U18 Professional Development League 2
Team: Jones, Evans, Adjetey-Brew, Hamid, Putman, Radojevic, Coomes, Tarbotton, Vaughan, Sutton, Kennedy
Subs: Loades, Hassan, Montorio, Neill
Charlie Street was listed on the team sheet but pulled out just before kick-off. At No.9 was a trialist from Bracknell Town, Haydon Vaughan.
In the opening minutes, La ‘Trell Jones made a superb, one-handed save from Alyas Debono following a corner.
After the visitors had lost possession, the ball found Jake Coomes and the R’s No.7 shot into the side-netting.
Rico Kennedy bombed down the wing, before knocking the ball to Haydon Vaughan, who then shot just over the crossbar.
At the other end, as Trey George turned to pull the trigger, his strike at goal was blocked.
Jake Coomes took off down the right-flank and the R’s winger then cut-in to shoot, but his left-foot effort was blocked.
Cardiff took the lead in the 22nd minute. Although the R’s keeper had made an outstanding close range save, Trey George’s follow-up entered the net via the underside of the bar.
The Bluebirds doubled their lead eight minutes later. Initially La ‘Trell Jones had made an excellent stop, but Tanatswa Nyakuhwa was on hand to finish.
Mr Merchant booked Troy Perrett following a tug on an opponent’s shirt. Half-time: 0-2.
Tanatswa Nyakuhwa added a third goal for Cardiff on 51 minutes.
Then, shortly after, Troy Perrett’s shot was kept out by La ‘Trell Jones’ legs.
Luke Armstrong made a good finger-tip save from Jake Coomes’ low strike.
Shortly after, Fraser Neill and TJ Partilt were both shown yellow cards.
As the R’s looked to pull a goal back, Jake Coomes’ shot closely evaded the upright.
The second-half had seen the introduction of Fraser Neill, Rocco Montorio and Radwan Hassan at the expense of Teddy Tarbotton, Rico Kennedy and Haydon Vaughan respectively.
Steve Russell