Saturday Fulham Stuff - 26/02/22...

[WhiteJC]

Matchday Guide | City vs. Fulham

Read all the latest matchday information ahead of our clash with the Cottagers on Saturday afternoon!

Cardiff City vs. Fulham. Saturday, February 26th, 2022. Kick-off: 3pm

Tickets

Tickets for City's match against Fulham are available to purchase now, with tickets starting at just £19 for adults and £9 for U16s! Click here to secure your seat.

If visiting the Ticket Office before kick-off, please note that the preferred method of payment is by card, and supporters are asked to arrive as early as possible, taking possible queue times into consideration.

Find full 2021/22 Match Ticket pricing below, with our match against Fulham listed as a gold category fixture.

Match Sponsors

Saturday's match sponsors are father and daughter John and Julie Brown, who are long-time Cardiff City supporters.

The first match John attended was a 5-0 victory against Mansfield in 1947, which he watched with his father (himself a 1927 FA Cup Final attendee) from the Grand Stand at Ninian Park.

He's been bringing his daughter Julie to matches since she was 5 years old, and their favourite memory of watching the Bluebirds is Brian Clark's winning goal versus Real Madrid in 1971. 

We hope you both have a lovely afternoon at CCS.

Match Ball Sponsors

Saturday afternoon's match ball sponsors are Amber.

Amber grew from the belief that the energy industry was ready for change and that businesses being overcharged and underserved by their consultants deserved better.

Dedicated to providing a genuine alternative, Amber set about becoming a partner that businesses could trust to look after their and the planet's best interests. 

B Corp certified and named 'Consultancy of the Year' in 2020, Amber has an innovative, planet-first approach to energy management which is recognised across the industry. On a mission to fix utilities, save the planet and make people happy.

For more information, visit: www.amber.net

Arriving at Cardiff City Stadium

The gates at CCS will open at 1pm – two hours before kick-off against Fulham.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive in good time, so as to enter the ground as easily as possible, and arrive ahead of kick-off at 3pm.

Please note that COVID Passes or evidence of a negative lateral flow result are no longer required in order to enter Cardiff City Stadium.

Limited matchday parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at £10 per car. Payments will be cash only and car parks will close 30 minutes before kick-off.

Please note, Cardiff Council have introduced new parking restrictions in the vicinity of CCS, which can be found here.

Please note: While Welsh Government regulations state that face masks are not required in outdoor settings or hospitality (including concourses) Cardiff City FC requires face masks to be worn while entering the stadium and queuing at food and beverage kiosks and toilets. It is a recommendation only that face masks are worn at other times. Click here to read the Supporter Code of Conduct for the 2021/22 Season.
Image

Superstore

Get down to Cardiff City FC Superstore and pick up a bargain, with reductions on replica kit and training wear of up to 50%!

The Superstore will once again be opening its doors from 10am until kick-off on Saturday afternoon, giving City supporters plenty of time to visit before entering CCS! The Superstore will then reopen for half an hour post-match.

Please note that the Superstore will be operating by card payment only at this time.

You can also make purchases from the Superstore online!

If you're headed to the Superstore before kick-off, keep an eye out for Cardiff City FC Foundation's 'Tap to Donate' machines dotted near the tills.

By donating, you'll be supporting children, young people and families across South Wales achieve their full potential through the Foundation's projects and programmes.

The Bluebird

Buy a copy of the Cardiff City vs. Fulham matchday programme, with Alex Smithies as cover star and feature interview!

Physical copies of The Bluebird will be available to purchase from selected programme booths and retail departments around CCS.

To pay with cash, please visit the programme booth located between Gates 3 & 4 (Canton Stand). All other programme booths will be cashless.

Alternatively, you can purchase a digital copy of The Bluebird here for just £1.99! Digital copies are available to view on both mobile and desktop browsers.

Pre-match offers

Before kick-off on Saturday, you can purchase a pie & a pint for just £7.35!*

Also, if you buy any hot food item between gates opening and kick-off, you'll have the choice of a free tea/coffee or 500ml bottle of water!

