City's U18s produced a brilliant comeback to defeat Swansea City 3-2.
Watch the highlights on Cardiff City TV!
POST-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
After the game, we spoke to U18 manager Tom Hutton.
“It was an emotional one today that was full of ups and downs. When you want to create an environment for the players to learn, tonight was perfect for that. Playing under the lights in a competitive fixture against Swansea have all the right ingredients, but you’re relying on the boys to have a responsibility to bring that energy and that fight, which we know is so important in fixtures like these. One thing I’ll say about this group is that there’s a real togetherness and a real belief in what we’re trying to do, and they never ever give up. We were two down on Saturday and came back, and we’ve done the same this time around. It was a thoroughly deserved win, especially with our second half performance, and I’m so proud of the boys.
“The message at half time to the boys was not to panic. They can draw on the experiences they’ve had in previous games where we have been two goals down and turned it around, and the boys have gone and shown again what’s possible. As a coach, you want a group that you enjoy working with, and these boys are a hard-working, honest group that never give up.
“I’m delighted for Leeyon. He’s come into the scholarship from an external club, and it’s taken him a little time to adjust to a different way of doing things and a new environment, and sometimes we can understate that for a 16-year-old boy. However, he’s getting better every week and he’s a goal scorer. We put him on for that reason, to try and get us back in the game, and that’s what he did. All the substitutes played their part and had an impact.”
POST-MATCH | LEEYON PHELAN
After the full-time whistle, we caught up with Leeyon Phelan, who scored a brace in the comeback, including the winning goal in the 97th minute.
“We’re all absolutely buzzing after that! It was great to be able to come on and make the impact that I wanted to. To get the last two goals in my first derby game is an unbelievable feeling, but it’s a great moment for the team. Now we’re top of the table, and hopefully we can carry this through come this weekend.
“The manager said to come on and make an impact and to keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve come on in the past couple of games and been able to get on the score sheet, and it was great to come out on top again this time around.”
MATCH SUMMARY
City's U18s completed yet another remarkable comeback against Swansea City, coming back from two down to beat the Swans 3-2 away from home.
After an even start to the game, it was Swansea who broke the deadlock, as Yori Griffith found the bottom corner. The response from the Bluebirds was positive, as Jake Davies jinked his way into space, but saw his effort saved by Sam Seager. Lennon Talbot was there to meet the follow up, but he couldn’t find the target.
City controlled the possession in the first period, but found themselves further behind at the break, as Thomas Woodward managed to bundle the ball in from a tight angle.
However, the game changed midway through the second half, as Swansea defender Brogan Popham was sent off for a second bookable offence, and the Bluebirds capitalised on their advantage. Firstly, Joseff Edwards headed in after a scramble in the box, before substitute Leeyon Phelan swept home to draw the scores level.
Both sides had opportunities in the final few minutes, but in the 97th minute, Tom Hutton’s side took all three points away from the Swans. Jac Thomas’ cross from the left was turned in by Phelan, and that sparked huge celebrations on the Bluebirds bench.
It’s a quick turnaround for the young Bluebirds, as they will next be in action on Saturday against QPR. The game will take place at Cardiff International Sports Campus and will kick-off at 12pm.
PRE-MATCH | TOM HUTTON
“In our league, we always respect the opponent, and we know that Swansea are a good team and a well-coached one. We are expecting a tough challenge on Tuesday, but in terms of the preparation, we will prepare like we do for any other game, but what we will make sure is that the boys realise the importance of being competitive in this game. You’ve only got to look across the road at the first team to know how much it means to the fans to win those derbies. If we as staff don’t enforce the importance of competing in these games, we’re letting the boys down a little bit. Tactically we’ll prepare as normal, but we will make sure the boys are competitive.
“For some of the boys, this will be their fifth game in 14 days, so it has been a busy schedule when you include U17 cup games. That in itself poses a really good challenge for the boys in the sense of how do they recover and prepare to go again so quickly. Playing under the lights in Swansea as well will give the boys a different experience, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Entry for Tuesday’s match in Landore will be free for all supporters.
REACHING THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Tuesday night should use the following address:
Swansea City AFC Training Academy, Beaufort Road, Plasmarl, Swansea, SA6 8AX
The ground is a 46-minute walk from Swansea Station.