City's U18s side continue their PDL campaign with a home clash against Barnsley on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture will take place on August 23rd, with a kick-off time of 1pm.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of Saturday's fixture, U18 head coach Tom Hutton said: “We reflect after each game, and we always try to look at the positives first in terms of where the performance has met your expectations or gone above then.
"That being said, it’s always important to look at where you can improve which we always do. We’ve got a real clear way about the way we want to play. I don’t think over the course of two games you get as closely aligned to that as what we will be in time, but that’s where you quantify the way you want to play to try and improve, which is what we’ve done this week.
"I thought the performance against Hull was better without the ball, there was more of an intensity and an intent to get the ball back, but we probably needed to show a little more control in possession. That’s what we’ve been emphasising in training this week.
“It’ll be similar in lots of ways to previous games. They will be aggressive without the ball and they will be hungry to win it back. Being good in transition on the ball and looking for opportunities to establish control will be important for us.
"Barnsley are a hard-working team like us. You know you have to earn the right to play first and foremost. Those opportunities aren’t just going to be afforded to you. We will have to make sure that we match their intensity and assert ourselves without the ball as well.”
PRE-MATCH | JACK SYKES
After returning to U18 training following an injury, striker Jack Sykes returns to contention for this weekend.
Ahead of the fixture, he said: "It's been nice to get back on the pitch with the boys and see some familiar faces. I'm enjoying my football. We had a good pre-season as a squad where we worked hard both technically and tactically. That's given us a positive start to the season.
"The injury gave me a setback and that was challenging, but since signing my scholarship and moving up to full-time football, working with new coaches and players, it's been enjoyable.
"Barnsley will be a physical side. We played them towards the end of last season. They'll come down here aiming to win and we'll take on that challenge as best we can."
RECENT RESULTS
Our U18s kicked off their PDL campaign with a narrow 4-3 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Goals from Riley Hilaire-Clarke and Harry Watts had put City two up before the half hour mark, but Wednesday responded by scoring two quick goals before the break to ensure both sides headed back into the dressing room on level terms.
The Owls then added another two in the latter stages of the second half. Noah Williams would go on to score a late consolation goal, but it was a narrow defeat on opening day.
The young Bluebirds bounced back to claim their first win of the PDL season with a 3-2 victory at Hull City.
City went into the break with a 3-1 lead, following a brace from Leo Papyrnik and a goal for Ollie Walsh, the latter making his return from injury.
The Tigers got a goal back in the second half, but Hutton's side showed resilience to ensure three points.
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.