The Sky Blues U23s host Crewe Alexandra at the Alan Higgs Centre this afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for the Professional Development League clash at 1 pm. Here’s everything you need to know about our opponents.
Last Time Out…
The U23s’ made it three wins on the trot last Tuesday when they travelled to South Yorkshire to face Barnsley in the PDL, running out 3-1 winners.
Fabio Tavares scored the game’s opening goal early on in the first half, before adding a second moments before the break, to send City into a 2-0 lead heading into half-time.
Former City man David Bremang pulled one back for the Tykes just before they were reduced to ten men, which allowed space in behind and for Tavares to complete his hat-trick and seal the points in injury time.
Sky Blues Xl: Cian Tyler, Blaine Rowe, George Burroughs, Josh Pask, Julien Dacosta, Trialist, Jonny Ngandu (C), Ryan Howley, Ricardo Dinanga, Aaron Evans-Harriott, Fabio Tavares.
Subs: Charlie Callaghan, Fionn O'Brien, Oliver Berry, Justin Obikwu, Evan Eghoso
The Opposition
The Alex finished 9th in the 2020/21 Professional Development League Northern Division and currently find themselves 6th after winning 2-1 against Peterborough United last time out.
During the game, Peterborough held most of the possession, but the Alex had the better chances. Oli Finney scored with a superb lob over the Posh ‘keeper.
The Alex struck again at the 55-minute mark. The second goal ended with Connor O'Riordan's unlucky effort hitting both posts and rebounding out to Salisbury, who tapped into an empty net.
Peterborough got one back through a soft penalty decision. An unlucky Booth went the right way but didn’t quite keep it out.
Kai Corbett was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on Lundstram, and Peterborough finished the last ten minutes with ten men.
Last Six Games
Won – Crewe Alexandra U23s 2-1 Peterborough United U23s (Professional Development League)
Won – Crewe Alexandra U23s 2-1 Barnsley U23s (Professional Development League)
Lost – Hull City U23s 4-0 Crewe Alexandra U23s (Professional Development League)
Lost – Crewe Alexandra U23s 1-3 Wigan Athletic U23s (Professional Development League)
Lost – Swansea City U23s 4-2 Crewe Alexandra U23s (Professional Development League
Lost – QPR U23s 3-1 Crewe Alexandra U23s (Professional Development League)
Last Time We Met
The two sides last met was in April 2021 at the Alan Higgs Centre and it was Crewe who would come away 1-0 winners.
Crewe took the lead with 15 minutes left on the clock and despite a flurry of late chances for the Sky Blues, they were unable to find an equaliser and eventually fell short.
Sky Blues Xl: Tom Billson (GK), Jack Burroughs, Blaine Rowe, Jordon Thompson, Josh Reid, Jordan Young, Dan Bartlett, Jonny Ngandu (C), Will Bapaga, Fabio Tavares (70' Trialist), Wesley Jobello (65' Lafferty).
Subs: Cian Tyler (GK), Joe Newton, Dan Lafferty, Jay McGrath, Trialist.
Northern Section Table:
Team |
Played |
F |
A |
GD |
Points |
Coventry City |
9 |
24 |
10 |
+14 |
22 |
Sheffield United |
9 |
20 |
9 |
+11 |
19 |
Peterborough United |
8 |
17 |
13 |
+4 |
11 |
Hull City |
8 |
15 |
17 |
-2 |
10 |
Wigan Athletic |
7 |
9 |
14 |
-5 |
9 |
Crewe Alexandra |
9 |
12 |
22 |
-10 |
9 |
Barnsley |
9 |
8 |
25 |
-17 |
7 |
Sheffield Wednesday |
9 |
7 |
17 |
-10 |
5 |