Report | Swansea City U18s 1 Cardiff City U18s 4

A hat-trick from Tanatswa Nyakuhwa condemned Swansea City Under-18s to defeat against their Cardiff counterparts at Landore Training Ground.

The Swans had led through Josh Carey's strike just before the half-hour mark, but the visitors were to bounce back with two goals in six minutes from Japhet Matondo and Nyakuhwa to lead going into the interval.

And it was Nyakuhwa who netted twice in the second-half to complete his hat-trick and to ensure the Bluebirds went away with all three points. 

There were three changes to the Swansea side that lost to Millwall last time out, with Ewan Griffiths, Dan Watts and Yori Griffith coming in to the starting XI, Griffith sporting the number 10 shirt in Iwan Morgan’s absence.  

The Bluebirds had the chance to take an early lead. Trey George latched on to a loose ball following a Swans’ defensive mistake but sent his shot wide of the target

The Swans were looking lively. Zane Myers producing a lovely dribble down the left-hand touchline which saw him beat a trio of Cardiff defenders before the visitors scrambled clear.

At the other end, Nyakuhwa's free-kick hit the crossbar, while Arthur Parker made an outstanding block to deny Matondo.

But it was the hosts who took the lead. Aimar Govea's initial shot came back off the crossbar, and skipper Carey was on hand to beat keeper Joe Thomas from the rebound.

However, the Bluebirds were soon to be on level terms. The hosts countered in transition, with Matondo driving down the left flank and advancing into the Swansea box before firing home from a tight angle.

And it would be another counter-attack that would allow the Bluebirds to take the lead before the break. Nyakuhwa finishing off the move after being picked out on the left-side of the area.

The visitors started the second half on the front foot and, after seeing two shots cleared off the line, the ball fell to Nyakuhwa, who tapped home for his second of the afternoon.  

Fresh legs were introduced as David Roberts and Thomas Woodward were brought on to replace Sam Parker and Watts respectively, as the Swans sought a way back into the game. 

Chances came thick and fast for the Swans. Richard Faakye saw his shot deflect just wide before Myers’ chipped effort was palmed over the bar by Thomas.

The home side kept battling, and substitute Rohan Davies almost gave them hope with a fine curling strike that looked destined for the top corner before being tipped away by the Cardiff keeper. 

But the visitors had the last word as the striker rounded Ewan Griffiths to complete his treble.

The Swans are back in action on Saturday, March 4 against Bristol City. (11am kick-off). 

Swansea City Under-18s: Ewan Griffiths, Sam Parker (David Roberts 50’), Arthur Parker (Cameron Llewellyn 70’), Richard Faakye, Jada Mawongo, Josh Carey (captain), Aimar Govea, Dan Watts (Thomas Woodward 63’) Geoff Bony, Yori Griffith (Rohan Davies 70’), Zane Myers.  

Unused subs: Kit Margetson. 

Cardiff City Under-18s: Joe Thomas, Will Spiers, Joe Keeping, Luey Giles, Dylan Lawlor, Dan Barton (Cody Twose 60'), Cole Flemimg (Troy Perrett 71'), Lewys Ware, Tanatswa Nyakuhwa (Louis Phillps 85'), Trey George, Japhet Matondo (Josh Beecher 85')

Unused subs: Luke Armstrong.