Jac Clay

U18 Match Report: Cardiff City 4-2 Wigan Athletic

Academy
Cardiff City’s U18 side convincingly defeated Wigan Athletic U18 in the Professional Development League at Cardiff International Sports Stadium.

U18

James Crole got a brace and Eli King scored in the first-half, before Cian Ashford netted in the second period.

Matthew Bloxham made three changes, with Ntazana Mayembe and Ashford being joined by U18 debutant Callum Jones. Joel Colwill came off the bench to debut also.

The Bluebirds got off to a strong start and came close after 11 minutes. Tom Davies’ shot from just outside the box stung the palms of Owen Mooney.

City were on top and neared an opener 16 minutes later. Forward Ashford’s fantastic attempt from the edge of the box cannoned off the crossbar.

The hosts took a deserved lead one minute past the half hour mark. Towering Crole leapt high to hammer a header into the back of the net.

Cardiff City hunted for a second goal and got it with 45 minutes played. Crole beat stopper Mooney again, with his feet on that occasion.

The home side added a swift third before the break. Midfielder King converted from the inside left of the area to give his team a strong lead going into half-time.

After the interval, it took six minutes for the Bluebirds to near a fourth goal. Looking for a hat-trick, striker Crole headed just over.

City did secure another goal one minute prior to the hour mark. U16 player Ashford scored a wonder goal, finding the far corner from the outside left of the box with a fine curler.

Cardiff City were oozing with confidence in search of a fifth and nearly sealed it in a special way. Ryan Kavanagh spotted goalkeeper Mooney off his line, before attempting from just past halfway, but the effort went over.

The visiting side managed to score two consolation goals late in the game through Tom Costello, but the Bluebirds went on to secure a deserved three points, completing a busy week with two wins and eight goals scored.

U18 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 4-2 WIGAN ATHLETIC

Cardiff City: Dennis, Jones (Keeping 86’), Davies, Clay, Rippon, King, Mayembe (Schwank 46’), Kavanagh, Crole, Ashford (Colwill 60’), Ligendza. Subs not used: Coley, Hughes.

Wigan Athletic: Mooney (Campbell 64’), Smith, Snell, Lloyd, Fulton, McHugh, McGurk, McGee, Costello, Sze (Pinnington 68’), Brown (Dackers 60’). Subs not used: Lomax, Welsh.