U18 Match Report: Cardiff City 3-4 Charlton Athletic
Cardiff City’s U18 side narrowly lost to Charlton Athletic U18 in the Professional Development League at Cardiff International Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Bloxham made three changes from last time out as Tom Davies, Callum Jones and Cian Ashford started.
The Bluebirds got off to a swift start, taking the lead after two minutes. Caleb Hughes struck a wonderful free-kick into the back of the net to get his third goal of the season so far.
It took seven minutes for the away side to respond. Toby Bower managed to put the ball in and swiftly equalise for the Addicks.
The visitors were then awarded a penalty with 17 minutes on the clock. Jake Dennis did superbly well to save Mack Reilly’s strike from the spot.
That gave Cardiff City momentum and they took the lead once more as six minutes followed. James Crole terrifically found the top corner, sealing his fifth goal of the campaign.
Another quick response saw Charlton level again after 26 minutes. The threatening Dan Kanu finished well to get the fourth goal of the game inside the opening half hour.
The away team attacked from the restart and managed to go ahead for the first time in the encounter, two minutes later. Jason Adigun got himself on the scoresheet.
After the interval, play tightened as both sides looked for the next goal. It went the way of the Addicks as dangerman Reilly found the net, sending his team into a two-goal lead.
The Bluebirds looked to get a goal back and the visiting defence stood resilient until conceding a penalty with one minute of the 90 remaining. Forward Ashford stepped up and coolly struck home.
It led to an exciting finale as City hunted for an equaliser, but they were unable to find it and Charlton took three points.
U18 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 3-4 CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Cardiff City U18: Dennis, Davies, Jones (Keeping 66’), Lewis, Rippon, Ware, Hughes, Colwill (Coomer 84’), Crole, Ashford, Wigley (Schwank 76’). Subs not used: Benjamin, Mpadi.
Charlton Athletic U18: Kone, Hovden, Bower, Kedwell (Trialist 58’), Mitchell, Laqeretambua, Ladapo, Adigun (Rylah 77’), Kanu, Huke, Reilly (Ashburn 86’). Subs not used: Batt, Akywmd.
