City vs. Pontypridd United

U21 | City 3-1 Pontypridd United

Academy
Cardiff City's U21 continued their Nathaniel MG Cup campaign by hosting Pontypridd United on Friday, August 2nd at Cardiff International Sports Campus.
Cody Twose and Michael Reindorf
Match Report

A Michael Reindorf hat-trick secured Cardiff City’s U21 side a spot in Round Three of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

City created the first big chance of the match with fewer than five minutes played, beginning at the back as Dylan Lawlor drove forwards with the ball at his feet. Picking out Josh Beecher on the wing, Troy Perrett was subsequently played through on goal, demanding a good save to deny an early lead for the hosts.

A flurry of chances followed for the young Bluebirds, as City increased the pressure and looked dangerous in possession.

Having been played through by Perrett, Isaac Jefferies forced a good save in a one-on-one with the ‘keeper, Beecher’s own chance was denied a minute later in similar circumstances.

The hosts rightly went ahead before 20 minutes were played, as Michael Reindorf broke the deadlock. Linking up well at the top end of the pitch, City deservedly took the lead as the striker’s shot took a slight deflection before nestling in the back of the net.

Keeping the lion’s share of the ball for the remainder of the half, the Bluebirds did well to limit chances for the visitors, fashioning a number of good chances for themselves in search of a second, including a near miss for Reindorf as he couldn’t quite get his shot on target at the back post, following a great low cross from Isaac Jefferies, who was efficient on the right wing.

Following the break, City resumed with their onslaught as they continued their efforts for a second. 

Dakarai Mafico’s goalbound free-kick took a hefty deflection not long after the interval, before Jefferies was denied by an excellent stop from ‘keeper Kane Draper, who dived in to save at point-blank range.

Not long afterwards, Reindorf struck again. Following some more terrific passing in the build-up, substitute Tanatswa Nyakuhwa broke free of his marker to find the striker free inside the area, who made no mistake from just over ten yards.

While City kept control of play for a majority of the remainder, they were kept on their toes as the visitors pulled one back with ten minutes remaining. Against the run of play, Keston Davies fired home with Pontypridd’s biggest chance of the evening.

Restoring their two-goal lead, Will Spiers won City a penalty-kick in the final minute of the 90, as he was brought down inside the area. Happily giving the ball to an eager Reindorf, the striker confidently struck home from the spot, securing City’s progression to the next stage of the competition.

FINAL SCORE: Cardiff City 3-1 Pontypridd United

Cardiff City: Turner, Spiers, Beecher, Twose, Lawlor, Cook, Jefferies, Mafico, Reindorf, Perrett, George. Subs: Griffiths, Wigley, Nyakuhwa, Barton, Davies, Thomas, Edwards.

Darren Purse
Match Reaction | Darren Purse

Following the final whistle, Darren Purse shared his thoughts as City came away the victors in Leckwith.

“First thing’s first, we’re delighted to be in the next round,” began Darren. “Before the game I said to the boys that is the ultimate goal from the game and I think that in the first half we were excellent. Some of the work that we put in where we were breaking lines and being quick and sharp in and around the final third was excellent, but we should be killing games like that off, and not going in at half-time 1-0 up when it should be three or four.

“I’m disappointed as the boys have got to learn to be more ruthless in the final third, making sure that they’re more dynamic and committing more numbers to the box to create more chances and make more opportunities to score. While I’m disappointed in that respect, I am delighted with some of the play we did in going from the back into the final third, which was top class."

Darren continued: “You can see some of the ruthlessness that we’re asking for in our players; you look at the likes of Dylan Lawlor, who we had to bring off because he played for the First Team during the week. We’re trying to manage the loads on players when they’ve had a busy week, which can be tough, but that’s the game and that’s what we’re here for. 

"Ultimately we’re here to produce players for the First Team, and if they’re getting that opportunity to step up and be around that environment then it’s excellent as it’s a huge part of their development.”

Michael Reindorf
Pre-match | MICHAEL REINDORF

Striker Michael Reindorf, who has impressed since joining the Bluebirds this summer, added: "We're all really up for this game, especially playing against a men's team. We know what we're capable of and we know we can do well. The teams that we've played so far in pre-season, we have learned a lot and we can bring that into Friday's game and the season."

"Against Afan Lido, we showed that we can play some really good football. Especially in these cup games, you need to be together. At the moment, I'm over the moon with how things are going, it's a new journey and it's going well. Physically, I feel in top shape."

Pre-match | Darren Purse

Ahead of the Nathaniel MG Cup Round Two fixture, U21 head coach Purse said:"I think we always have to target in these games to win them. We want to be in the next round of the cup, just like Pontypridd will want to be in the next round. They were in the Cymru Premier last season and I expect them to be tough. 

"The way the U21s have evolved over the last four games, playing against men's team, it's been really good to watch. The squad are in a good place and we've got to go out and produce a performance against Pontypridd."

Ticket information

Entry for this Friday's match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.

Reaching THE GROUND

Supporters planning on attending on Friday evening should use the following address:

Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ.

The ground is located an 11-minute walk away from Ninian Park Station and a 32-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station.