U18 Match Preview: Colchester United vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City’s U18 side are back on the road this Saturday, as they face Colchester United in the U18 Professional Development League South, 11am kick-off.

_{Matthew Bloxham’s side will be looking to build on their recent 2-2 draw against Bristol City against the U’s, as they look to climb the league table following a difficult start to the season.}

Know Your Opponent

Colchester United currently sit in 7th position in the league, having accumulated twelve points from as many matches – winning on three occasions so far this season.

Liam Bailey’s side progressed to the second round of the FA Youth Cup on October 31st, as they defeated Northampton at Sixfields 2-1 to ensure their name would be in the hat for the 2nd Round draw.

Saturday’s opponents endured a tricky 2018/19 campaign, as they finished bottom of the U18 Professional Development League south, recording just eight points all season from twenty-eight matches.

Backroom Staff

Following a backroom shuffle in the summer, which saw former Academy Manager Jon De Souza move into a role as Director of Performance – Colchester United appointed a new Academy manager for the 2019/20 campaign.

Dave Huzzey would be appointed into the role, having previously been with Southend United for nine years, and was U18 manager when the the Blues’ won the U18 EFL Merit League One.

The hosts’ U18 side is managed by Liam Bailey, who has acted as U18 assistant manager in previous years. He is assisted by Adam Lewis.

Previous Meetings

City have got an exceptional record against their counterparts, having not lost to Colchester United since 2015 and winning the previous seven meetings between the two clubs.

The most recent of those seven games came in October 2018, as the Bluebirds claimed all three points on the road against their opponents. Forward Isaak Davies  scored both goals in the 2-0 victory, netting in the 6th and 88th minute respectively.

Catch-Up: Highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City TV.

Social: Live Updates will come from via our official Academy Twitter account, @CF11Academy.