U18 Match Report | Cardiff City 2-1 Swansea City
Cardiff City’s U18 side deservedly defeated Swansea City 2-1 in the Professional Development League at Cardiff International Sports Stadium on Saturday.
First-half strikes from Ntazana Mayembe and Frazer Thomas proved enough to seal the hosts’ third consecutive win.
Matthew Bloxham made two changes from last time out as Jaimie Cogman and James Crole started.
City's opening opportunity came after six minutes. Caleb Hughes’ free-kick from the edge of the area travelled over.
The Bluebirds were on top and came close seven minutes later. The dangerous Hughes latched onto the end of accurate Ntazana Mayembe’s through-ball, before seeing his shot saved by Tyler Evans.
The hosts deservedly went ahead with 17 minutes played. The ball broke to the feet of forward Mayembe, who poked home from close range.
Cardiff City doubled their advantage just five minutes later. Midfielder Frazer Thomas went one-on-one with goalkeeper Evans, before slotting into the bottom corner.
The Bluebirds went on to press for a third and neared it after 24 minutes. Striker Crole leapt in the air to powerfully strike the ball on target from just inside the box, but onrushing Evans strongly saved.
After the interval, the visitors responded with a goal of their own inside the opening two minutes. Cameron Congreve found the bottom corner from range.
The hosts looked to regain their two-goal advantage and had a chance after 64 minutes. Attacker Hughes’ high free-kick into the area was gathered by stopper Evans, before Crole could get his head on it.
City continued their attacking pressure and had another opportunity three minutes later. Siyabonga Ligendza’s deflected attempt from within the box was saved.
The Bluebirds forced ‘keeper Evans to keep his side in the game with 15 minutes of the 90 remaining. Ryan Kavanagh’s curling effort from distance was acrobatically tipped wide.
No further clear-cut opportunities arose and Cardiff City earned three points and the South Wales derby spoils.
U18 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-1 SWANSEA CITY
Cardiff City: Cogman, Jones, Davies, King (Chiabi 46’), Rippon, Clay, Thomas (Ligendza 54’), Kavanagh, Crole, Hughes, Mayembe (Schwank 90+4’). Subs not used: Stewart, Coomer.
Swansea City: Evans, Jones, Williams, Cotterill, Butler, Ludvigsen, Akande, Edwards (Lloyd 77’), Campbell, Congreve, Clarke. Subs not used: Hutchings, Bony, Mawonga, Bassett.
