U23 Report: Ipswich Town 2-2 Cardiff City

Cardiff City U23 squad drew 2-2 against Ipswich town for a Professional Development League Two clash on Monday, 5th November 2018.

For the 1pm kick-off, Jarred Harvey named five changes to the side that drew to Crystal Palace last time out. This included a recall for Jamie Veale, who netted his first goal of the season against the Eagles on Monday, 29th October 2018.

It was an end-to-end start at Portman Road but it was the hosts who took the lead, with 14 minutes played. From a swift counter move, Jack Lankester surged into the area before seeing his low powerful drive deflected into the back of the net by Ciaron Brown.

However the Bluebirds were determined to find a way back into the competitive contest. They did just that when Jack Bodenham rose highest to head home a superb free-kick delivery from James Waite to make it one-a-piece. Bodenham’s goal, shortly before the half hour mark, was his second of the season.

Moments later, City completed a quick turnaround by making it 2-1 to the visitors. After assisting the first goal, Waite broke through the Ipswich town defence to impressively chip ‘keeper Harry Wright from 15 yards.

The Bluebirds needed to remain alert though as the Tractor Boys almost drew level shortly before the break. Matt Hall was at his best to produce a timely low stop at his near post to keep out a thunderous half-volley by Kai Brown, from inside the penalty area.

After the interval, chances initially became sparse with both teams enjoying a fair share of possession. Cardiff City’s first real opportunity of the second period came shortly before the hour mark. An inviting delivery by Jake Evans was caught by the ‘keeper; denying Laurence Wootton the opportunity to tap home.

Despite the lack of chances, the hosts equalised with just over 20 minutes left to play. Kai Brown’s low effort struck the near post before Ben Folami tapped home the rebound, to make it 2-2.

City almost sealed the victory, as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Substitute Lloyd Humphries took aim from 35 yards and saw his audacious strike cannon against the post. The Bluebirds continued to search for a winner but were continuously denied by a resilient defence from the hosts.

The final whistle confirmed a share of the spoils in Suffolk. Cardiff City's U23 side will host Watford in their next league meeting on Monday, 19th November 2018.

U23 FINAL SCORE: IPSWICH TOWN 2-2 CARDIFF CITY

Ipswich Town: Wright, Cotter, Clements (Ndaba 80’), Nsiala, C. Smith, McLoughlin (C), Bishop (McGavin 46’), El Mizouni, Lankester, Folami, K. Brown. Subs Not Used: Egan, Marshall, Ndaba, Dobra.

Cardiff City: Hall, P. McKay (Pryce 72’), Coxe, Duffus, Brown, Bodenham, Wootton, Veale, Babatomiwo (Humphries 51’), Waite, Evans. Subs Not Used: Burwood, Martin.