Our U21 side's second PDL match of the season is a trip to Crewe Alexandra.
The fixture will take place at Crewe Alexandra Academy on Monday, August 18th, with a kick-off time of 2pm.
PRE-MATCH | DARREN PURSE
Ahead of the fixture, Darren Purse said: "Crewe put one over us at the end of last year. They had a couple of first team players drop down and they beat us convincingly.
"For us it's going to be about learning from that experience, and sometimes you just have to concentrate on what you can do. In the second half against Sheffield United, we didn't do that. We played a little too long at times, gave the ball away sloppily, and we need to make sure we keep possession of the ball and do what we're good at.
"That's what I'll be looking at heading into the Crewe game. If we can be more positive in possession, it will give us a better platform to go on and win the game rather than walking away with a draw."
PRE-MATCH | ROBERT TANKIEWICZ
Midfielder Robert Tankiewicz, who had a positive performance against Sheffield United last time out, added: “Since I’ve started my scholarship, I’ve really enjoyed my time with City both on and off the pitch. I’ve been working hard, and the opportunities have come off the back of that. I’m much more comfortable in the U21s now, and now is the time to stay consistent and find my spot in the team.
“It was definitely a proud moment for me and my family. I’ll have been at the club for eight years when December comes around. I found out I was being offered a scholarship last December, so seven years since I joined, and it’s just such a proud moment. I’ve had a positive start to pre-season and the season itself, and I can’t wait to play more.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence and that’s enabled me to be where I am now. When I started my scholarship and when I was able to get my spot in the U18s, I wanted to show that I was able to push and aim as high as possible. Now the time has come, and I need to remain consistent and humble.
“Momentum is very important. Momentum is only a good thing, and as we go into this game against Crewe, hopefully we can continue to progress in order for us to be competitive in every league game we play.”
RECENT RESULTS
The young Bluebirds began the campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.
After Dan Higgs made a string of saves to keep the scores level in the first half, City took the lead. Intense pressing at the top end of the pitch allowed Troy Perrett to win the ball before finding the top corner with a fine finish. Perrett could have had a second in the first period too, but the assistant's offside flag ruled it out. Jac Thomas almost made it two on the stroke of half time, but the ball whistled past the post.
The Blades started the second half well and midway through the second 45 they found their equaliser. A long ball over the top of the City defence found Jevan Beattie, who steered the ball into the far corner. U21 debutant Tankiewicz almost scored two towards the end that almost won City the game, but his free-kick from 30-yards went narrowly wide, while his chip from distance dipped over the crossbar, as both sides were forced to settle for a draw.
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for the match at the Crewe Alexandra Academy will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
The Crewe Alexandra Academy's address is Reaseheath, near Nantwich. Specifically, the postcode for the academy is CW2 6EB.
The ground is located a five-minute walk away from Crewe Train Station.