City’s U21s face off against QPR in their latest PDL League game.
The match at Cardiff International Sports Campus on Tuesday, November 4th will kick-off at 7pm.
PRE-MATCH | DARREN PURSE
Ahead of the contest, U21 head coach Darren Purse said: “The squad is in a good place. We’re missing three or four players, so that brings the average age of the squad down a little bit, but the squad is otherwise in a decent place.
“Even though we lost to Bournemouth last Tuesday, the performance was a decent one. We created chances, it’s just about being more ruthless in the final third, and that’s what I’ll be looking for from Tuesday’s game against QPR.
“We played QPR in the Premier League Cup ten days ago. It will be interesting to see what the boys learned from that game and how we can progress into this next league fixture.
“I expect them [QPR] to be different to the side we played against. The team that we played against ten days ago was really experienced. I think there were 250 Championship appearances amongst the players that played against us.
“They like to play through the lines, and it’s about us nullifying that, which we did in the second half down at their place, and then we need to take our opportunities when they come.”
PRE-MATCH | EWAN GRIFFITHS
Ewan Griffiths also spoke ahead of Tuesday’s fixture, he said: We’re feeling really positive. The mood in the group is good, we know our performances have been strong lately, even if the results haven’t always reflected that.
“Training’s been sharp, everyone’s working hard, and we’re all looking forward to getting back out there and putting things right.
“It’s massive to bounce back from last week's defeat. We were disappointed with the result because we felt we played well for large parts of the game, but a couple of mistakes cost us. That’s football, it’s about learning from it and reacting in the right way.
“We know if we keep performing like we have been and take our chances; the results will come. Tuesday’s a great opportunity to go and get the three points.”
RECENT RESULTS
Last time out, the U21s were defeated by Bournemouth 2-1.
The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute after winning the ball deep in City’s half, with Charlie Stevens squaring the ball to Koby Mottoh, who placed the ball past Ewan Griffiths in goal.
City came out brightly for the second half. Troy Perrett equalised for the hosts, capitalising on a misplaced pass from Cherries goalkeeper Kai Crampton, and finished in some style from just outside the area to level the scores.
The hosts looked the more likely side to take the lead, however Malcolm Dacosta Gonazalez pounced on a short pass from Griffiths, taking the ball around the keeper to retake the lead.
City head into Tuesday night's fixture in fifth place in the PDL South table, having earned 17 points from nine matches played.
Before last week’s league defeat to Bournemouth, the young Bluebirds had been on a three-match unbeaten run in all competitions and will be aiming to return to winning ways against QPR.
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.