City’s U21s were defeated by Watford in the PDL on Tuesday evening.
POST-MATCH | DARREN PURSE
"It was a poor performance. Sometimes you can lose a game and you look back and take some positives, but there weren't any today. We haven't played for three to four weeks because of the Christmas break, maybe that's a reason, but the boys have to understand that every time you cross that white line that you've got to perform."
Commenting on the performance of Trey George, Darren added: "Trey is a really good footballer. He's very intelligent and you can play him in any of those three positions in midfield or even out wide. He gets you goals, he's consistent in his performances, and he showed that today. When some players aren't at their usual levels, he's someone who can step up and get you something. As a manager, he's someone you want in your side week in and week out."
MATCH SUMMARY
Watford took the lead with 35 minutes played when Nickson Okosun headed home. The forward then doubled the visitors' lead early in the second half. City found a route back into the game when Cody Twose’s header fell to Trey George, who fired a thunderous volley into the back of the net.
However, the Hornets restored their two-goal lead moments later when Remiero Moutlon curled home after a solo run. There was late hope for the young Bluebirds as Jake Davies’ cross was flicked home by substitute Dan Ola. Despite that, the visitors struck twice in stoppage time through Amar Sanghrajka and Cayden Lamothe to seal all three points.
SINCE WE LAST SAW THEM
City's U21 side took the opportunity following the New Year to get some warm weather training in. The squad visited Amendoeira Resort in Portugal.
Players spent time working together on the pitch, while also utilising a purpose-built gym for additional strength work.
It is back to it now for the Bluebirds in the league this Tuesday evening!
PRE MATCH | ALYAS DEBONO
Ahead of the contest, defender Alyas Debono said: “We’re feeling good and ready as a group. Training has been positive and competitive, and the standards have been high throughout the week.
“The lads are focused and are looking forward to the game. We know Watford will be a tough challenge, they are a good side, and they’ve got plenty of quality, so we’ll need to be switched on from the first minute.
“It’s very important for us to start the year with a win. The Stockport game was disappointing and not the way we wanted to finish last year, but we’ve looked back at it and learnt from it.
“Starting the new year with a win would give us a lot of confidence, and I think it would give us momentum as well. It would be a good way to show our mentality bouncing back from the defeat.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending should use the following address:
Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.
The ground is located an 11-minute walk away from Ninian Park station and a 32-minute walk from Cardiff Central station.