Rhondda Boy Cian Fires Bluebirds Winner Against QPR

Cian Ashford, a teenager from Rhondda Cynon Taf, fired Cardiff City’s late winner in their Professional Under-18 Development League win against Queens Park Rangers.

Substitute Ashford, who has joined the young Bluebirds from Cambrian and Clydach’s youth development system, fired the crucial goal in a 2-1 win after 90 minutes.

Cardiff’s youth players laid a wreath of tulips and daffodils in the dugout at the Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith in memory of Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson.

The tragedy overshadows football completely, but Cardiff City have to play on at all levels.

Cardiff City’s youth team laid this tribute to Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson before their match against Queens Park Rangers.

The Bluebirds’ Academy twitter feed says: “We continue to pray for positive news.”

Cardiff City stand top of the PDL South Division and went ahead after 20 minutes when Taylor Jones scored, finishing with clinical efficiency.

Kai Douglas equalised for Rangers with 10 minutes left and three minutes later City goalkeeper Jordan Duffey made a magnificent save to deny the visitors.

Cardiff made the most of that Duffey save when Ashford struck with the winner after 90 minutes.

Former Bluebirds captain Fred Keenor stands over the tributes to Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson.

QPR: Mahoney, Williams, Wodard-Innocent, Remy, Carlyle, Gubbins, Callender, Douglas, Babajide, Frailing, Mena. Sub: Grant, De Silva, Kargbo, Middlehurst.

Cardiff City: Jordan Duffey, Connor Davies, Trystan Jones, Jake Davies (capt), Ryan Kavanagh, Harry Pinchard, Knott, Jake Evans, Siyabonga Ligendza, Ntazana Mayembe, Taylor Jones. Subs not used: George Ratcliffe (gk), Thomas, Jack Clay, Maserani.

Welsh Youth Cup quarter-final draw (ties will be played on Sunday, February 3): Cardiff City vs Llanelli; TNS vs Cefn Druids; Swansea City vs Merthyr Town; Cardiff Met vs Llandudno.

Remaining Cardiff City PDL youth fixtures

January

Saturday 19 v Sheffield United, postponed (to be rearranged)

February

Sunday 3: Cardiff City v Llanelli (Welsh Youth Cup quarter-finals)

Saturday 9 v Bristol City (home at Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith, Noon)

Saturday 16 v Crystal Palace (away, 11am)

Saturday 23 v Coventry City (home at Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith, 11.30am)

March

Saturday 2 v Ipswich Town (away, 11am)

March 9 v Nottingham Forest (home at Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith, Noon)

March 16 v Leeds United (away, 11am)

March 23 v Bolton Wanderers (away, 11am)

March 30 v Sheffield Wednesday (home at Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith, 11am)

April

Saturday 6 v Crewe Alexandra (away, 11am)

Saturday 13 v Burnley (home at Cardiff International Sports Campus, Leckwith, 11am)