U18 Match Preview: Cardiff City vs. Bristol City
Cardiff City’s U18 side face Bristol City this Saturday at Cardiff International Sports Campus, 11am kick-off.
Entry for this fixture is free for all ahead of the First Team’s match against Birmingham City at CCS (3pm kick-off).
Know Your Opponent
Saturday’s visitors have enjoyed a solid start to the 2019/20 campaign, with the Robins currently third in the league, behind Watford and Charlton Athletic. The Robins have won six of their opening ten games, whilst also drawing on two occasions, accumulating a respectable 20 points to date.
Despite their positive start to the current season, Bristol City finished in 7th place in the 2018/19 season, recording just eleven wins throughout their campaign.
Trevor Challis’ side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the third round last season, losing 2-1 to Crewe Alexandra at Ashton Gate in December. Wales U19 international Sam Pearson scored the Robins’ only goal as they fell to defeat.
Backroom Staff
Gary Probert holds the role of Academy Manager and has been in the role since March 2016. He has worked for the Gloucestershire FA and coached across all age groups for the Robins.
Bristol City’s U18 side are managed by Trevor Challis, who provides a depth of knowledge and experience as an ex-professional and ex-England U21 international.
The former full-back’s notable clubs include Bristol Rovers, QPR and Shrewsbury Town. Challis started his association with Bristol City in 2010, working his way up to U18 manager over several years; he is currently assisted by Neil Swift.
Last Time Out
The last time the two sides met was in February 2019, when the Bluebirds claimed an emphatic 5-0 win at the Cardiff International Sports Campus to continue their 100% start to 2019, extending City’s lead at the top of the league table to six points.
Sion Spence would net a hat-trick in the outstanding victory, with Connor Davies also getting on the scoresheet – Bristol City’s Jack Spark recorded an early second-half own goal to contribute to his side’s defeat.
Catch-Up: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City TV.
Social: Live updates will be available via our official Academy Twitter account, @CF11Academy.
