REACTION | MATT BLOXHAM & TREY GEORGE
MB: "I'm particularly pleased with the second half performance. I felt initially we gave a little bit too much respect to our opponent. When we became a bit more fluid, stepped up our intensity and pressure line I thought we were dominant.
"It was good to go in one-up at the break from a great goal. Second half, we hurt them. The boys implemented the information we gave them at half-time and I feel we came away worthy winners.
"It's important that the boys understand, as they get older, how much these games mean to the people and to the fans. Whether that's First Team, U18s or U21s. We always want a performance level. But it's important we also teach them that derbies matter, and they showed that today."
TG: "I think first half it was a tight game. They were playing long balls and we weren't really picking up second balls. But second half, we got those second balls started really attacking Bristol City.
"I think we deserved the four-one win and it could've been even more, if we're honest."
Welcome back, Kion! 💙
U21s 3-1 up against Bristol City into the closing stages ➡️ https://t.co/jj6N7uEjWK#CityAsOne | @CF11Academy pic.twitter.com/M6u2PEtIFO— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) November 4, 2024
match summary
The Bluebirds hit four at Cardiff International Sports Campus on Monday afternoon.
It was a tight first half, but Matthew Bloxham’s side went in one ahead at the break thanks to Kion Etete. The returning centre forward was playing his first 45 minutes of competitive football since a long term injury, and he met Luey Giles’ brilliant cross with a bullet header.
The away side levelled after 57 minutes through substitute Charlie Filer. Bloxham’s Bluebirds though weren’t disturbed by this equaliser and set about to find an advantage again.
They did so just six minutes later. The lively Michael Reindorf won the ball back for City high up the pitch, and played in Trey George, who struck curled home expertly from a difficult angle.
City pressed home their lead and added a third ten minutes later. Substitute Mannie Barton was the one to win the ball back high in the away half this time around and he played in fellow winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, who poked the ball beyond the outrushing ‘keeper.
It wouldn’t be an impressive win for the U21s these days without Reindorf finding his way onto the scoresheet. The forward was in the right place at the right time late on as a defensive back header played him onside. Reindorf put his laces through the ball to power in City’s fourth and seal a strong win.
U21 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 4-1 BRISTOL CITY
Cardiff City: Armstrong, Kpakio, Giles, Twose, Davies (Lawlor 62’), Cook, Nyakuhwa, Mafico, Etete (Barton 46’), George (Johnson 81’), Reindorf (Johnson 88'). Subs Not Used: Thomas.
Bristol City: Grande, James, Anderson (Filer 27’), Campbell-Slowey, Taylor (Derrick 80’), Araoye, Philips, Meerholz, Thomas, Skinner (Rowe 70’), Churchley. Subs Not Used: Duncan, Hooper.
PRE-MATCH
Our U21s are in action in the PDL on Monday afternoon, facing Bristol City.
The fixture will take place at Cardiff International Sports Campus on November 4th, with a kick-off time of 2pm.
BLOX'S THOUGHTS
Ahead of the fixture, Matthew Bloxham said: "We know this is a busy week for us. First of all, we have the derby against Bristol City, where we want to compete, but also having a double gameweek is something we have prepared for. We feel we have done as much as we can.
"What we've got now is a squad that is really competitive and they're all fighting for places. That's only going to push our performances higher. We want to create a high-performance culture and mindset in the players and that comes from the players driving each other on, whether they're starting or coming on in the game.
"We know it's going to be a tough game against Bristol City and they're going to try and impose themselves on us. Our players have to be brave enough to show their quality, get on the ball and believe in what we do."
Ticket information
Entry for this Monday's match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free of charge for all supporters!
Reaching THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Monday afternoon 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.