U18 Match Report | Cardiff City 4-0 QPR
Cardiff City's U18 side continued their remarkable recent form with an impressive 4-0 victory over QPR on Saturday, November 20th, 2021.
The Bluebirds went in at the break one goal ahead, thanks to Rhys Schwank. The lively right-wing back slotted in at close range to give his side the advantage after seven minutes. It was only the heroics of QPR goalkeeper Matteo Salamon that kept them in the game in the first half, denying City countless times. Although, they almost managed to level with the final kick of the half. Ferrell Danso striking the woodwork.
City came out for the second half and showed their clinical side, adding two further goals within five minutes. Firstly, Isaac Jefferies made the most of a defensive error, rounded the 'keeper and hit the net from a tight angle after 47 minutes. Then three minutes later, Joel Colwill continued his impressive form in front of goal, lifting the ball over Salamon and into the net.
Dane Facey started three U16s in this match from the beginning, with the lively Cole Fleming and Japhet Mpadi dangerous throughout in the attacking areas. Mpadi got his goal with eight minutes of the match remaining. The young forward powering into the roof of the net.
U18 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 4-0 QPR
Cardiff City: Dennis, MacNamara, Davies (Keeping 46'), Rippon, Clay, Crew, Schwank, Colwill, Mpadi, Jefferies (Barton 62'), Fleming. Subs Not Used: Ware, Biancheri, Phillips.
QPR: Salamon, Luzinda, Bagan, Cotter (Sackey 59'), Mendoza (Rossi 62'), Hawkins, Sacopon, Hamid (Brown 59'), Danso, Balla, Dougui. Subs Not Used: Cant.
The young #Bluebirds are on fire! 🔥
— Cardiff City Academy (@CF11Academy) November 20, 2021
Four goals scored and another clean sheet! Well played! 💙#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/hF0rSUkuZ8
Speaking after the match, coach Dane Facey said: "It was very pleasing for us. We've had the international break to work on some aspects of the game we've been trying to develop. We looked really good defensively. We controlled the opposition without the ball. We felt we maybe could've controlled it more with the ball. We would've liked to have played better with it at times.
"But, having said that, we've scored four goals and it was a really clinical performance, especially considering we had two U16 players playing in the front line. It was a really good performance from them. I thought their work rate and endeavour in that part of the pitch was really positive. It gave us momentum. It gave us the chance to play with attacking flair.
"Defensively, we were made to work hard at times because we weren't as strong as we'd like with the ball. But when we were required to defend, I thought we were exceptional. There was some good team play as well around defending our box and making it hard for the opposition. QPR have got some really creative players and I thought we dealt with them individually really well. On the whole, it is really positive for the team."
Facey named five U16s and one U15 in the squad for this fixture. He continued: "I've worked with these players everyday. You know what they're capable of and they're more than capable of flourishing at this environment as much as they do the U16s. They probably needed a test and a challenge and I thought they got one.
"Obviously, there are physical differences but the most important part is seeing if they can influence the game and play to the style that we want to play. I thought all of them, including the lads that came on later, managed to do that. We've got lots of good players in the Academy that we're excited about.
"Putting them out there at U18 level and U23 level is something we're keen to do in the future. I think they showed they can take that opportunity."
