Terry Westley

Blues Under 18's completed their 2007/08 League campaign at the weekend with a well-deserved 1-1 draw away at Cardiff City.

Blues took the lead just after the half time break via striker Robert Gradwell, before the home side netted an equaliser with half an hour to go.

"It was good experience for the kids because we played at Ninian Park," said Academy manager Terry Westley

"We had a very young side out because we were conscious of Monday night's game against Derby Reserves and a lot of the kids having to play again so we had a lot of schoolboys out there.

"In the first half we'd had some good opportunities and got in some great positions with Luke Hubbins and Jamie Sheldon in the wide areas putting plenty of balls into the box but we were unable to convert the good chances

"We eventually scored just into the second half scored from a scrambled goal in the 18 yard box, which Robert Gradwell managed to side foot in.

Robert Gradwell

"At that point it looked like we were going to take control of the game, but then Cardiff equalised with about 25 minutes to go.

"They sent a ball over the top and while we were watching a lad coming back from an offside position somebody has burst through from midfield and got on the end of it.

"He's gone one on one with our goalkeeper Dean Lyness and scored.

"But we should have just dealt with the ball and cleared it, so it was a poor goal to concede.

"After that both sides a couple of chances and it could have gone either way but we had to settle for a draw which was disappointing."

A major plus for Westley was the return to action of James McPike.

"James McPike played the last 30 minutes," added Westley

"It was his first comeback game after six months out with shoulder and Achilles injuries, so we were really pleased about that."

Full time: Cardiff U18'S 1 Blues U18's 1

Blues: Lyness, Rutter, Timmins, O'Brien, Rowe, Preston, Sheldon, Packwood, Gradwell (Fleet), Lea, Hubbins (J McPike).
Subs not used: none