Report: Chris Nokes

Ninian Park was the setting for the 2007/08 FAW Youth Cup Final in which Cardiff faced Swansea City. The Swans had beaten Chirk AAA in the semi final 2-1 to book their place in the final. The Bluebirds themselves had beaten Cwmbran Celtic on penalties in the semis and were looking to regain the trophy after missing out last year.

The game started nervously for both teams and both wasted possession as they struggled to get a foothold in the match. There were half chances for either side for the opening twenty minutes but, in truth, both sides found it difficult to string passes together. There was a brief cry for a penalty from Cardiff for a push in the area but the referee wasn't interested and the scores remained level.

The first good chance of the game fell to Swansea and their striker Matthew Wright. The tall front man was put through one-on-one with Cardiff goalkeeper Erwin Sak but his miscued shot went wide of Sak's right hand side and out for a goal kick.

Cardiff immediately replied with a cleanly struck half volley from midfielder Ibrahim Farah. The shot from outside of the penalty area went just over Swansea stopper Rhys Wilson's crossbar. Cardiff followed this up with an effort from Aaron Wildig, with the youngsters shot on the turn dribbling beyond the far post for a goal kick.

The best chance of the game, at that point, then fell to Swansea. An excellent touch from Wright took the ball past Bluebirds defender Aaron Morris and his well placed pass found fellow Swan Casey Thomas. His shot from the left hand side of the penalty area, however, was well held by Sak.

Cardiff again struck back when a good flick on by striker Craig Mason found Jonathon Meades. He snuck in between two Swansea defenders and 'keeper Wilson to toe poke the ball wide of the net. The Bluebirds finished the half on the attack when midfielder Farah had another effort from the edge of the area which was well held by Wilson.

Half Time: Cardiff 0-0 Swansea

Swansea came out at the second half looking more dangerous when a free kick from the left whistled past Sak's far post. Swan Jamie Grimes nearly got on the end of it, but it evaded everyone and went out for a goal kick.

Not long after, a Cardiff break away nearly created an opening. Rhys Kelleher ran at the Swansea defence and tried to slide in Farah. This would have but the midfielder one-on-one with Wilson, however the pass was too weak and it allowed a Swansea defender to make a timely clearance.

It was then Swansea's turn in this topsy turvy game to attack as a cross from wide left found striker Wright at close range. It was only due to a good block by Cardiff skipper Kye Edwards that the resulting shot did not end up in the back of the net.

The Swans threatened once more when Jazz Richards cut inside from a wide position to test Sak with a shot. Sak was up to the test, however, and saved comfortably. A period of little chances then followed with both sides considering extra time. It was Swansea that then came close with five minutes remaining. Impressive youngster Joe Allen turned well in the box to hit a shot that forced Sak into action. The Bluebirds stopper saving well, low down to his right.

Cardiff then received the knockout blow in the 90th minute when from a cross whipped in from the left, Swan Kieron Howard rose above everyone to head the ball into the net from close range. The Swansea players, coaches and fans were delirious while the Cardiff players were equally dejected. The Bluebirds tried to force something in added time but it wasn't to be as the final whistle blew cueing the celebrations to begin for Swansea. They could celebrate winning the trophy for the first time since 2003, while Cardiff must look to next season for revenge.

Full Time: Cardiff 0-1 Swansea

Man of the Match: Kye Edwards
The Bluebirds captain gave his all for the team as he did not shirk from any challenge that had to be made and will look to lead the U-18's next season.

Coach's Comments: Academy Manager Neal Ardley
"Obviously we're all very disappointed but we're going to have to pick ourselves up from this. I thought we did well in parts but we didn't create enough chances. I couldn't see them scoring, but then again, I couldn't see us scoring either."