Rhys Healey stole the show as the young Bluebirds sealed an emphatic win in the penultimate game of their pre-season tour, away to Porthleven FC.
The Bluebirds started the game brightly and were ahead inside the first 15 minutes. After delightful build-up, the in-from Healey beat his marker before curling home a powerful low strike in off the near post from 20 yards.
Healey almost claimed his second of the match just moments later. From a well-worked counter, Braydon Shaw delivered an in-swinging cross into the box which was headed narrowly wide by the forward.
The visitors continued to dominate possession and chances ahead of the half-hour mark, as Healey grabbed his second of the evening. Lee Tomlin played a smart looping ball to the striker who saw his headed effort cross the line, despite the ‘keeper’s best efforts to keep it out.
The number nine then sealed a first half hat-trick - just seven minutes later. Shaw played an inviting low ball to Healey, who rounded the ‘keeper before slotting home.
Incredibly, Healey took his personal tally up to five before the interval. First, he headed home from a lofted ball from the right, before he diverted an effort into the back of the net - continuing to show his eye for goal at Gala Parc.
Less than ten minutes after the restart, the hosts reduced the deficit. Striker Ben Beasley kept his composure from close range to flick the ball past Lee Camp to make it 5-1.
The visitors responded though, as substitute James Waite surged to the by-line before crossing low to Trialist [11], who volleyed home first time from 20 yards, to earn a brace.
As the game reached the final ten minutes, Harvey’s troops scored two in as many minutes. Firstly, the newly-introduced Jacob Evans curled a fabulous effort into the top corner from 25 yards.
Shortly after Waite got his name on the scoresheet. The playmaker struck low into the near post from 20 yards to make it 8-1 after good build-up play from Shaw on the right.
The scoring was rounded up five minutes later. A threatening cross from Trialist [11] eventually found its way to the path of Veale who tapped home at the far post to make it 9-1.
At full-time a third consecutive victory was confirmed for the U23s who face AFC Liskeard on Saturday, 21st July for the final game of their pre-season tour of Cornwall.
Porthleven: Robertson, Wormington (Grahamslaw 46’), Sims, Kellow, P. Reynolds (Hindmarch 46’), Greet (Dark 79’), Dark (Moulcher 46’), Taylor, Beasley (Carey 79’), Carey (J. Reynolds 46’), Fox (Fuller 46’).
Subs Not Used: Davey.
Cardiff City: Camp, Coxe, Trialist [3] (Wootton 39’), Veale, Bodenham, P. McKay, Shaw, Tomlin (Brown 70’), Healey (Waite 60’), Pilkington (Evans 63’), Trialist [11].
Subs Not Used: Hall, Trialist [15].