A determined young City side narrowly defeated after last minute strike...
For their PDL2 South opener, Cardiff City’s U23 development side took on Sheffield Wednesday. Coach Jarred Harvey named a strong side with Wales U20 internationals Cameron Coxe and Mark Harris both starting for the young Bluebirds XI.
It was the away side who started the brighter with early chances that tested the Bluebirds defence. The back four however remained resilient in the early stages.
Captain Stuart O’Keefe produced the first real chance of the game. The midfielder’s low driven shot went just wide of goal. Just before the 20 minute mark, Owls playmaker Matt Penney delivered a dangerous ball into the home penalty area which was cleared well by the City defence. Both Connor Young and Tyrone Duffus did well at the heart of defence to keep out the pressing Owls.
The second period began with limited chances for both sides. However Wednesday took the lead five minutes after the interval. From a corner, Jack Stobbs delivered a dangerous ball which found the head of defender Conor O’Grady, who made no mistake to put the visitors ahead.
Harvey’s side pushed for an equaliser with City going close on a number of occasions. Just before the hour mark Cardiff did get their goal as Ibrahim Meite finished from close range after fantastic build up play from O’Keefe and Harris.
The Bluebirds remained on the front foot after getting a goal back. They created more chances with Meite and Harris unlucky not to give City the lead. The visitors also saw several opportunities cleared with the home defence standing strong.
In the closing stages of the game Duffus saw his headed effort go just wide of goal after a great swerving delivery from Harris. A few moments later, City were caught on the break and Penney set up forward Preston who tapped in at close range to give Wednesday all three points.
It was a tight game and one which proved to be unlucky for City who produced some great attacking football during the encounter. The young Bluebirds will look ahead to their next fixture now as they travel to Sheffield United on Monday, 21st August 2017.
U23 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 1-2 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Cardiff City: Byrne, Coxe, Abbruzzese, O’Keefe, Duffus, Young, Harris, Veale, Meite, Poyet, John (Proctor). Subs: Burwood, Wooton, Proctor, Jones.
Sheffield Wednesday: Wallis, Baker, Penney, Murphy, O’Grady, Thorniley, Stobbs, Clare, Borukov (West), Preston, Clarke. Subs: Nielson, Walker, Waldock, West, Shaw.
