Report | Cardiff City U21s 2 Swansea City U21s 1

Swansea City Under-21s suffered a narrow defeat against Cardiff City in the Professional Development League south Wales derby at Leckwith.

Tanastwa Nyakuhwa scored for the hosts at the beginning of each half with a header and a low finish respectively.

Maliq Cadogan had netted an equaliser for the Swans after great work from Thomas Woodward set the striker up perfectly to fire home, but the visitors were unable to find a second leveller.

Swansea fell a goal behind inside two minutes. A delivery from Isaac Jefferies was met by Nyakuhwa's head and he powered the ball beyond Kit Margetson.

The visitors sought a quick response, and Cadogan dragged an effort wide after cutting in from the flank, while Aimar Govea had an effort of his own deflected wide. 

The Swans started to settle and control possession following the early setback. Ben Lloyd showed strength to win possession high up the pitch, and his shot was blocked before Govea's rebound was cleared to safety.

But Swansea were to be rewarded with their patience and possession with a well-worked team goal in the 17th minute, Cadogan the beneficiary after fine work by Woodward.

The away side continued to press and a slick passage of play saw Lloyd's whipped cross pick out Sebastian Dabrowski, but his volley lacked control and flew wide.

Jack Fanning replaced Dabrowski shortly before the break after the left-back was unable to play through a knock he had picked up early on.

But the Swans' backline defended well as the Bluebirds piled on the pressure in the closing stages of the half to ensure the scoreline remained level.

Swansea started the second period on top, and almost went in front after Arthur Parker's strike from a corner was cleared off the line.

However, the hosts once again took the lead a few moments later, and it was Nyakuhwa again with his second of the afternoon as he finished with a low strike from Dylan Lawlor's cross. 

Substitutes Josh Pescatore and Sammy Henia-Kamau made an immediate impact from the bench for the Swans as they linked well, but Pescatore's high delivery proved just too high for the arriving striker in the six-yard box.

The visitors continued to push and Pescatore flew down the right before unleashing a curling strike goalward, only for Armstrong to tip it onto the woodwork to deny Swansea a share of the spoils.

Swansea City Under-21s: Kit Margetson, Zac Jeanes (Josh Pescatore 61), Sebastian Dabrowski (Jack Fanning 37), Jacob Cook, Arthur Parker, Iestyn Jones, Maliq Cadogan, Daniel Watts, Thomas Woodward, Ben Lloyd (Captain) (Henia-Kamau 61), Aimar Govea (Ramon Rees-Siso 70).

Substitutes: Sam Seager.