Match Report: Wealdstone 3-0 Cardiff City U23

Cardiff City’s U23 squad’s pre-season winning run ended in the final game of pre-season - a 3-0 defeat to Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale.

Jarred Harvey made eight changes to the side that defeated Hereford last time out. Matt Hall, Jack Bodenham, Jack McKay, Jacob Evans, Mark Harris and three Trialists came into the starting XI of a young City side. 

The Bluebirds’ first opportunity came after two minutes. From the edge of the area, Evans fired towards goal and Callum Thomas sprung to tip away.

Five minutes later, a promising counter attack almost crafted a goal-scoring opportunity for the Stones. Bradley Hudson-Odoi’s dangerous cross failed to find a teammate at the back post. 

Stuart O’Keefe, getting minutes in following a recent groin injury, was next to come close after 16 minutes. The midfielder dispossessed an opponent before striding towards the area - his effort blocked.

The hosts looked dangerous as Bradley Bubb troubled Hall, seven minutes later. The attacker headed from a narrow angle and the goalkeeper tipped away before gathering.

Wealdstone opened the scoring after 28 minutes. Wadah Ahmidi’s lethal strike from range found the bottom left corner.

As half-time approached, City came close to an equaliser through O’Keefe again. The 27-year-old hammered agonisingly astray of the right post from inside the box.

After the interval, the hosts refreshed their side by making all substitutions and had an opportunity, eight minutes later. Evans superbly cleared Glen Wilson’s header off the line. 

The Stones doubled their lead after 64 minutes. Reece Harris finished from close range and the game became quiet until the 81st minute. Evans curled a free-kick that cannoned off the crossbar.

Two minutes later, the West London team added a third through Bubb to secure the win on home soil.

FINAL SCORE: Wealdstone 0-3 Cardiff City U23

Wealdstone first-half: Thomas, Tyler, Grant, Stevens, Okimo, Poku, Monakana, Ahmidi, White, Bubb, Hudson-Odoi.

Wealdstone second-half: Thomas, Mambo, Sheppard, Demuria, Wilson, R. Harris, Lench, Clark, Green, Pratt, Bubb. 

Cardiff City: Hall (Burwood 65’), Trialist, Trialist, O’Keefe (Wootton 56’), Brown (Trialist 49’), Bodenham, J. McKay (Trialist 49’), Evans (Trialist 56’), Bogle (Trialist 65’), Trialist (Evans 60’), M. Harris (P. McKay 49’).