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

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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

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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.

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