Our U18s were defeated by Millwall in the PDL at Cardiff International Sports Campus on Saturday afternoon.
POST-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
At the full-time whistle, head coach Tom Hutton said: “There was lots to like about the performance, mostly in the first half. In terms of what we worked on in finding the spare midfielder against their formation, we found a lot of success, but then it was about converting that into chances. As good as we were today in terms of controlling the game in possession, I don’t think we did enough to work the goalkeeper. When you look at football games, they’re won and lost in both boxes, and to concede the goals that we did in the manner that we did, while not testing they’re keeper, you’re on to a recipe to lose the game.
“We have to box off this performance before looking ahead. It’s always important to look at what you can learn from after every game, and once we’ve done that, we will turn our focus towards Bristol City. We will prepare for it all week. Some of the boys will play for the U21s on Tuesday, because we feel that’s a very important development opportunity for them as well. We’ll have some lads come back towards the end of the week, and we will be preparing for the cup game as best as we can.”
MATCH SUMMARY
Cardiff City’s U18s were defeated 4-2 in their opening game of 2025 by Millwall.
After a quiet opening, Millwall were awarded a penalty 19 minutes in, which they converted. Two minutes later, the referee awarded the Lions another spot kick. Despite Sam Jones guessing the right way, he couldn’t quite keep the ball out of the net.
City responded well by bossing possession and got a route back into the game ten minutes before the break, as Lennon Talbot raced into the box and drove the ball into the far corner. Hutton’s side almost levelled minutes later, but Dan Ola couldn’t quite convert from Cody Williams’ cross, meaning they trailed at the interval.
The Bluebirds started the second half brightly and almost equalised through Riley Hilaire-Clarke, but he could only fire at the keeper after some stellar work from Hayden Allmark. The London-based side would add a third with 20 minutes to go. In the dying embers of the game, Millwall added a fourth to stretch their advantage. Leeyon Phelan did score a consolation goal for the home side, but they were to start 2025 with a defeat.
Next up for City is an FA Youth Cup Fourth Round fixture at home to Bristol City on Friday. Kick-off at 7pm.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY U18 2-4 MILLWALL U18
Cardiff City: Jones, N. Williams, Debono, Edwards © (Reynolds 71’), Parfitt, Rees, C. Williams (Hobson 68’), Allmark, Tablot, Ola (Phelan 59’), Hilaire-Clarke (Tankiewicz 68’). Subs not used: Higgs.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
Ahead of the clash, U18 head coach Tom Hutton said: “Everyone is really looking forward to getting going again. The break was a welcome one, because it gave us all an opportunity to reset and see where we are and set some new goals, which we have done over the festive period. It’s also been a time for some of the lads to spend time with their families as well, which is important, and the boys have benefitted from that.
“There’s been some really positive team performances this year. We’ve shown in games what we are capable of, but we always strive to do more and to get better. There’s also been a lot of positive individual development as well, and we’re in a period now where some of the U21 players may go out on loan, and as U18 staff off the back of that, we will see who we can next push through onto the U21s, because it’s so important to get that next crop ready.”
PRE-MATCH | LENNON TALBOT
Attacker Lennon Talbot added: “The break was a needed one for the squad. Everyone has worked so hard during 2024 to put us in a good place in the table and to get into the next round of the FA Youth Cup, but the break has been good. It’s allowed us to reset, and we’re ready to go again. Everyone is really positive about where we are in the league. We’re in a good place, and we want to finish the season on a high and push for the top three.
“For me personally, the season is going well. I’ve been given a lot of opportunities to play in a variety of different positions and the minutes I've had has been really good. I feel like I’ve had a good start to the season and I’m hoping to carry that on now. Everyone is buzzing to get going again, and hopefully we can get the three points.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for this Saturday's match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Saturday should use the following address:
Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.
The ground is located an 11-minute walk away from Ninian Park Station and a 32-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station.