U21s Come From Behind to Draw With Cardiff - Ipswich Town News

U21s Rally to Equalize Against Cardiff On Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 8:38 AM, the U21 team staged a remarkable comeback to secure a draw against Cardiff.

The town’s U21 team came back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw in their first Premier League Cup match against Cardiff City at Bloomfields in Needham Market on Friday night. Tom Taylor (shown in the picture) scored from the penalty spot, followed by Steven Turner, who leveled the score in the second half for the young Blues.

Coaches John McGreal and David Wright included recent recruit Tudor Mendel-Idowu in their starting lineup for the first time. The 19-year-old, who joined from Anderlecht on the deadline day, played on the right wing, while Ash Boatswain, who just returned from representing Montserrat, took his place in the forward position.

Town made an early attempt at scoring, with Boatswain having his shot blocked just outside the penalty area. Shortly after, right-back Daniel Babb directed a header right at the opposing goalkeeper, Jake Dennis.

The Bluebirds took control of the match swiftly, scoring the first goal in the 22nd minute. Isaac Jefferies made a strong run down the right side into the Town penalty area and delivered a low cross that Cody Twose finished off from the far post.

A short while later, Troy George made a run and took a shot, but it went just past the goal. However, the Welsh team did manage to extend their lead 30 minutes into the match.

The team lost control of the ball in the midfield too easily, giving Adeteye Gbadehan the chance to advance and take a shot that Henry Gray could only deflect. The ball fell to George, who quickly scored from close range.

Just five minutes later, Town captain Jacob Mazionis made a crucial last-ditch block to prevent Twose from scoring again, as the opposing team kept up their relentless attack.

Nevertheless, Town's young players found a way to get back into the match just five minutes before half-time. Taylor was fouled in the penalty area by Tom Davies, and referee Matthew Russell quickly pointed to the spot without any hesitation. Taylor stepped up to take the penalty and calmly scored by sending Dennis the wrong way.

During stoppage time, the Blues believed they had scored again when Boatswain tapped in a low cross-shot from Abude Onuchukwu from close proximity, but the referee's flag went up for offside.

Following the halftime break, Cardiff came out strong, with George making Gray deflect another shot from the edge of the box. However, at the other end, Luey Giles performed impressively to steer Boatswain's attempt wide after the striker seized on a poorly played backpass and managed to get around goalkeeper Dennis.

Taylor later noticed a clear opportunity from Turner's corner that veered just past the far post. However, Gray was on duty again in the 73rd minute, successfully diving to redirect Tanatswa Nyakhuna's shot at the near post away from goal.

Eight minutes later, Turner scored a well-deserved equalizer for Town with a great low shot from 20 yards away. Dennis managed to get a hand on the ball, but he could only redirect it onto the inside of the post, and it ultimately ended up in the net on the other side.

The momentum definitely shifted in favor of The Blues, but they were unable to secure a late victory, even though they appeared to be the more threatening team after a significantly better performance in the second half.

Mendel-Idowu stood out with his speed, skillful ball handling, and a strong desire to take on the opposing left-back whenever he could. After halftime, Turner and Okunowo took charge of the midfield, while Taylor put in a solid effort the entire match in the number 10 position.

The U21 team is back in league play on Tuesday as they head to Barnsley.

U21 Squad: Gray, Babb, Lewis, Mazionis, Ayoola, Turner, Mendel-Idowu (substituted by Morgan in the 67th minute), Onuchukwu (replaced by Okunowo at halftime), Boatswain, Taylor, Roberts (subbed off for Davis in the 67th minute). Players not used: Curtis, Fleischer.

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Are you talking about the Montserrat to Neeedy Market route?

I doubt many people have walked that route!