*All items subject to availability and while stocks last. This offer includes a pint of Amstel Lager or Strongbow and a mince beef & onion pie or a vegetarian alternative. Offers are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any point.

Ahead of Kick-Off

Once inside CCS, you will be able to purchase food and drink from the stadium kiosks located around the concourses. Whilst using these facilities, as well as the toilets, please be aware that Cardiff City FC requires face masks to be worn while entering the stadium and queuing at food and beverage kiosks and toilets. Click here to read the Supporter Code of Conduct for the 2021/22 Season.

Please note: Payments at kiosks around CCS will be cashless throughout the season.

Following a change to policy, E-cigarettes/vaporisers are no longer permitted to be used in the seating bowl at CCS. Supporters who wish to use these devices are welcome to leave the ground at half-time to do so.

Audio Description Commentary Service

Cardiff City Football Club is delighted to continue the audio description commentary service at Cardiff City Stadium to promote access for all football fans this season. The service, provided by Alan March Sport Ltd, will be available at all future home fixtures also.

The free to use service for blind and vision impaired spectators will be available to both home and visiting fans, with our team of trained audio describers keeping up with play to the second to ensure listeners know exactly where the ball is and what is happening on the pitch.

To register your interest and book a receiver, email [email protected] ahead of Saturday's match. Click here for more information.

Canton Stand - The Jukebox Bandits

This is the second time this season The Jukebox Bandits have played in the Canton Stand this season!

Formed in 2018, the band have been busy across South Wales playing in bars, clubs, weddings and private parties.

Weeks of Action 2022

From Saturday 26th February until Sunday 14th March, Cardiff City FC and Cardiff City FC Foundation are proud to support Level Playing Field's 'Weeks of Action' campaign.

Level Playing Field is a registered disability charity in England and Wales, and acts as a campaigning and advisory organisation to its membership and other parties across all sports.

Find out more about Cardiff City's involvement here.

Together Against Discrimination

Football is for everyone. We might support different teams, but football unites and inspires us.

It is a game with many opinions. But there is one on which we should all agree.

Racism and discrimination is not welcome in our game. So if you hear it, report it - whether in the street, at Cardiff City Stadium or online.

And when you see players taking the knee ahead of the game as a simple and peaceful act of protest this season, please respect their choice.

Because we are all Together Against Discrimination.

ick-Off

City kick-off against the Whites at 3pm on Saturday!

We can't to welcome you to CCS, Bluebirds!

#CityAsOne



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/matchday-guide-city-vs-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Doyle pre-Fulham | We're focused ahead of Saturday

Ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash against Fulham, City midfielder Tommy Doyle spoke to Cardiff City TV.

Following a narrow defeat against Huddersfield Town earlier in the week, Tommy spoke of the importance of switching focus towards the next fixture, a highly-anticipated home return against the league leaders.

"After Wednesday I think that the focus has now gone squarely onto the next game as quickly as possible," Tommy began. "The games are coming thick and fast, so it's about getting ready as quick as you can, and getting ready to perform.

"As a footballer you want to be playing as many games as possible, and it's tough, but you want to be playing in these big games. Like I say, when you play a game it's about moving onto the next and being ready for it.

"Every game that we go into we want to win. Obviously some games are more challenging than others, and different games offer different things. For us it's about preparing as well as possible, keeping ourselves fit and giving everything we've got when we get into these games.

"We've got a good squad, and everyone's ready to play, and when we're on the pitch we want to make sure that we give 110%, and hopefully can win some more games."

At the end of a busy month of fixtures for City, Doyle continued by praising the supporters who have backed the Bluebirds so far this season, as he eagerly awaits a return to CCS.

"The support is unbelievable, they help us a lot," said Tommy. "They don't stop singing from start to finish, and it makes a big difference to us when you hear them.

"You keep going, and it gives you extra fight and motivation. Home away they're brilliant, and they'll be the twelfth man for us at the game tomorrow, and like I say, we're going there to win."



