U21 Match Report | Sheffield United 0-3 Cardiff City
Cardiff City's U21 side won their first away match of the season with a decisive 3-0 victory against the Blades on Tuesday afternoon.
Bolstered by First Team experience, the young Bluebirds defeated Sheffield United thanks to Gavin Whyte's hat-trick, holding out well to secure their first clean sheet of the campaign.
The forward took his chance to open the scoring with just over 15 minutes played, finishing nicely inside the area from a corner-kick. Defying the hosts as they looked for an equaliser throughout the remainder of the first half, City stood strong as Curtis Nelson and Xavier Benjamin formed an effective partnership at the back.
Following the interval, the Bluebirds did well to continue their pressure on the hosts, eventually being rewarded for their chances created with a penalty-kick. With 20 minutes remaining, Whyte stood up to the challenge and dispatched his effort coolly, doubling the lead.
The Northern Ireland international bagged a hat-trick with five minutes remaining, showing composure when put through on goal to score City's third following a swift counterattack.
With the final whistle blown, the Bluebirds had secured their second victory from as many fixtures this season, and their first return away from home.
FINAL SCORE: SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-3 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City: Luthra, Campbell, Benjamin, Nelson, T. Davies, Antwi, Sang, King, Whyte, R. Colwill, Etete. Subs: Turner, Trialist, J. Colwill, Leahy, Crole.
Following the final whistle, U21s Manager Darren Purse discussed the result:
"It's an excellent result from a really good performance," Darren began. "We prepared for it and everything went really well. The attitude of the First Team players who played for us was spot on, adding that bit of quality when we had the ball.
"The U21s lads who played made a good account of themselves, and all around it was a really good performance that was topped off with a clean sheet.
"Sheffield United were a threat throughout. When we took the lead and went 1-0 up they were dangerous. They were direct in how they played, but defensively we dealt with it really well.
"The thing that impressed me most was our workrate and intensity throughout when we weren't in possession of the ball. It was there for everyone to see."
