U18 Match Preview: Coventry City vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City's U18 side travel to face Coventry City in the Professional Development League on Saturday morning - 11:30am kick-off!
The Opposition
Coventry City currently sit in ninth place on the PDL League table, having earned 16 points from 20 matches played thus far in their current league campaign.
The side most recently returned to winning ways after going without a win in five matches, defeating Ipswich Town 4-3 on February 1st. The Bluebirds last met the Sky Blues in November 2019, when they were narrowly defeated 1-0 at home in Leckwith.
Harrison Nee’s penalty after seven minutes proved to be the winner, as Isaak Davies missed his spot-kick for the hosts shortly after the break. The Bluebirds crafted their opening opportunity after three minutes. Eli King beautifully threaded the ball through for Isaak Davies, who went one-on-one with Cian Tyler, but from an acute angle struck the post.
Four minutes later, the visitors were awarded a penalty as forward Nee went down in the area. Nee stepped up and converted into the bottom left corner to extend his squad top scorer status to five goals.
City determinedly hunted an equaliser and came close with 19 minutes played. Rubin Colwill’s terrific through-ball was gathered by Kieron Evans, who strode forward before striking astray of the left post from an angle.
Following the interval, it took the Bluebirds eight minutes before being awarded a penalty. Isaak Davies stepped up, but his attempt was saved by goalkeeper Tyler.
Having the better of the chances during the closing moments of the match, City were unfortunate not to earn an equaliser, with the visiting side taking all three points at the final whistle.
In the Hot Seat
Appointed in February 2020, Coventry City's Lead Development Phase Coach is John Dempster. Dempster, who began his footballing career as a footballer playing for Rushden & Diamonds, went on to manage Mansfield Town in league Two before taking his current role with Coventry City's academy.
Dempster enjoyed a playing career which included representing Scotland at Under 21 level following his time spent with Rushden & Diamonds, also played for Oxford United and Kettering Town amongst other clubs, making over 300 appearances throughout a career spanning 14 years.
Prior to his appointment in charge of Mansfield Town's senior side, Dempster began coaching at youth level before then becoming caretaker manager for the Stags.
