Craig Bellamy and Scott Young watched Cardiff City’s under-18 youth team dismantled by Coventry City at Cardiff International Spots Campus.
The Sky Blues swept to a seven-goal win with teenage goals ace Jordan Ponticelli, a product of Gordon Strachan’s Football Foundation, netting five times.
Bellamy and Young were in charge of the Bluebirds, standing close together in and around the dug-out, and fielded a young team comprising players from under-15 and under-16 levels plus a couple of first year scholars.
For 20 minutes Cardiff matched their visitors and it looked likely yo be a close game, but the opening goal changed things dramatically.
Coventry’s older and more experienced team took control. Their movement, pace and sheer hard work had the home team struggling and there were plenty of lessons to be learned.
Bellamy and Young are certain to analysis the performance and help their young charges progress after what was a one-sided 70 minutes.
Cwmdare teenager Isaak Davies worked hard for Cardiff, while goalkeeper George Ratcliffe did little wrong. He was let down by the defensive unit and midfield players in front of him.
Ponticelli’s goals came after 22, 28, 50, 82 and 85 minutes, finishing clinically with feet and head before completing his personal tally from the penalty spot.
Jordan Thompson, from a 45th minute far post header following a corner, and Chris Camwell, with a fierce strike from a free-kick just after the hour, were Coventry’s other scorers.
Cardiff included Ben Margetson, the son of former Bluebirds goalkeeper Martyn, in defence, while Jason Bowen’s son, Sam, was injured and watched from the stand.
Cardiff City: Ratcliffe, Margetson, J Davies, Patten, Shariff, Madden, C Davies, Wootton (Jones 71), I Davies, Spence (King 46), Evans (C Williams 72).
At under-16 level Cardiff, again fielding an under-age team, fought out a 2-2 draw against Coventry.
