City’s U18’s recorded an impressive 3-1 win against Swansea City in the PDL on Saturday afternoon.
REACTION | TOM HUTTON
“Overall, there was lots to like about the performance,” Tom began. “Most of those moments were in the first half, how we set up on the high press from their goal kicks and our in-play caused them a lot of problems and going into half-time, we were worthy of the lead.
“They stepped on a bit more aggressively after the break and made it more difficult for us to switch or control the game. When you're under pressure as a team, it's important that you do the ugly side of the game well, but I thought we were the better team today and I’m pleased with the three points.
“We had to defend the lead that we had, and we managed it. When they did deliver balls into our box, we were there first with good clearances, so we managed that side of the game really well.
"First half, we probably could have managed the game for us ourselves a bit more effectively by keeping control of the ball. But we expected a tough game. We've already had some challenging games against them, so we're really pleased with the win.”
MATCH SUMMARY
Tom Hutton’s side got off to the perfect start after Mannie Barton’s cool finish into the corner of the net put City ahead inside the opening three minutes.
And the young Bluebirds quickly doubled their lead after Riley Hilaire-Clarke beat Wahab Ojetoto on the right wing, played in a cross to Jack Sykes in the area, and laid it off for Rob Tankiewicz to fire beyond the keeper.
The visitors halved the deficit via Bobby Lewis’ goal but the two-goal lead was restored with Sykes squaring the ball for the skipper Harry Watts to tap in from close-range shortly before half time.
After the break, the hosts produced some resolute defending. Thomas Prickett and Noah Williams made vital interceptions to maintain the lead, with the latter making a goal-line clearance.
Barton came close to adding a fourth, with a curling effort crashing off the post with 10 minutes remaining. City played the final seconds without Barton after being shown a red card late in the game but the side went on to claim all three points.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
“It's going to be a really challenging game.” Tom began. “We've had two tough games against Swansea already.
“The landscape of our team is changing. We're starting to push some of the scholars up into the U21s and expose them to a higher level of football.
"It will be a new experience for some of the boys in this game at U18 level. We know how important those games are to perform well, but also to be competitive.
"We'll work as we normally do, and the focus will be on us and trying to deliver a positive performance.
“All games are crucial for their development and these type of matches are the biggest test of where the boys are. That's where we can really judge them and see how much they improve in. And this time of year, we’re very strategic in the decisions we make around the team and the individuals.
"Making sure that we can make headway for some of the more ready U16s to step into the U18s programme is always an important part of what we do this time of year."
RECENT RESULT
The young Bluebirds recorded a dominant display against Colchester United last time out with a 5-0 win.
First half goals from Paul Moreno and Jack Sykes put City two goals ahead at half-time, before Leeyon Phelan added a third shortly before the hour mark. Late goals from substitute Jacob Norris and a header from Thomas Prickett wrapped up the victory for the hosts.
The result pushed City up to third in the PDL standings, one point off second placed Watford with a game in hand over the Hornets. This weekend’s opponents sit one place behind the Bluebirds in fourth place.
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.