Report | Swansea City U18s 4 Cardiff City U18s 2

A hat-trick from Sammy Henia-Kamau and a header from Jack Fanning got Swansea City Under-18s' Professional Development League Cup campaign off to a flying start as they beat Cardiff City at Landore Training Ground.

The hosts took an early lead through a Henia-Kamau goal, before Dan Ola levelled for the visitors.

But Fanning headed home to put the Swans back in front once again, before Henia-Kamau won and converted a penalty to put the Swans two goals to the good before the break.

Cardiff pulled another back after Will Spiers converted a spot-kick for the Bluebirds.

But Henia-Kamau made sure of the win as he completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, drilling home after a superb run down the right flank.

There were three changes to the starting XI that faced Sheffield Wednesday last time out. Dan Watts – fresh from signing professional terms with the club – gained vital minutes before heading off for international duty with Wales Under-19s. 

Meanwhile, Henia-Kamau made his first competitive start for the youn Swans after making the move from Jersey Bulls in July. 

The home side started well, moving the ball about and denying the visitors space. 

And the Swans deservedly took the lead with two minutes on the clock. Watts’ mazy run through a sea of blue shirts saw his cross turned in by Henia-Kamau on the left side of the area.

The Bluebirds sought a quick response and Ola found the net from close range, but the referee disallowed the goal after Callum Deacon was fouled in the build up. 

But the visitors levelled from their next attack. Ola once again driving forward before finding the net after Kit Margetson had saved his initial effort. 

The Swans responded with a lovely flowing move, working their way from back to front and restored their lead with 20 minutes played. 

And it was centre-back Fanning who rose highest from a Swansea corner, unleashing a powerful header to find the net.

It got better for the Swans moments later as Henia-Kamau won and converted a penalty before the break, following a handball by a Cardiff defender.

Cardiff came straight out of the blocks following the restart, and it took some crucial blocks from Arthur Parker and  skipper Deacon to deny them a goal back.

However, the visitors did hit back when they were awarded a spot-kick and Spiers put it way for the Bluebirds to bring the deficit down to one goal.

However, made sure of the win through Henia-Kama. The striker completed his hat-trick and added Swansea's fourth after a sweeping move which also involved some great work from Thomas Woodward and Aimar Govea.

Swansea City Under-18s: Kit Margetson, Jack Fanning, Arthur Parker, Jacob Cook, Sep Dabrowski (Ramon Rees-Siso 70), Callum Deacon (captain), Josh Pescatore (Aimar Govea 62), Dan Watts, Sammy Henia-Kamau (Rohan Davies 82), Thomas Woodward, Caio Ifans (Ben Phillips 82)

Substitutes: Ewan Griffiths.

Cardiff City Under-18s: Luke Armstrong, Ronan Kpakio, Jac Thomas, Daharai Mafico, Alyas Debono, Joseff Edwards (Will Spiers 55), Cole Fleming, Trey George, Dan Ola (James Lester 55), Troy Perrett, Japhet Matondo.

Substitutes: Lennon Talbot, Osian Rees.