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/doyle-pre-fulham-were-focused-ahead-saturday

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U23 2-1 Aston Villa U23

The Fulham Under-23s are champions of the Premier League 2 Division 2 after beating Aston Villa Under-23s 2-1 on Friday evening.

Despite going a goal down, the young Whites fought back through Luke Harris and Sonny Hilton to clinch the title for their side.

Ollie O'Neill made his return to the team following a spell on the sidelines through injury and Alex Borto kept his place in between the sticks.

Villa enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening minutes of the fixture, although they did little to cause Borto any real problems.

The young Whites, however, through Jay Stansfield, came close to opening the scoring when he audaciously attempted to lob Villa shot stopper, Zych when he saw him off the line.

Stanno was unlucky again just a short while after when his powerful effort was bravely cleared off the line by a Villa defender.

The pressure from the away side soon prevailed, however, when they took the lead through Josh Feeney in the 26th minute from six yards.

Following the goal, we looked to retain the ball better than we had been, despite Villa still asking questions of our backline on the counter-attack.

In the 37th minute, Luke Harris picked up from where he started following his hattrick in Newcastle, when he headed home an effort from a corner to level the score before half-time.

In the second half at Motspur Park, both sides struggled to create many chances, with passages of play failing to turn into goalscoring opportunities.

It was a moment of magic though from the captain, Sonny Hilton, who scored directly from a corner kick in the 71st minute to thrust his side into the lead and on the cusp of the title.

Steve Wigley ensured that his side did everything to hold onto the lead by directing the young Whites to sit deeper and absorb some of the pressure.

The win means that the Fulham Under-23s are champions of the Premier League 2 Division 2, with five games left to go! An impressive feat by all involved with the team.

Following the game, Tony Khan expressed his pleasure at the lads' season and offered his congratulations to the group: "I want to congratulate Steve Wigley, all the staff, and this talented team of young players for this fantastic achievement. It is the result of hard work, dedication, and the desire to succeed. I'm so proud that the philosophy of our Academy has resulted in this success, long may it continue. Congratulations boys, you all deserve it!! Come on Fulham."

Fulham U23: Borto, Larkeche, Odutayo, Robinson, D'Auria-Henry, Stansfield, Hilton, O'Neill (Sanderson 90'), Harris, Pajaziti, Bowie

Subs: Bowat, Sanderson, Ameyaw, Schwarzer

Aston Villa U23: Zych, Appiah (Smith 79'), Munroe (Ealing 45'), Barber, Feeney, Lindley, Jay-Hart, Reddin, Abldeen-Goodridge (Swinkels 59'), Young, Afoka

Subs: Ealing, Smith, Wright, Swinkels



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/february/25/Fulham-U23-2-1-Aston-Villa-U23/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham U23s clinch title with Villa victory

Skipper Sonny Hilton scored straight from a corner again as Fulham under 23s clinched promotion and the Premier League 2 Second Division title with a hard-fought victory over Aston Villa at Motspur Park tonight.

Steve Wigley's side have utterly dominated the division this season with a series of outstanding performances but their big night threatened to fall flat with an enterprising Villa side revelling in their role as party poopers. Mark Delaney's charges popped the ball around with real intent in the early stages and took the lead when Josh Feeney fired home his first Villa goal after Charlie Robinson's challenge on the lively Tristan Ableen-Goodridge carried the ball into the centre back's path.

Fulham had enjoyed plenty of chances prior to going behind with Jay Stansfield, playing in the hole behind Kieron Bowie, almost audaciously chipping goalkeeper Oliwier Zych from distance and then seeing a drive scrambled off the line after the keeper had presented possession to Bowie. The hosts levelled matters six minutes before half-time when sixteen year-old Luke Harris continued his sensational scoring form by ghosting into space at the far post to head home Hilton's corner.

Both sides pressed for a winner in a very entertaining second half. Wigley had picked an adventurous starting eleven with Ollie O'Neill, returning after a lengthy injury lay-off, deployed in a playmaking role in central midfield, but Villa were far from shutting up shop – searching for a winner themselves to boost their play-off hopes. Adrion Pajaziti slammed a shot into the legs of a Villa defender before a Bowie crash whizzed right across the face of goal and Harris hammered a strike straight at Zynch.

