Craig Bellamy and his young Bluebirds are out to stop Swansea City’s run of success in the Welsh Youth Cup.
Manager Bellamy and his under-19 players take on the Swansea in the FAW Youth Cup Final at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday (May 1, 7:30pm).
The Swans have lifted this trophy in eight successive seasons, although Cardiff City did not play in all of those competitions, and Bellers is on a mission.
Coaches Jon Gray and Anthony Wright and their Swansea team are aiming to win this cup for the 12th time overall
The West Walians finished sixth in the under-18 Premier Development League South and Grey says: “It’s another cup final and a chance to retain the trophy.
“We take this competition seriously every year.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players to experience what it’s like to play at the Liberty Stadium. A different atmosphere comes with it and the game will provide new surroundings for them to get used to.
“Overall, Anthony and I are delighted with how the group have progressed this season.
“It’s important to finish on a high. We want to win playing the way we have all season and we’d be delighted to retain this cup.”
The Swans have seen off Garden Village, Barry Town, Newport County and Connah’s Quay en route to tonight’s final.
Bellamy’s side have been in excellent form in this competition, beating Ely Rangers, Merthyr Town, Briton Ferry Llansawel, Aberystwyth Town and Airbus UK Broughton to secure their place in the Final.
Swansea are, of course, the holders and have averaged 4.5 goals per game while conceding twice.
The Bluebirds, looking to lift the trophy for the ninth time, have averaged 5.6 goals per cup tie and conceded once so far in the competition.
Sion Spence is Cardiff’s top marksman in the FAW Youth Cup with six goals from five games, closely followed by Mark Harris who has struck five times and Sam Bowen on four.
It has been 12 years since Cardiff last won this trophy and the Bluebirds will be desperate to make it their year, particularly with the match being played at the Liberty Stadium.
Tickets for the match are priced £5 for adults and £2 for seniors and children.
Highlights from the game will feature on Wednesday’s (May 2) Mwy o Sgorio, S4C at 6.30pm.
For regular updates throughout the Final, follow @CF11Academy on Twitter. Highlights of this match will follow on iFollow Cardiff City
