Back-to-back wins for Tony Carss’ side
Town’s Under-18 side recorded its second successive win at PPG Canalside on Saturday morning, defeating visitors Cardiff City 4-1 in the Professional Development League 2.
Playing at the top of a midfield diamond, Irish forward Ronan Coughlan netted a brace, complemented by further goals from striker Rekeil Pyke and substitute Adam Porritt.
Tony Carss’ side enjoyed the best of the first-half and went in 3-0 up at the interval. Coughlan’s first goal came from the penalty spot, with Cardiff’s number six penalised for an infringement in the area as midfielder Regan Booty delivered a Town corner. The former Limerick man made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the visiting ‘keeper the wrong way.
Coughlan and Town’s second just after the half hour mark owed everything to the physical ability of Pyke. The Chapeltown-based first year scholar led a breakaway down the left, turning a defender and leaving him in his wake before squaring for Coughlan to beat the goalkeeper from close range.
Pyke got his well-deserved goal two minutes before the break, stroking the ball into an empty net after the visiting custodian completely misjudged a ball over the top of the defence.
Cardiff netted a headed goal shortly after the restart to reduce the arrears, but the game was put to bed with just over 20 minutes to go when midfield substitute Porritt converted a blockbuster of a free-kick.
Town’s team vs. Cardiff (4-4-2 diamond):
Tadhg Ryan; Jack Senior, Nathaniel Pells, Jacob Hanson, Brad Carroll (c); Jamie Spencer, Regan Booty, Sam Warde (Adam Porritt, 70), Ronan Coughlan (Dylan Cogill, 88); Liam Coogans, Rekeil Pyke
Unused Substitutes:
Sam Guthrie, Lewis O’Brien, Alfie Raw
