Cardiff City's U21 development side fell to a late 2-1 defeat at Coventry City in their opening match of the 2015/16 season.
The young Bluebirds took a deserved lead 30 minutes into the match, with skipper Tommy O'Sullivan's delightful effort from 25-yards finding the back of the net. Kevin Nicholson's side entering the break with a deserved one-goal advantage.
The dominant future City stars were somewhat shocked early in the second half with Coventry levelling up. Ben Stephenson combining well with Dion Kelly Evans to level for the hosts.
Forward Rhys Healey was a thorn in the side of the Sky Blues defence throughout the match, but found his route to goal blocked on a number of occasions by Coventry 'keeper Corey Addai. Addai also reacted strongly to deny Tyler Roche, and Tommy O'Sullivan in the second half.
When Healey did finally manage to beat Addai, the crossbar came into effect, with Healey's deft chip somehow staying out. Nicholson's side continued pushing for a winning goal, but a late counter cost the Bluebirds with Dion Kelly-Evans side footing home the winning goal, much to the delight of those home supporters in attendance.
City's U21 development side have the opportunity of putting this match firmly behind them next Monday at Cardiff City Stadium as Sheffield Wednesday visit the Welsh Capital City.
Cardiff City: O'Reilly, Rees, Barnum-Bobb, Watkins, Baker, Burridge, Veale, Patten, O'Sullivan, Roche, Healey. Subs: Abbruzzese, Wakeman, Wharton, Noor, Phipps.