U21 Match Preview | Swansea City vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City's U21 side travel to face the Swans in the PDL on Monday evening - 6pm KO.
The young Bluebirds will be looking to return to winning ways following defeat at the end of January, with a trip to Landore providing a fresh challenge for City to go up against.
When City last met the Swans earlier this season, the Bluebirds came away with all three points following a thrilling victory in Leckwith.
A first half brace from James Crole was later added to by a goal from Isaac Jefferies and a stunning late winner from Jack Leahy to secure victory for the young Bluebirds against the 10-man Swans.
What a way to win the South Wales derby! 🔥@_JackLeahy_ 👏💙#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/kFmtEFoDTv
— Cardiff City Academy (@CF11Academy) October 11, 2022
Swansea City now occupy fifth place in the PDL South, and last won a league fixture in November, when they defeated QPR 4-0 at home. Since then, they've been defeated by Coventry City and most recently drew 1-1 to Charlton Athletic.
U21s Manager Darren Purse expects a good away challenge on Monday evening, as his side looks to bounce back against our neighbouring rivals:
"Following the results from the last few games along with the travelling involved, it's been nice to have the week to prepare for our trip to Swansea," began Darren. "It's been nice to be able to deal with a few little injuries that we've had in the squad, building towards what will perhaps be one of the most important games of the season for us.
"There are certain games that you really have to pay special attention to, and this is one of them. We need to be at it, which you need to be in any local derby, but we also need to bring our quality to the game as well.
"We've got a number of injuries in the squad as I mentioned, but it's also an opportunity for the U18 players who have stepped in, to see what they've got. It's about exposing them to the rigours of U21 football, and to become better players from learning as they play."
