Cardiff City’s U18s will face off against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, with the game taking place at Bournemouth’s Training Ground.
The game will kick-off at 1pm.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of Saturday's fixture against the Cherries, we caught up with U18 manager Tom Hutton.
"It's been a positive week for the boys. We started with that win last weekend against QPR, and then the focused turned to the cup with the U17s playing against Cheltenham. It was another positive performance in midweek for a young group. We've always said how good cup competitions are because it exposes the group to different challenges. Cheltenham are a team we don't play often, but for them to play well against while also experiencing extra time and finding a late winner shows the character this young group has.
"This is a group of players that we are excited about. We want to challenge them at the right time but at the same time, we want to do what's right for them and the team as a whole. We have to be strategic around January, especially with a number of U21 players going out on loan. As a result, those first year players get more game time, but also players in the U17s, U16s and even U15s have the opportunity to play at this level. It's all about helping them get better and get them more ready for scholarship next year.
"It will be a really challenging game against Bournemouth. It's going to be a game that's a little different to the previous two we've faced this past week, and that again will be a huge positive for us. It's the third game in a week for us so we've had to make sure the boys have recovered and prepared well, but overall, it's a game we're looking forward to and one where we want to build on what we've already done."
RECENT RESULTS
The Bluebirds head into this weekend’s fixture off the back of a thrilling 4-3 victory over QPR.
Having gone behind ten minutes before the break, City ensured that they would head into the dressing rooms on level terms, after Jack Sykes slammed the ball home from close range. It would be Sykes who would put Tom Hutton’s team ahead before the hour mark.
The City lead was extended further midway through the second 45, as Leeyon Phelan scored directly from a free kick. However, goals in the 85th and 87th minute brought QPR level. Yet, City nicked all three points in stoppage time, as Leo Papirnyk turned home from Riley Hilaire-Clarke’s cross.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match at Bournemouth’s Training Ground will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending should use the following address:
Canford Park Arena, Magna Road, Wimborne, BH21 3AP.
The ground is located a 43-minute bus journey away from Bournemouth Station.