The Bluebirds' U18s fought back to claim a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.
REACTION | TOM HUTTON
After the game, U18 manager Tom Hutton reflected on the draw.
“That’s probably one of the most challenging and competitive games we’ve played this season. Sheffield United are a good, hard-working team, and I’d expect them to be right near the top in the Northern section.
"We knew it was going to be a challenge, and we probably fell short on that a little bit in the first half and needed to realise the fine margins that this level will throw up. The overriding feeling at the end of the game, however, is that I’m proud of the boys.
"At half time, we worked on some tactical bits, but also asked for more assertiveness without the ball, a little more competitiveness in duels, and we got that. The boys raised their levels, and coming off the pitch, it feels like a loss. We did everything we could to turn the game around, and based on the second half performance, they deserved to go on and win it.
“The boys have to understand what it means to play for this football club, and hard work is a value that this football club is built on. I didn’t see enough of that in the first half, but in the second, they reacted. At this level, these games can quickly turn into 3-0 or 4-0 if you give up and roll over. I’m proud of the boys because they never let that happen. They turned it round and probably deserved to win the game.”
MATCH SUMMARY
The visitors were rewarded for their positive start with an early goal through Seth Okyere. While the young Bluebirds did try and battle their way back into the contest, they couldn’t create any major chances. They would be dealt a further blow at the end of the half, as United’s Jevan Beattie scored in added time.
Tom Hutton’s side came out with more energy in the second half. Mannie Barton and Osian Rees both had chances, but Blades keeper Coby Hewitson kept them out. United were reduced to ten players on the hour mark and City took advantage, as Leeyon Phelan, who had been on the pitch for a matter of minutes, pulled one back with a fine left footed strike.
The Bluebirds had chances to equalise through Barton and Jacob Hobson, both going close. But eventually, the pressure paid off, as Jake Davies fired home from the edge of the box. City were awarded a penalty in the 97th minute, but Barton saw his strike brilliantly saved by Hewitson, meaning the points were shared.
Hutton's side will next be in action in two weeks’ time, when they welcome Crewe Alexandra to Cardiff International Sports Campus on September 14th. Kick-off at 11am.
Team News
Here is how the young Bluebirds line-up for today's fixture:
Cardiff City: Jones, Talbot, Debono (C), Reynolds, N. Williams, C. Williams, Watts, Rees, Barton, Ola, Davies.
Substitutes: Higgs, Hobson, Allmark, Phelan.
Pre-Match | Tom Hutton
Ahead of the clash, U18 head coach Tom Hutton said: "On Monday, I was really proud of the boys that featured for the U21s. I came to watch the game and it was a young squad, but for those players, so early into their scholarship, to take that step and make a contribution at that level is a proud moment for them. I know Pursey was pleased with them, so I think the boys have got to take confidence from that.
"Exposing the boys to different challenges is really important and we've been able to do that already this season with both U18s and U21s football. We've played league games, cup games and have played teams older than our players, so we're always looking to vary the level of challenges and experience that we give our boys and Monday's U21 game was an example of that.
Turning his attention to Saturday's game, he added: "It will be a challenging game after a difficult game last weekend. We were down to ten players for much of the second half and that was an experience in itself for the lads to learn from. First and foremost, I was proud of the way the boys fought back to get it to 3-2 whilst being down a player, their efforts and the way they applied themselves was a credit to them. Saturday will be a tough game, they're very much like us, a very hard-working team and they have a good group this year."
Pre-Match | Olly Reynolds
Having furthered his development with our U18s so far this season, Olly Reynolds added: "The first two games of the season were positive results and equally positive performances. We played the way that we wanted to as a team. From the Coventry City game last week, there were a lot of positives to take forward. We were exposed to some new challenges, the sending off wasn't ideal, but we responded well, stuck together as a team and got ourselves back in the game.
"This week, there's been a real reaction in training with the intensity that we've been training at. Hopefully, we can take that into the game on Saturday and put in a positive performance.
"I've been happy to start a few games so far this season and contribute to the performances. It's a lot faster pace at U18 level, but I'm getting used to that. Training with the boys, the standard is very high, so it has set up some good challenges for me. The intensity of training pushes you to be the best that you can be, which then translates onto the game, so you feel that you're ready, because you've been doing it all week."
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.