City's U21 side bowed out of the Nathaniel MG Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Cambrian United on Friday evening.
MATCH SUMMARY
Competing in Round Two of the Nathaniel MG Cup, the young Bluebirds aimed to gain invaluable experience of playing against a men's side and in front of a crowd, whilst also progressing in the competition.
The latter wasn't to be however, as Jay Woodford opened the scoring in the first half, before Tom Hillman doubled the hosts' lead in the second period to take the game out of City's reach.
Purse's side tried to force a way back into the contest, but Cambrian United held firm to book their place in the next round.
PRE-MATCH | DARREN PURSE
Ahead of the contest, U21 manager Darren Purse said: "We're expecting much of the same as our game against Ammanford. They're going to be direct and we'll have to deal with the physicality; first and second balls are going to be key. I think if we can play better in possession of the ball than we did against Ammanford, we'll have a good structure and a positive base to produce a good performance.
"That being said, we need to do the difficult part of the game, we have to compete and produce big numbers in how much we get about.
"I think this summer has gone well. We have been a bit light numbers-wise, but we have to consider that to be positive because of the number of players up with the First Team. We've had to manage the boys' minutes and we're trying to get the principles laid down ahead of the new season."
PRE-MATCH | LUKE PEARCE
Striker Luke Pearce, who has enjoyed a goal-scoring start to the season, added: "Everyone is excited for it. These are the competitive games that we want to be playing in with that high-pressure environment.
"For me personally, I feel in a good place. I'm scoring goals and playing well. I feel fit after an injury towards the back end of last season, so it feels good to be back playing.
"All the new faces have fit in really well, we're playing positively as a team and we've had good challenges against men's teams. The team is bonding and it's all going well at the moment."
RECENT RESULTS
Our Nathaniel MG Cup campaign began with a 0-0 draw at Ammanford, which went all the way to a penalty shootout to decide who progressed into the next round.
In an invaluable experience for development, the young Bluebirds held their nerve from the spot to book a place in the next round.
Since then, the side have also faced Merthyr Town in a pre-season friendly, which ended in a 6-4 victory for City.
Striker Pearce netted a hat-trick, while Trey George, Mannie Barton and Cody Twose also got on the scoresheet.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending Friday's fixture should use the following address:
M&P Group 3G, Highfield Road, Clydach Vale, CF40 2XX
The drive from Cardiff City Stadium takes approximately 35 minutes.
The ground is located a 29-minute walk away from Tonypandy Train Station.