U18 Report: Cardiff City 2-2 Bristol City
Cardiff City’s U18 side produced a late fightback to claim a point against Severnside rivals Bristol City, in an enthralling 2-2 draw.
The visitors would get proceedings underway at Cardiff International Sports Campus, and they would take the early initiative in the game, netting after just three minutes.
An incisive breakaway meant that Jaimie Cogman was forced to rush off his line in a last-ditch attempt to stop the visitors, but the keeper was rounded expertly by Tommy Conway, who fired into an empty net on his right-foot to put the visitors ahead.
The next twenty minutes would proceed to be a cautious period of play, with neither side creating anything of note. Isaak Davies would go closest for Matthew Bloxham’s side though, forcing Aaron Sainsbury into a smart save with thirty minutes played.
Siyabonga Ligendza would have a tame effort saved shortly after, and the Bluebirds went into the break behind following a disappointing half at Cardiff International Sports Campus.
City came into the second half with fresh impetus to find an all-important goal to get back into the match. Harry Pinchard would draw City level after 50 minutes, as the exciting midfielder finished expertly past Sainsbury on his right-foot. Wales U19 international Pinchard, went close to netting a second just ten minutes later – his effort saved by Sainsbury at close-range.
Despite this, Cardiff City fell behind against the run of play following a spell of second-half dominance. It would be Max Williams who netted for the visitors just after the hour mark
Cardiff City would continue to push for another equaliser, with Bristol City looking like they’d eventually succumb to the immense pressure that Matthew Bloxham’s side were putting on them.
Just as it seemed that Bristol City would leave South Wales with all three points, the hosts finally got their breakthrough in the 89th minute. Eli King attempted a speculative strike from range, but a late deflection left Sainsbury with no hope, as the Bluebirds claimed a late point.
U18 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-2 BRISTOL CITY
Cardiff City: Cogman, Pritchard, Parsons, Kavanagh, Rippon, King, Mayembe, Pinchard, Davies, Evans (Colwill 72’), Ligendza (Thomas 80’). Subs Not Used: Stewart, MacNamara.
Bristol City: Sainsbury, Taylor, Allen, Towler, Low (C), Pearson, Francois (Lott 62’), M. Williams (Henry 85’), Conway, Benarous, Gould (South-Thomas 87’). Subs Not Used: Smith, N. Williams.
