Cardiff City U18’s dismantled Hull City in a 7-0 victory as the young Bluebirds progressed up the table in their Professional Development League campaign.
MATCH SUMMARY
An early Pedro Araujo shot proved to be the opening chance of the clash off the back of a well-drilled set piece but was cleared off the line by a Hull City defender. However, it didn't take long to find an opener as a looping cross found the head of Keano Conaty on the 13-minute mark who powered the ball into the net.
Shortly after, Josh Donovan in the City net, propelled forward a long ball that found the ever-clinical feet of Jack Sykes who half-volleyed the ball beyond Reynolds. Merely four minutes later, a Leo Papirnyk strike from the edge of the penalty area deflected off a Hull City defender to make it three for the young Bluebirds.
As if it couldn’t get any better for City, Papirnyk doubled his tally for the day with a powerful glancing header to send City into the break with a four-goal advantage.
With the second half underway, Araujo worked his way cleverly down the right flank to find the feet of Gruff Evans who made no mistake in slotting home to make it five. With City showing no signs of relenting, Sykes weaved down the right side with ease before delivering an accurate cross to substitute, Taona Nyakuhwa who fired the ball into the top corner from close range.
Sykes continued his fine form as he picked up the ball before unleashing a powerful strike to make it seven for City.
REACTION | KEANO CONATY
“I thought the boys played outstanding football from kick-off to the final whistle. We executed the game plan perfectly and even at the very end, we played excellently and kept a clean sheet.
“We worked on set pieces in training and so it felt great to get onto the scoresheet in that way.
“To come here today and win 7-0 over a strong opposition, we can take massive credit from that so hopefully we can take that forward.”
PRE-MATCH | PEDRO ARAUJO
“It has been a really positive start to the season for both me and the team. Everyone has settled in well, we're all building as a team and every game is getting better. We've all bonded well and I feel like this season is going to go well too.
“All the players and staff have been brilliant since day one. Leaving Crystal Palace to join Cardiff City brought a completely new environment and it was a really big step, but the lads have welcomed me into the group. The coaching staff have been fantastic in making sure I understand the style of play and what is expected of me.
“It was really good to get on the scoresheet against Huddersfield and great to secure a win. That goal was a benchmark for me and am looking to build on that for the next game.
“Hull have won their last three games so I think it will be a tough challenge but if we play the way that we're meant to play and follow our coaches' orders, I believe we can secure a win. We need to keep our standards high and hopefully we can get a good result.
“Winning breeds confidence and after the Huddersfield result, everyone is buzzing. The togetherness and belief around the team is great and we are all pushing one another to keep our standards high.”
RECENT RESULTS
Last time out, the young Bluebirds comfortably dismantled Huddersfield Town 3-0, away in the U18 PDL.
Goals from Gruff Evans, Jacob Norris and a first for Pedro Araujo, sealed the victory for City as they climbed into third place in the U18 PDL after three games.
The previous Saturday, City put in a hard-fought display in the PDL Cup that ended in a 3-1 defeat to Swindon Town.
Despite seizing an early lead over the visitors through a Logan Cartwright goal, a second half City dismissal proved to be the turning point in the encounter as the visitors proceeded to take victory with two late strikes.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the encounter at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning to attend 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.