U23 Preview: Wealdstone vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City’s Under-23 squad complete their preparations for the new season by facing Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale on Tuesday evening – 7:30pm K.O.
Ahead of Tuesday's game, four wins from four on the tour of Devon & Cornwall gave the Bluebirds momentum to record a 3-0 victory away to Hereford on Saturday.
For those wishing to attend, tickets are available on the gate at £10 for Adults, £5 for Concessions and £3 for Under-18s.
Know your opponent & club connections
City U23's central defender Ciaron Brown joined the Bluebirds from Wealdstone in January 2018, after completing a trial with the Club.
The young centre-half made 66 first team appearances while with the Stones, scoring three times, before signing a two-and-a-half-year deal in the Welsh capital.
Founded in 1899, Wealdstone are based in Ruislip, Middlesex and compete at Grosvenor Vale which has a capacity of 3,607 – 709 seated. The Stones previously played at Northwood Park and Lower Mead.
Bobby Wilkinson’s side participate in the National League South - the sixth tier of England’s football pyramid. The West London club concluded the 2017/18 season in 11th place – ten points off the Play-Off qualifying round.
Ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, the club have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in a number of new signings. One of them is Stefan Brown, who scored a 15-minute hattrick in AFC Totton’s 8-1 victory over Bradford Park Avenue back in the 2011/12 FA Cup First Round. The treble was confirmed as the quickest ever by a substitute in the FA Cup.
Wealdstone have one current international in their ranks – Sam Cox. The London-born defensive midfielder has been capped eight times by Guyana and last appeared in a March 2017 goalless friendly against Martinique.
The Royals are also known for supporter and internet sensation, Gordon Hill, better known as The Wealdstone Raider.
Summer so far
Wilkinson’s men have completed seven friendlies so far this season, recording three wins, three draws and just one loss. The Stones began pre-season away to Bracknell Town on Saturday 30th June, drawing 3-3, before successive 1-0 victories over Marlow and Swindon Supermarine.
Consecutive draw against Maidenhead United and Aldershot Town followed, before the Royals recorded a 5-2 victory away to Staines Town, and a 2-1 loss at home to Bromley.
After Tuesday’s match, our hosts kick off their National League South campaign at home to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 4th August.
Catch-Up: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City TV.
Social: Live updates will come via our official Academy Twitter account, @CF11Academy.
