Wed Nov 18, 2015 8:02 am
Cardiff City Under 21s 0 WBA Under 21s 1
18th November 2015
by Joe Richards
Cardiff City's U21 side bowed out of the U21 Premier League Cup following a 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at a very windy Cardiff International Sports Stadium.
Due to the extreme conditions both teams found it difficult to keep a rhythm to their play. The first real chance of note coming 28 minutes in as Eli Phipps volleyed over from 12 yards out.
The first goal, and what ultimately proved to be the winner, came minutes later when Kyle Edwards rifled home a half-volley from the edge of the area after good build-up play down the visitor’s right.
Straight after the restart, City had a good opportunity to equalise when Jamie Bird broke free and played in Kagisho Dikagcoi, who in-turn set the ball for the dangerous Phipps', his low shot was well saved. City recycled possession and created another chance but Phipps couldn’t squeeze the ball home at the second time of asking.
The main talking point from this match came deep into injury time, when a goalmouth scramble finished with Kevin Nicholson's men finding what looked to be a late equaliser. The linesman's flag raised late in the day, much to the dismay of the Bluebirds players and staff. While the hosts argued their case against an offside decision with Albion men on the goal-line, it was the away side who progressed into the final sixteen of the U21 Premier League tournament.
Highlights of this match, including the controversial late disallowed goal, will be available on Bluebirds Player from lunchtime on Wednesday, 18th November.
U21 FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Cardiff City: Wakeman, Baker, James ©, O’Keefe, Blaise, Turner (Watkins, 63), Kennedy, Dikagcoi (Burridge, 63), Phipps, Bird, Noor (E. Menayese, 73). Subs not used: Weymans, Southam.
West Bromwich Albion: Rose, Fitzwater, Ezewele, Field, Howkins, Donnellan ©, Wright, S. Nabi, Campbell (Forss, 85), Cleet (Elbouzedi, 82), Edwards (R. Nabi, 90). Subs not used: Sweeney, Palmer.
Wed Nov 18, 2015 5:26 pm
West Brom deserved the win but City were unlucky not to have that goal allowed at the end, looked perfectly fine from where I was standing. Surprised no one got sent off with the handbags.