U18: Match Reaction – Cardiff City 3-1 Leeds United
Following City’s 3-1 victory against Leeds United, U18 Head Coach Matthew Bloxham and Kieron Evans shared their thoughts.
“I’m really pleased with the boys,” Matthew began. “The application that they displayed both with and without the ball was first-class. It was nice to see them come together as a group and put in a real strong performance.
“We know whenever we play Leeds it’s going to be a tough game, but I feel that the boys were excellent in how they managed the game and applied themselves well.
"The lads are told that we are always in the game. It was the character of the side and their application that allowed us the opportunities to score.”
City’s U18 Head Coach also gave opportunities to a number of youthful players, including Josh Rippon, Aidan McNamara and Cian Ashford.
“It was also pleasing today to give some of our younger players an opportunity. Josh obviously started from the off and did extremely well. Aidan came on at half time and put in a good performance, with Cian coming on later on in the game. It showcases we’ve got good young players and that they will push our players to compete.
“It was really pleasing for them to get their win - It was a big confidence boost for them. The last few weeks we’ve had the performances but come away disappointed with the result. I’m pleased to get the win and showcase a good performance this week.
Cardiff City’s U18 side travel to south London to face Crystal Palace next weekend, with Bloxham expressing he is looking forward to the test that the Eagles will provide.
“Crystal Palace will be another tough test for us and a different test to what we’ve had but I think if the boys continue to apply themselves as a group as they have done, then we will give any team in this league a number of problems.”
Following his return from international duty with Wales’ U19 side, Kieron Evans scored City’s second goal against the Whites – putting in an assured display throughout the match.
“It’s pleasing to finally get the win,” said Kieron. “The boys dug in and worked hard to get what they deserved. We’ve not had the best starts, having not won a game before this match. But we’re unbeaten at home so it was nice to finally get a win.
“It was pleasing to score, I’m always happy to score and help the side. I think in training we’re getting to know each other even more and it’s starting to show in our games now as well. We’ve just got to go up to Palace and put in another good performance next weekend.”
