Half time and Colwill looks rusty and in all honesty, poor. That "freshness" about him seems to have evaporated. Watters gettting no service at all up front ploughing a lone furrow. He needs someone to play him in because Colwill is not the answer. Middle of the park, King, Patten and Bowen are doing pretty well but not finding that final pass. Playing 4 at the back instead of 5. Semenyo at rightback is looking a good prospect, but Bagan on the left looks uncomfortable - he's a far better prospect as a wingback rather than an orthodox full back. Let's see what Darren Purse is going to come up with for this second half because something needs to change.
Swansea get a second penalty awarded - and Radcliffe saves it! Still 1-1 and a couple of subs coming on for Cardiff.
All over. 1-1 draw but City were far better in that second half, particularly Bagan. Colwill looks off the pace and far better prospects for inclusion in the first team squad in Bowen, King and Patten. Keeper George Radcliffe looks a real prospect who could deserve a shot on the first team bench. He's so quick and decisive off his line. If we don't keep Smithies for next season, then I'd be happy for him to at least sit on the bench for the first team - I'd go as far as to say le looks more confident than Phillips to me.
I've always wondered where goal keepers come from. A club always buys them in. Cant remember a keeper coming through the ranks. Not for any club. Do they just appear, mid 20s, ready for 1st team action. Some club must be breeding them.
City under 23's were 3-0 down at Bristol City after an hour so I've kept quiet........ Just scored 2 goals and back to 3-2 with 15 minutes to go - go on lads, complete the comeback!
Yep irish, but a very young under 23 side put out by City for this one. Bagan, Denham, King and Colwill all missing. Colwill junior and Cian Ashford are only 17 (I think) and I don't recognise a few of the others. Must say Jai Semenyo at RWB looks a very good prospect if and when Cody Drameh goes back to Leeds.
Blimey - I thought we had some youngsters out there for the under 23's. The commentator's just said that two of them had to have permission to be off school today...... He's not joking either - one of them (Charlie someone) is only 15.
Finished 0 -2 to QPR and that was literally men against boys. QPR were better by far but looking at them, they were 4 or 5 years older per player on average. The City youngsters had a go but this is a vastly different under 23's team from the one put out in the first half of the season. As the co-commentator (one of the City academy coaches I think) said, it's what the plan is at the club. Moving the under 23's up the first team squad means they have to move the under 18's up to the under 23's for progression. I can live with that.
Another loss for the U23 today. U23 Match Report | Cardiff City 1-3 Bristol City | Cardiff (cardiffcityfc.co.uk)