Cardiff City’s U18 side continued their unbeaten form in the Professional Development League with a 2-0 win over Swansea City at Cardiff International Sports Campus.
Kyle Kenniford’s second half penalty and Cody Twose’s goal in added time secured the U18 South Wales bragging rights.
City forced an early chance through the link up of Japhet Mpadi and Gabriele Biancheri before the latter struck to a good save from Ewan Griffiths in the Swansea goal.
Swansea came forward for a chance on 25 minutes after City had the majority of the possession in the first half. Some spectacular goalkeeping in a one-on-one situation from Jacob Dennis keeping the game level.
On the brink of half-time, a Swansea long ball from the back was well read by Dan Barton who made an excellent last ditch tackle to clear danger.
After a relatively quiet first half of action, Biancheri came out the blocks quickly when he was brought down in the box giving City an early penalty in the second half. Kyle Kenniford stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to give Steve Jenkins’ youngsters the lead.
Just inside the hour mark, the Bluebirds looked to counter a cleared free-kick with Mpadi showing his pace down the right wing. Supported by Biancheri and Isaac Jefferies he chose to go on his own and was eventually caught up by the defence before he was given a chance to double the hosts’ lead.
As the visitors pushed for an equaliser, Dennis remained calm once again in the City net when he tipped a dangerous free-kick over the bar.
As the clock wound down into the final ten minutes Luey Giles continued his great game from left back, linking up with Mpadi causing a handful for the Swansea defence, and earning himself a free-kick just outside the box, which he sent inches wide of the post.
After more late chances, City hit a Swansea side who were pushing for an equaliser on the break. Cody Twose is making a habit of scoring important late goals, and he made sure the game was won for the Bluebirds in the final minutes of the game with a calm finish from the six-yard box.
The Bluebirds stayed strong despite continued late pressure, earning all three points, from a tough encounter.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-0 SWANSEA CITY
Cardiff City: Dennis, Keeping ©, Giles, Morgan, Lawlor, Barton, Fleming (Twose 45’), Kenniford, Biancheri, Jefferies, Mpadi (George 90+10’). Subs not used: Jones, Thomas, Jones.
Swansea City: Griffiths, Parker, Dabrowski, Parker, Roberts (Govea 62’), Carey, Watts, Wilson (Davies 84’), Bony, Morgan, Myres. Subs not used: Margetson, Faakye, Cook.
A fantastic display from the young #Bluebirds, who claim victory over Swansea City!#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/ctxOrQvoPO
— Cardiff City Academy (@CF11Academy) September 24, 2022
Following the game, City U18 Head Coach Steve Jenkins praised the performance of the young Bluebirds.
"Derbies are difficult to play," Steve began. "It’s not always about fluent football, I thought we played okay. We were probably better but I thought we managed the game well and probably deserved it.
"I think they handled the occasion and we controlled ourselves emotionally. We’ve started this season well but there is still loads of work to be done and we need to keep developing and improving but what’s pleasing as well is keeping a clean sheet.
"We’ve not conceded that many goals and we’ve looked organised. The attitude of the squad is spot on and that’s what you need to be a professional footballer."
