City’s U18s second PDL Cup group stage game ended in a 5-1 victory against Swindon Town.
MATCH SUMMARY
The young Bluebirds started fast, taking the lead with only six minutes played. Hayden Allmark sat Swindon’s keeper down, before slotting the ball into the empty net. Riley Hilaire-Clarke then made it two for City only three minutes later, as he drove into the box and rounded the keeper.
Jack Sykes was then brought down inside the box by the Swindon keeper. The inform striker made no mistake from the spot. The visitors did pull one back just before the break through Kian Larkins.
City reacted well in the second half and added their fourth through Hilaire-Clark, who smashed the ball into the top corner. Sykes added his second and City’s fifth only minutes later, as he created space for himself inside the box and curled home.
The Bluebirds play Swansea City in their next PDL Cup game. That will take place at Cardiff International Sports Campus on Saturday, November 22nd, with kick-off at 11am.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
U18 head coach Tom Hutton spoke about what he expected from Saturday’s game, as well as reflecting on recent international call-ups: “We started the group stage with a point, and that was a really good point away from home. We were down to ten players early in the second half and I was really pleased with the performance and the way the boys really dug in with ten. The boys will take a lot of confidence from that into the game on Saturday.
“We are aware of what Swindon’s threats are and where their strengths lie, but as ever, the focus will be on how we can improve on our performances and how we can perform as positively as we can. If we do that, the results will follow.
“We’re hugely proud of the lads who get to represent their country at all levels. We have got a lot of representation across the various age groups, but from a development perspective, it’s huge for the lads.
“Playing for your nation is probably the pinnacle for them at this moment in time, and it’s something you can’t really replicate at club level; the travelling, staying away from home, facing different cultures and ways of playing.
“We always try to set them targets on and off the pitch when they go away with their countries, and we always make sure to capture that when they come back.”
RECENT RESULTS
The Bluebirds head into Saturday’s fixture full of confidence having won their last five league games.
Their latest victory came on Saturday when Tom Hutton’s side defeated QPR 2-0 away from home. Despite being reduced to ten players in the first half, City responded in style by winning the game in the second 45 thanks to a brace from Jack Sykes.
In their opening PDL Cup game, the Bluebirds drew 1-1 away against Wrexham. The Red Dragons took the lead in the first half, as City were also shown a red card. But in the second half they sealed a draw, after Tom Prickett scored from a free kick. Saturday’s opponents, Swindon Town, beat Swansea City 4-1 in their opening game of the competition.
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.