U18 | Cardiff City 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

City's U18s returned to PDL action on Saturday afternoon, defeating Crewe Alexandra. 

REACTION | TOM HUTTON

Following the final whistle, Tom Hutton discussed the performance at Cardiff International Sports Stadium.

"I felt that the performance was largely positive," he began. "I feel that we try to align our performances to the way that we want to play and we did have plenty of possession in the first half. I think that the disappointing part of that would be that we weren't quite able to convert that possession into more goals. 

"While we created a lot, I do feel that we were a little wasteful in front of goal, and on another day we would've scored some of those chances in key moments, making the game a lot easier in the latter parts.

"We got the second goal, but the late goal from the visitors forced a bit of a nervier finish, which was due to our own doing as we hadn't capitalised on those moments earlier in the game."

REACTION | CODY WILLIAMS

Midfielder Cody Williams also shared his thoughts on the result:

"As a whole we dug in deep," said Cody. "In the first half we could've played better, and knew that going into the second. 

"We could've put more chances away, but the boys worked hard to get at the other team, so I'm really pleased with the result and another three points on the board.

"I'm enjoying playing, having come back from an injury last year. Now I'm looking to keep on playing regular games and enjoy my football with the team."

Match SUMMARY

Cardiff City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over the Railwaymen on Saturday afternoon.

The young Bluebirds went ahead courtesy of goals from Dan Ola and Jake Davies.

Ola fired City ahead early on following some good pressure from the hosts, as he was the first to spring onto a loose ball inside the area following Jac Thomas’ crossed free-kick. The striker finished well from close distance to gain the lead.

The visitors looked to respond immediately and for periods in the following ten minutes created some half-chances by getting the ball into the City area. However, the hosts’ backline held fast under pressure and saw off the offensive, clearing effectively whenever the ball was loose in a dangerous area.

Following the break, the Bluebirds continued to search for a second goal, eventually doubling the lead with Davies. Jake was free at the back post to head in Lennon Talbot’s terrific cross from out wide, deservedly pulling his team well ahead.

In injury time, Crewe got one goal back from a fine strike at the edge of the City area. Presented with a free-kick at 20 yards out two minutes later, the chance was wasted as a direct shot on goal flew over the crossbar. 

Holding their nerve for the remaining moments, the final whistle confirmed Cardiff City’s victory and another three points on the tally.

PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON

"Everyone's looking forward to the game on Saturday, myself included. The game is always the most important part of the week for the boys. After the break, whilst a lot of our lads were away experiencing international football, a lot of our players were still here and working hard, so we've reintegrated those international players back in this week and everyone is excited for Saturday's game. 

"I reflect on the first four games with positivity. We're working with a young group and we've had inconsistencies in our lineups, but that is largely down to our players being given exposure at U21 level and that is part of our plan. Ultimately, we want to progress the boys through the system, challenge them at a higher level and we've already been able to achieve that so far this season. 

"For our U18s, it's been a positive start. A lot of our players have had a taste of the league already and we're slowly developing the way that we want to play. That's improving with every fixture that we have."

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.