Cardiff City’s U21 side were held to a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town on Tuesday afternoon.
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REACTION | MATTHEW BLOXHAM
After the full-time whistle, Matthew Bloxham said: “It was a really positive performance from the boys. We were good in a lot of areas in the first half and were probably disappointed to go into half time only a goal up. We knew Ipswich would come out in the second half, especially because we played them two weeks ago, but I think we created enough chances to win the game comfortably. We didn’t take them, and we got bitten a bit for that.
“Before the penalty we were on top, and we should have converted some of our chances, but we showed a great reaction. Our energy and counter press was fantastic. To get the first one and draw level was important, and then to get Mannie to score on a transition is something we’ve been working on that’s really positive.
“We know Mannie is a talented individual, but this is something he’s been aiming for. He’s been coming off the bench over the last few weeks, but he knows this is the standard he needs to set week in and week out, whether that is with the U21s or the U18s. He is an exciting player, but we’ve got a lot of them, so there is competition in those attacking areas.
“Isaac has got bags of energy, and he is a really offensive player. What we tried to do today was get him on their back line as often as we could and take away his defensive responsibilities. However, he performed those admirably at times. There were times where he was probably asked questions that were tricky and not used to dealing with, but he answered them well and carried out everything that we wanted him to from the gameplan.
“We’re blessed in the fact we’ve got a lot of really talented Welsh international left backs, and we want to try and vary their experiences. Both players will want to go on loan and want to have the opportunity to show what they can do in their natural positions, but to show that versatility and playing centrally against good teams is a must for both of them, and it’s going to be a competition to see who can nail down that spot.”
REACTION | MANNIE BARTON
Goalscorer Mannie Barton added: “I think we could have scored more goals in the first half, but it was a very dominant performance from the boys. It’s nice to get a goal in my first U21 start. I want to get fans off of their seats, whether that’s scoring or creating goals, and that’s what you want to do as a winger. So to be able to do that was a good feeling.
“I’ve managed to score a lot of goals this season, but it’s nice for a young player like myself to have that confidence from those in the U21 team and U18 team. That’s all I can ask for as a player. I’ve just turned 17 and I’m getting used to full-time football as well. U21 football is quicker, but I’m looking forward to bringing those skills back to the U18s and hopefully keep us top of the league.”
Match Report
A battling performance saw the lead change between both sides as chances went back and forth throughout an entertaining encounter in Leckwith.
Following a penalty-kick putting the visitors ahead against the run of play, Cardiff City responded through Michael Reindorf and Mannie Barton, giving the hosts the lead before the interval with two quickfire goals.
Continuing on his recent run of form since the beginning of the campaign, Reindorf added another goal to his tally with a terrific headed goal from Luey Giles’ sublime cross into the area.
Barton – making his first start for the U21 side – scored with the final kick of the half as he latched onto a loose pass at the back. Driving forwards with intent, he finished past the ‘keeper with a great display of composure under pressure, putting City ahead for the first time that afternoon.
Ipswich Town found their equaliser five minutes after the interval, as Ash Boatswain capitalised on Jake Dennis’ rebounded save to finish at close range.
The second half continued with the visitors in the ascendancy for the most part, as the young Bluebirds conceded their control of possession while maintaining their shape, weathering the storm as Ipswich Town applied offensive pressure.
The match opened up in the final quarter hour, as possession changed between two sides who were each chasing an elusive third goal.
With City and Ipswich Town equally matched at the end, Jake Dennis made a crucial late save from a free-kick in injury time, pushing Rio Morgan’s dangerous shot on goal around his post and out for a corner-kick.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-2 IPSWICH TOWN
Ticket information
Entry for this Tuesday's match at Cardiff International Sports Campus will be free for all supporters.
Reaching THE GROUND
Supporters planning on attending on Tuesday 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.