U21 Match Report | Cardiff City 3-1 AFC Bournemouth

Cardiff City U21 concluded their pre-season with an impressive 3-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday afternoon.

The Bluebirds fielded a youthful Academy side, featuring a mix of U21 regulars with newer faces to the side.

Following a quick start to the encounter in Leckwith, James Crole opened the scoring with a neat finish from inside the area. A crossed free-kick looped towards the opposition's box, and with Crole first to the ball, the forward didn't squander his chance in front of the goalmouth.

City nearly doubled their lead quickly afterwards, as Cian Ashford broke free from his marker terrifically before dashing up the field with the ball at his feet. Unselfishly playing through a Trialist, the linesman raised his flag to deny the opportunity, however.

Keeping the pressure up on the visitors, the Bluebirds eventually doubled their lead with less than two minutes left of the half, as Trialist finished coolly after Jack Leahy played h=the forward through on goal.

In the second half, the Cherries attempted to find their footing and push back with a series of attacking runs into the City area. The visitors were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty-kick with just over 30 minutes remaining, converting despite 'keeper Matt Turner's best efforts.

City very nearly reestablished their two-goal lead moments later as Ashford found the back of the net, but the linesman called for an offside during the build-up.

Regaining their composure for the remainder, the Bluebirds finally added their third of the afternoon with ten minutes remaining, as Crole's shot on goal was tipped away for Trialist to net on the rebound.

Holding their comfortable two-goal lead, City completed their pre-season with another victory on home soil, with a return to PDL action taking place next week against Peterborough United.

FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 3-1 AFC BOURNEMOUTH

Cardiff City: Turner, Jones, Davies, Trialist (Lewis 70'), Hughes (Kenniford 72'), Leahy (Ware 87'), Trialist (Keeping 85'), Crole, Ashford. Subs: Dennis.