U21 | Cardiff City 2-1 Merthyr Town

City's U21s secured their place in the nathaniel mg cup quarter-final on tuesday night.

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REACTION | DARREN PURSE

After the full-time whistle, Darren Purse said: I’m delighted to get through. I thought the performance in the first half was excellent. We carved them open at most opportunities when we got them, but when we got into the final third, we were very wasteful. From that point of view, it’s disappointing, because we could have quite easily finished the game off within the first half. In the second half, when the game’s always 0-0 or you’re nicking it 1-0, all it needs is a mistake to cost you. I’m delighted to get through, but I think the performance probably deserved an easier and more convincing win.

The variation of games is huge. The biggest thing we get out of it is double gameweeks as well. The boys have gone to Ipswich on Friday, travelled the day before, similar to what the First Team do, it’s about giving them those experiences. Next week, we play on Monday and on Friday, so it’s about getting the rest into them over the next few days, whilst still aiding their development in training sessions. We’re going to go into Monday as fit as we can be. It’ll be another big week for us, but it’s about going again and trying to keep this unbeaten run going.

REACTION | FREDDIE COOK

Centre-back Freddie Cook, who captained the side, added: "I think a lot of the lads in the changing room are happy with the win. I’m disappointed to concede a goal at the end, but happy to go through to the next round.

"Playing against men’s teams, it’s always a different challenge to the U21s, but a lot of the boys rose to the occasion and we dominated for most of the game. We’re just happy to get the result.

"Pre-season gave us that exposure to playing against these kind of teams, which helped us to get the win tonight."

Match SUMMARY

Cardiff City U21 side earned their place in the Quarter-Final of the Nathaniel MG Cup following an impressive display against the Martyrs on Tuesday night.

A Michael Reindorf brace in the second half looked to put City through comfortably before the visitors managed to pull a goal back in injury time, though the young Bluebirds showed their maturity to see out the result and secure their spot in the next round.

Merthyr Town ‘keeper Jaimie Cogman was kept busy throughout the opening 20 minutes, as Tom Davies peppered the box with a series of effective crosses. The ‘keeper made a number of stops throughout these early periods, while the young Bluebirds looked to establish control and an important early opener.

While City pressed and forged plenty of half-chances on goal, perhaps the biggest opportunity of the half came moments before the interval, as Michael Reindorf did well inside the area to pull the ball back and create space for himself. Turning towards goal, the striker couldn’t quite place his shot on target, ultimately going out for a goal kick.

Following the break, the visitors looked to spring a counter whenever given the chance, and very nearly found an opener early on. Lewys Twamley was forced out wide by blue shirts around him, and though he managed to get a low shot off, it went wide at the far post.

Quickly advancing up the pitch in response, it was the Bluebirds who deservedly went ahead thereafter. Isaac Jefferies – who played directly all night – picked out Reindorf terrifically before the striker shot powerfully past the grasp of Cogman, and into the back of the net.

Having conceded early in the second half, the visitors were spurred on as their efforts to find an equaliser increased. Cole Jarvis had the best of the chances for the Martyrs as he curled a shot towards goal, though it went out for a goal-kick.

City’s second came later on, as Trey George looked to have beaten Cogman to double the lead. His chipped effort flew over the ‘keeper, and was subsequently helped over the line by the obliging Reindorf, who had rushed forward to ensure that the Bluebirds doubled the lead.

In the dying moments, Noah Smerdon managed to score following a set-piece, though it wasn’t enough for the Martyrs as City held on tight to their one-goal lead.

FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY U21 2-1 MERTHYR TOWN

PRE-MATCH | DARREN PURSE

Ahead of the clash, U21 head coach Darren Purse said: "The Nathaniel MG Cup is brilliant. We're putting ourselves up against some of the best Welsh players and Welsh clubs, which is great. These are the experiences that we try and get into the boys as early as we can, so that they can adapt and if they're needed for the First Team, they know how to react to it. 

"It's nice to be competing in all three fronts in the league, the PL Cup and the Nathaniel MG Cup. That's what we're trying to do for these lads is give them the best experience that we can. Hopefully, it will pay dividends when they're ready to step up to the First Team."

PRE-MATCH | TREY GEORGE

Playmaker Trey George, who netted in a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town last time out, added: "I think it has been good for us to play in the competition. The first two games against Afan Lido and Pontypridd were physical tests for us and they were tough games, but it was good to get through to the next round. Getting a taste of playing men's football in this competition is a great experience for us as a group, because it creates a bit of an atmosphere and it's a good challenge.

"Merthyr are a great side, who play at a good level, so it will be a tough game and their fans will make an atmosphere. It's been a good start to the season for me and I just have to keep building on that now, so I'm looking forward to this game."

Ticket information

Entry for this Tuesday's match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will cost £5 for Adults & £1 for Juniors/Concessions.

Cardiff City supporters can purchase their tickets by clicking here.

Away supporters can purchase their tickets by clicking here.

Reaching THE GROUND

Supporters planning on attending on Tuesday 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.