By Terry Phillips
Swansea City fought back from a goal down to beat South Wales rivals Cardiff City 3-1 in their Professional Under-18 Development League match at Landore.
Welsh-born striker James Crole fired the Bluebirds ahead after nine minutes before Josh Thomas, Cameron Congreve and Morgan Clarke scored to earn the Swans victory.
Crole’s goal came from a penalty after he was fouled and then Caleb Hughes went close when a long-range shot rebounded off the Swansea crossbar.
Thomas, who scored seven under-18 goals last season, equalised on 25 minutes and then the hosts went close again when Cardiff’s Australian goalkeeper Jaimie Cogman saved Rio Campbell’s low effort.
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Cogman reacted quickly to save a close range shot from Thomas, while Bluebirds’ captain Ntazana Mayembe unsettled Swansea defenders with raw pace before unleashing a low shot that was saved by goalie Tyler Evan.
First-year scholar Congreve, who made his under-23 debut in their victory against Cardiff a week ago, capped a memorable week by scoring from a superbly taken 71st minute free-kick to beat goalkeeper Cogman.
The Swans sealed the points when Clarke scored from a penalty four minutes later as Clarke after substitute Michael Murphy was brought down in the box.
Cardiff’s next PDL under-18 fixture is against Watford at home on Saturday, October 3. They have four matches during October, against Watford (home), Sheffield United (home, Saturday 17, Barnsley (away, Saturday 24) and Coventry City (home, Saturday 31).
Swansea’s under-18 team are back in action next Saturday when they entertain Bristol City at Landore.
Cardiff City u-18: Jaimie Cogman, Taylor Jones, Tom Davies, Aidan McNamara, Jack Clay (Josh Rippon 83), Tom Chiabi, Caleb Hughes (Rhys Schwank 90), Owen Pritchard, James Crole, Ntazana Mayembe (carpet), Siyabonga Ligendza (Japhet Mpadi 77). Subs not used: Brad Stewart (gk), Lewys Ware.
Swans U-18: Tyler Evans, Morgan Clarke, Kian Williams, Scott Butler (captain), Kai Ludvigsen, Jacob Jones, Erick Kenko, Josh Edwards, Josh Thomas, Cameron Congreve, Rio Campbell. Subs: Josh Hutchings, Adnaan Moti, Michael Murphy, Aaron Hillier, Jacob Edwards.
Cardiff City had earned a 4-1 home win against Bristol City in their opening fixture of the 2020-21 PDL under-18 season at the USW Sports Ground.
The young Bluebirds scored three goals in seven second half minutes to open a four-goal lead before the Robins netted a late consolation.
Cian Ashford, a 15-year-old attacking midfield player from Rhondda Cynon Taf, led the way with two goals, while substitute Siya Ligendza and Owen Pritchard completed the tally.
Cardiff City u-18: Nativ Yanko, Taylor Jones, Tom Davies, Jac Clay, Aidan McNamara, Tom Chiabi, Caleb Hughes (Rhys Schwank 88), Owen Pritchard, James Crole (Siya Ligendza 64), Cian Ashford, Taz Mayembe (çapt). Subs not used: Bradley Stewart (gk), Lewys Ware.
Bristol City u-18: James Walker, Mark Thuo, Khari Allen, Omar Taylor-Clarke, Wood, Nathaniel Williams, Harry Leeson, Dylan Kadji, Tommy Backwell, Alex Scott, Marlee Francois. Subs: Prince Henry, Luca Smith (gk), Cameron Salmon, Zak Bell, Thierry Swaby.