U18 Match Preview | Colchester United vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City’s U18 side return to the Professional Development League on Saturday (18/2), as they travel to Florence Park to take on Colchester United – 11am kick-off.

The young Bluebirds come into this one off the back of a 4-0 defeat at home to Millwall.

While the result was difficult to take, manager Steve Jenkins stated that it was an opportunity to learn for his young side.

“It was a difficult day, but as a young player, you get those games and you learn a lot more about yourself in defeat,” Steve began.

“We reflected over the weekend, and we came back on Monday really positive and we’ve worked hard over the past two days.

“It’s all about development. We all want to win games, but it’s also about developing these young players. It’s good exposure for our U16s to come in with the U18s and play, and that’s what it’s about.”

City still sit in third position in the PDL South table after last weekend's result. They are six points behind leaders Charlton Athletic, but with two games in hand over the Addicks.

This Saturday sees the Bluebirds travel to Essex to take on Colchester United. The U’s currently sit bottom of the table but have picked up four points from their last two games, including a 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

In the return fixture in October, City came out on top with a 3-0 victory. Two goals from Tanatswa Nyakuhwa and one from Cole Fleming sealed all three points on the day.

“It hasn’t been a fantastic season for Colchester,” Steve continued. “But they have picked up points in the last two games and had a good result against Ipswich.

“It’s a long way to travel, we’ve got boys away with Wales too, so we will have more U16s coming up which is great for them.

“It’ll be tough, it won’t be an easy game, but we’ll be prepared and look to give a good account of ourselves.”