U21 Match Centre | Cardiff City 0-0 AFC Bournemouth

The young Bluebirds were held to a draw in Leckwith on Tuesday afternoon.

Match Report

The young Bluebirds began with good intensity as they quickly set about establishing a lead. Early passages of play saw Mannie Barton spearhead the attack as he led the line for the hosts, forcing a good save as he unleashed a testing strike from the edge of the area.

Barton paired up well with Troy Perrett, who very nearly scored his second in as many matches when his shot at point blank range was ably palmed wide by Callan McKenna between the sticks for the Cherries.

Limited to attacking on the counter, the visitors were nonetheless presented with a gilt-edged opportunity in the following minutes, as Jonny Stuttle received an inviting low cross before shooting well over the crossbar from inside the area.

While Cian Ashford was presented the best opportunity of the half with a few minutes remaining, his strike dragged wide of the mark, with City held at the break despite having the better of the chances.

City began the second half with the same intensity that they’d finished the first with, immediately driving forwards when in possession and suffocating potential counters with a high press.

Ashford paired well with Perrett, with the latter having another shot deflected with a few minutes of the second half played.

City’s defences were tested around the hour mark, as Luke Armstrong made some great saves and claims inside his area to keep the Cherries at bay. 

The one time the ‘keeper wasn’t on hand to make a stop, Luey Giles covered terrifically with a goal-line clearance from a headed effort.

With a minute left on the clock, Tom Davies set up substitute Trey George with a free header inside the area. However, George sent the effort just wide, with both sides forced to settle for a point with the final whistle blown.

FULL TIME: CARDIFF CITY 0-0 AFC BOURNEMOUTH

PRE-MATCH | MANNIE BARTON

Ahead of the fixture, Mannie Barton said: "⁠I feel that I’ve had a very good start to the campaign, contributing with assists and goals to both the U21s and U18s. I'm hoping to continue this form with the support from the coaches, which has been very reassuring for a young player.

"The game at the weekend was a game that we should have won, but I felt I made a positive impact when I came on. Blox mentioned on Monday that you always have another chance to put it right, so I’m sure that’s what myself and the boys will look to do. Playing in the competition improved us physically playing against men's teams, which is all part of a good development plan.

"Bournemouth should be a good test for us, but we are really eager to bounce back straight away. Me and the boys are more than raring to go. There’s a good buzz around the changing room and we are still full of confidence."

Ticket information

Entry for the match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.

Reaching THE GROUND

Supporters planning on attending 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.