Report | Cardiff City U21s 0 Swansea City U21s 1

Swansea City Under-21s secured south Wales derby victory with a 1-0 win over Cardiff City at Leckwith Stadium.

A first-half strike from Josh Pescatore proved the difference, marking the winger’s third league goal in as many matches and providing the perfect response to the defeat at Charlton earlier in the week.

It was no more than the Swans deserved for a performance where they controlled long periods and limited their opponents to very few chances in sodden conditions at Leckwith.

The opening stages were evenly contested, with Cardiff creating a couple of early opportunities. Jac Thomas and Mannie Barton both tested Joe Collins, but the Swans’ goalkeeper was equal to the efforts before Pescatore broke the deadlock.

Following the goal, Swansea grew into the contest and dominated much of the remainder of the first half. Yori Griffith and Morgan Bates both came close to extending the advantage before the interval.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the visitors largely controlling proceedings and creating further openings. Bates and Pescatore each had opportunities to double the lead, but the decisive second goal proved elusive, but it did not matter in the final analysis.

Thomas registered Cardiff’s first attempt of the match from a set piece, driving a low effort towards goal, but Collins was equal to it and collected with ease.

The hosts continued to try and test Collins early on, with the difficult conditions playing their part. A low shot skidded quickly across the surface, but Collins reacted well to gather comfortably.

But it was the Swans who struck first after 17 minutes. Caleb Demery brought the ball down well before finding Griffith, who slipped Pescatore in down the right. The winger made no mistake, drilling a low effort into the bottom corner to hand Swansea the lead.

The Bluebirds responded with intent, and Rob Tankiewicz came close after winning possession high up the pitch. The midfielder curled an effort towards Collins’ left-hand side, but the attempt drifted just wide of the post.

Swansea continued to press and nearly capitalised on a loose touch from Tankiewicz, with the ball falling to Griffith. He drove forward and unleashed a low strike, but Daniel Higgs was well positioned to collect.

Bates then had a golden opportunity to double the advantage in added time before the break. Griffith once again surged forward and slipped the forward into the box. However, from a tight angle he fired over the bar.

The Swans began the second half brightly and should have added a second soon after the restart. A poor goal kick gifted possession back to the visitors, allowing Woodward to break down the left and square for Bates, only for the forward’s effort to clear the crossbar.

Demery tested Collins again in what was a dominant start to the second half from Swansea. A dangerous delivery into the box from Pescatore picked out Demery and his first-time volley was struck straight at Higgs.

Pescatore continued to cause problems down the right, delivering a superb cross into the six-yard area. Woodward rose highest but could not apply the decisive touch to steer it on target.

The winger then came agonisingly close to doubling his tally when a loose pass forced Higgs off his line. With the goalkeeper stranded and the net exposed, Pescatore drove towards goal, but Alyas Debono produced a superb last-ditch block to ensure Cardiff did not fall further behind with 10 minutes remaining.

Pescatore threatened again moments later after Woodward picked him out from the left. The winger powered an effort across goal that Higgs did well to parry, and although the rebound fell invitingly for Woodward he could only fire over the crossbar.

But it did  it impact the identity of the victors as Swansea claimed the spoils.

Cardiff City Under-21s: Daniel Higgs, Charlie O'Brien, Jac Thomas (Caden Voice 86'), Cody Twose, Jack Kingdon (C), Alyas Debono, Jake Davies, Rob Tankiewicz, Daniel Ola, Trey George, Mannie Barton.

Unused substitutes: Samual Jones, Isaac Davies, Matthew Apter, Sekou Kaba.

Swansea City Under 21s: Joe Collins, Harlan Perry, Carter Heywood, Dan Watts (C), Blair McKenzie, Iestyn Jones, Josh Pescatore, Tom Woodward (Bobby Lewis 86'), Morgan Bates, Yori Griffith (Alex Godfrey 86'), Caleb Demery (Milo Robinson 76').

Unused substitutes: Tom Wright, Callum Deacon.