Cardiff City’s U21 side secured their progression in the PL Cup with a thrilling comeback victory over the Toffees on Saturday afternoon.
Match Report
City overcame tough opposition at home to secure their continued place in the Premier League Cup on Saturday afternoon, with second half substitutes proving influential in Leckwith.
The young Bluebirds were disappointed to fall behind with nine minutes played, as Coby Ebere’s penalty kick was dispatched following a foul on the winger by Dakarai Mafico.
Playing with the majority of possession, City were quick to respond through Roko Šimić, Šimić, who latched onto Aaron Ramsey’s sublime through ball into the area, lobbing the ‘keeper as he levelled. Having a good showing throughout the opening 45 minutes, the pair were withdrawn at the break for Luke Pearce and Troy Perrett, who stepped in ably for the young Bluebirds as they sought another equaliser, following Everton’s second of the afternoon.
With Tanatswa Nyakuhwa a dangerous outlet along the left all afternoon, the forward finally got his deserved goal involvement with 20 minutes left of play. Looping a superb pass over the top towards Pearce, the striker watched the ball bounce inside the area before striking home powerfully on the half volley.
Minutes later, and mere moments after his introduction off the bench, Isaac Jefferies turned the match on its head by putting City ahead for the first time in the match. Receiving the ball out wide, the direct winger cut inside and took on a shot on his left foot, which nestled in the bottom corner of the net.
Showing impressive gamesmanship to manage the remaining time on the clock, City outplayed their visitors, keeping chances to a minimum, with Dylan Lawlor, Freddie Cook and ‘keeper Luke Armstrong reacting well when called upon.
With the final whistle blown, the young Bluebirds had pulled off a comeback to remember, topping the group table and securing a place in the next round of the PL Cup.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 3-2 EVERTON
PRE-MATCH | MATTHEW BLOXHAM
Ahead of the game, coach Matthew Bloxham said: "We always knew entering this competition would provide different challenges to our usual games programme, Everton being an example of that as they're a Category One side. We know how strong they are, but we're relishing the challenge and embracing it. We'll look to take the game to them and show an intensity to our performance, similar to when we played them away.
"The game in itself allows us the opportunity to compare ourselves to a Category One opposition, but it also allows our players who are currently stepping into the U21 environment to get a marker of where they need to get to and beyond.
"It's been a really positive cup campaign for us, because it has allowed the opportunity to play against those teams. We've been largely positive in our performances; we've been able to compete and excel in games, but we want to take the next step now and qualify for the next round. It's in our hands, so important that we relish and enjoy the pressure."
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.