Cardiff U-18's were held to a 1-1 draw against Birmingham at Ninian Park. The opening exchanges were mainly fought over in the centre of the park as both sides struggled to get a foothold in the game. In fact, the first shot in anger was only registered after fifteen minutes.

The first shot on target came nearly half an hour into the game as Cardiff striker Rees Kelleher struck a free kick from just outside the penalty area that the Birmingham goalkeeper saved easily. Cardiff then broke forward once again and after the visiting goalkeeper failed to deal with a through ball, striker Craig Mason's chipped the ball over the bar. Cardiff had been perhaps the better team in an, in truth, poor first half.

Half Time: Cardiff 0-0 Birmingham

Both teams' coaches must have had words at the interval as both teams went out and took the game by the scruff of its neck. Birmingham started the brighter and took the lead with fifty minutes gone. A low ball across the box wasn't dealt with by the Cardiff defence and it was left to a Birmingham man to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

Cardiff hit back straight after, however, when a weak Rees Kelleher stike was deflected for a corner. It was a signal of intent from the Bluebirds, however they were nearly two goals behind when a cross from Birmingham found a visiting player unmarked. Fortunately for Cardiff however, he headed wide and they were let off the hook.

Cardiff rallied and levelled up soon after when Craig Mason rounded the Birmingham goalkeeper to tap it in the empty net. It was what Cardiff had deserved from the game and they nearly took the lead when a cross in the box was deflected towards goal. However, the Birmingham keeper showed good reactions and saved his defenders embarrasement.

Mason then came close to his second of the afternoon when he struck a dipping half volley which only just went over the bar. Kelleher was then put through one-on-one with the visitors keeper but was forced to shoot quickly as he was being forced wide. The shot was on target but easily saved by the Birmingham keeper.

Birmingham then had two chances of their own in the closing stages of the match. The Blues' right winger cut inside and hit a shot which struck the wood of the post. He was then presented with an almost identical chance in the same position. This time he worked the Cardiff goalkeeper and the stopper was up to the challenge as he retained the ball.

Full Time: Cardiff 1-1 Birmingham

Coach's Comments: Cardiff U-18 Coach Geraint Twose
"I was disapointed today. We are really grateful to the club for letting us play at Ninian Park but we did not perform aswell as we could do today. We lacked fluidity."

Man of the Match: Craig Mason
The striker took his goal well and was a nuisance to the Birmingham defence.