U18 Match Report | Cardiff City 1-3 Charlton Athletic

Cardiff City’s U18 side lost to Charlton Athletic U18 in the Professional Development League at Cardiff International Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Cian Ashford got City’s only goal of the match in an explosive first-half, which was followed by a second period of little opportunities.

Matthew Bloxham started U16 players Joseph Keeping, Morgan Lewis, Kyle Kenniford and scorer Ashford, with Japhet Mpadi of the U15s.

The Bluebirds’ opening opportunity came after 16 minutes. Jack Masrani rose high in the area to meet a whipped ball, but his header was saved by James Beadle.

Four minutes later, the visitors took the lead. Mack Reilly met a cross and headed in from close range.

City responded within the following five minutes by netting a brilliant equaliser. Forward Ashford found himself surrounded by defenders in the area and still managed to superbly find the bottom corner.

The Addicks regained their one goal advantage with 34 minutes played. Harry Beadle headed into the bottom corner.

It was a third goal for Charlton four minutes later. Tyreece Campbell sped into the area and chipped into the far corner.

After the interval, the game tightened as both sides looked for the next goal. The visitors were first to have a shot on target in the half on the stroke of the hour mark, as Bradley Stewart saved scorer Reilly’s header.

Cardiff City got their first shot on target of the second period with 67 minutes played. Siyabonga Ligendza’s powerful low strike from the inside left of the box was kept out by James Beadle.

Despite having little to do in the second-half, stopper Stewart was called into action twice in the space of one minute. The goalkeeper kept out Ayodeji Elerewe at close range, before saving Euan Williams’ powerful effort.

No further clear-cut chances arose for the remainder and the away team took three points.

U18 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 1-3 CHARLTON ATHLETIC

Cardiff City U18: Stewart, Keeping (Lawlor 46’), Lewis, Masrani, Rippon, Kenniford (Crew 65’), Mpadi, Thomas, Crole, Ashford (Fleming 32’), Ligendza. Subs not used: Cogman, Beecher.

Charlton Athletic U18: J. Beadle, Hobden (Appiah 54’), Garande, Agyemang, H. Beadle, Elerewe, Reilly (Williams 63’), Chin, Ladapo (Burstow 75’), Santos, Campbell. Subs not used: Watkins, Kanu.