City’s U18’s were in Professional Development League action as they defeated Bristol City on Saturday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Despite an early high Bristol City press, the Bluebirds soon claimed dominance over the visitors as City held possession and began to move into the final third.
Two Gruff Evans strikes from distance marked the first efforts of the game but were comfortably claimed by the visitors' goalkeeper.
From there, the side persisted and continued to apply layers of offensive play as a low diving Thomas Prickett header from a Jacob Norris free kick was scooped up by the trialist Bristol keeper.
Despite City’s best efforts, the young Bluebirds couldn’t find an opener and the two sides went into the interval on level terms.
City returned for the second half refuelled and recharged as within the opening minutes; Ellis Yorke found the net from close-range before it was narrowly ruled out as offside.
Jacob Norris then weaved between two defenders at the back post and slotted home a long-awaited opener. In a remarkable quick succession of this, Leo Papirnyk doubled City’s lead for the day with a bullet header at the far post.
A series of substitutes ensued and had an immediate impact as Papirnyk pounced on a precise through-ball before lofting the ball over the keeper's head with a cheeky chip, to seal the victory and make it three for City.
REACTION | ELLIS YORKE
“It was a really positive performance. We had worked incredibly hard all week in training in preparation for today’s game and I felt that was reflected in our display today.
“In the first half, things didn't quite go our way in terms of execution, but I felt like we nailed that as we moved into the second half when the goals started rolling in.
“I enjoyed playing a slightly higher no.8 role today as I feel like one of my main strengths in my game is my work rate and stamina, so I think a role that involves me dropping deep in recovery areas then pushing into the penalty area is a role that’s really well suited to me.
“Today will act as a huge confidence boost for the boys. To come off the back of a good performance like that, playing good football, implementing training tactics and to get the goals to go with that, puts us in a brilliant position going into the Millwall game next week.”
PRE-MATCH | HARRI DAVIES
“We’ve had a positive start to the season, coming off the back of a number of good results in pre-season, we felt really strong as a squad and fortunately, we've managed to keep that momentum up.
“It's really important for us as a defensive unit to keep clean sheets in order to give us an increased chance of winning the game. So, we've got to continue working hard throughout the week and then every weekend we’ll look to get another clean sheet on the board.
“The new boys have been great; we’ve shown them around the club and what it means to play for City. As second year scholars, we naturally step into a bit more of a leadership role and we try to push each other as hard as we can both in games and in training.
“Bristol City are a tough, direct side and we know that they will present a challenge, so we've got to get out and win the first and second contacts, keep the ball on the floor and ultimately try to get a few goals.
“There's a good energy around the changing room at the minute, we believe in our capabilities as a squad and know that we can put on good performances which we've already shown throughout the season so far. We're just looking forward to getting back out there, showing what we can do and gaining another three points.”
RECENT RESULTS
Last time out, City suffered a 5-1 defeat away to Charlton, a result that saw the high-flying Addicks climb to second in the league as City found themselves down to fifth.
Prior to this, City made the long trip south where they faced Plymouth Argyle and came away with a valuable point in a 1-1 draw.
Gruff Evans netted the side's only goal of the game, despite numerous chances falling the way of the young Bluebirds, and so City returned to the Welsh capital with another point under their belt.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the encounter at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending the game should use the following address:
Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.
The ground is located an 11-minute walk from Ninian Park Station and a 32-minute walk away from Cardiff Central Station.