Harris’ Bluebirds Double Against Nugent’s Millwall

Kadeem Harris scored twice for Cardiff City in their 2-2 Professional Under-23 Development League draw against Millwall.

The young Bluebirds led 2-0 at Cardiff International Sports Stadium before Millwall hit back to earn a point thanks to goals from Michael Parker and Joe Wicks.

Former Cardiff striker Kevin Nugent is Millwall’s under-23 manager and his team and are now unbeaten in five matches.

Coaches Jarred Harvey and Andy Legg made five changes to the Cardiff team who faced Coventry last time out with goalkeeper Matthew Hall, Tyrone Duffus, Jack Bodenham, Loic Damour and Harris called into the starting line-up.

Cameron Coxe set up Harris to open the scoring after four minutes with a curling effort and the winger doubled Cardiff’s lead just before half-time from a penalty after Coxe was fouled.

Speedy winger Harris caused major problems for Millwall with his pace and could easily have finished with a hat-trick.

He had a powerful free-kick from 35 yards tipped over magnificently by ‘keeper Ryan Sandford and then had a low effort saved after good work by Damour.

Loic Damour has yet to play Premier League football this season and he was given a run in central midfield, produced some good footwork and excellent moments.

Coxe played a big role in the victory with his assists on both goals, while Jamie Veale was energetic and athletic through the middle.

City started the second half strongly and could have extended their lead through Veale, but the midfielder curled a shot just over from 15 yards after being picked out superbly by Coxe.

Cardiff were the better team for long periods, but they could not score a third goal which would surely have killed the game off and Millwall hit back.

Parker tapped home from close range to reduce the deficit just before the hour before Wicks converted two minutes from time to secure a draw.

There were a lack of chances in the  closing stages, but each side had one opening. Damour created space for Harris, but his effort was saved and then Wicks equalised after 88 minutes.

The next fixture for Cardiff’s Under-23 team  will be a trip to face Queens Park Rangers on Monday, October 1.

Cardiff City: Matt Hall, Paul McKay, Dan Martin, Tyrone Duffus (Laurence Wootton 70), Matt Connolly, Jack Bodenham (Ciaron Brown 84), Cameron Coxe, Jamie Veale, Ibrahim Meite, Loic Damour, Kadeem Harris. Subs: Warren Burwood (gk), Lloyd Humphries, Torres.

Millwall: Sandford, Brown, McNamara, Parker, Debrah, Stojsavljevic, Harvey (Davis 75), Wicks, Alexander, Olaofe, Saunders-Henry. Subs not used: Topalloj, Wright, Mitchell, Skeffington.