DVP/U23: CARDIFF CITY 0-1 BARNSLEY
A young Cardiff City U23 side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Barnsley at Leckwith International Stadium on Monday, 10th October 2016.
The opening quarter of an hour was tense but quiet as both sides sought to dominate possession without carving out any clear chances.
The first chance of the game came nearly half an hour after kick off as Marco Weymans’ left-footed effort curled just wide of the post. Then followed a flurry of chances for the home side as Lloyd Humphries’ powerful low effort was saved, Jordan Blaise made a powerful run from centre-back but couldn’t find a finish, then Ibraim So Sani nearly capitalised on a mistake at the back from Barnsley.
However, Barnsley counter-attacked and won a penalty just before the interval. City ‘keeper Luke O’Reilly saved the penalty with fantastic agility but the ball fell to penalty taker Josh Kay, who buried the rebound to put the visitors ahead.
After the goal Cardiff went back on the offensive to try and mount a comeback. Mark Harris had a very good shot saved and then he was denied again as his headed effort was also stopped by the Barnsley goalkeeper.
Following the restart, the young Bluebirds continued to search for the equaliser as central midfielder Humphries had two long range efforts saved. Jordan Blaise almost levelled the score as he was found unmarked in the box with a cross but his header sailed just over the bar.
The best chance of the second half came to Ibi So Sani as Mark Harris’ low cross found him at the near post but he was unlucky to find only the side-netting with his flick towards goal.
During the closing minutes of the game, Marco Weymans had three long range efforts that were all struck with his left foot but on each occasion the Barnsley ‘keeper saved.
Barnsley had a good opportunity to double their lead in the final moments of the match, as City conceded a second spot kick. Josh Kay stepped up once again, but fired his penalty into the post.
The young Cardiff side, containing seven U18 apprentices, will look to bounce back when they host Charlton Athletic on Monday, 17th October 2016.
DVP/U23 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-1 BARNSLEY
Cardiff City: O’Reilly, Coxe (Young 72’), Abbruzzese, Patten (Kelly 72’), Blaise (Waite 72’), Menayese, Welch, Weymans, Harris, Humphries, So Sani. Subs Not Used: Byrne.
Barnsley: Townsend, Kebbie, Lawal (Dolan 62’), Kay, Rodriguez, Proctor, Moitley-Henry, Bird, Brown, Palmer (Camara 76’), Williams (Rowe 76’). Subs Not Used: Ottley.