Fulham's pressure paid off in the final twenty minutes as Hilton repeated his feat of scoring straight from a corner as he did recently at Stoke. He whipped a dangerous inswinger towards the goalkeeper, who fumbled it into the net under pressure, to give the young Whites a precious lead. The visitors continued to throw numbers forward in an attempt to force an equaliser, but it was Fulham who came the closest to scoring again as Ziyech thwarted Stansfield after Bowie had cut a ball back from the byline.

Wigley's impressive youngsters soaked up a prolonged period of visiting pressure in more than five minutes of stoppage time to claim the title with five games left of an incredible season, which is the latest indication of the progress made at academy level at Motspur Park. With so many talented youngsters at their disposal, the future looks particularly bright for Fulham.

FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): Borto; D'Auria-Henry, Larkeche, C. Robinson, Odutayo; Pajaziti, O'Neill (Sanderson 90); Hilton, Stansfield, Harris; Bowie. Subs (not used): J. Schwarzer, Ameyaw, Bowat.

BOOKED: O'Neill.

GOALS: Harris (39), Hilton (72).

ASTON VILLA UNDER 23s (4-3-3-): Zych; Barber, Munroe (Ealing 45), Appiah (Smith 83), Feeney; Jay-Hart, Lindley, Reddin; Goodridge (Swinkels 59), Afoka, Young. Subs (not used): Wright.

BOOKED: Ealing.

GOAL: Feeney (26).

REFEREE: A. Ajibola.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/fulham-u23s-clinch-title-with-villa-victory/

[WhiteJC]

Parker has his say on Mitrovic's 'incredible scoring record'

SCOTT Parker admitted Aleksandar Mitrovic's "incredible" scoring record "doesn't surprise me" and said the striker's goals were "pivotal" to league leaders Fulham.

Serbian striker Mitrovic broke the Championship record for goals scored in a regular season on Wednesday.

A brace in a 2-1 win over Peterborough took the frontman's league tally for the campaign to 33, beating the competition's previous best of Ivan Toney – who struck 31 times for Brentford last season.

It put him nine behind Guy Whittingham's second-tier, 46-game record of 42 set in the 1992-93 season.

Mitrovic played 81 times under Parker during the head coach's time at Craven Cottage – scoring 31 goals and registering 11 assists.

Asked about the 27-year-old achieving the milestone, Parker said: "Incredible scoring record.

"To score that amount of goals at any level, in any division, is no mean feat really, so a large part of why Fulham are up there where they are, of course.

"He is pivotal to that, like he has been throughout his time there, certainly in this division really. So it doesn't surprise me.

"He has scored a lot of goals in this division and fair play – that's no mean feat what he's done. A serious amount of goals this season."



https://uk.news.yahoo.com/parker-mitrovics-incredible-scoring-record-223000731.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAqZH8My-6iR3-G0iJnbjaA_9uSfx6O350VDhqHzlaOCrrx0kzApWwkjF_XeQXYxoxByvI9QpvXLbAZbPI-nUmwguIhAuPGvGYOxgXvrtDvES9FEJYUaOxI1WsV0ubZ491t6fQQEjdpY7f7Jst2gFRvgrRHvcQEOJ31u-VLon7iw

[WhiteJC]

U18 Preview: Fulham vs Saints

Southampton's youngsters look to extend their lead at the top of the Under-18 Premier League table as they travel to Fulham on Saturday.

THE MATCH

Fulham vs Saints
Under-18 Premier League
Motspur Park
Saturday 26 February, 11am GMT

The hosts have been on a positive run of form, recently claiming victory over both Brighton and Chelsea in February.

Imani Lanquedoc netted a hat-trick in Fulham's 5-1 win over Brighton, with Xavier Benjaming and Terrell Works also on the scoresheet. Victory over Saints could see them leapfrog Arsenal in the current standings to move up to sixth.

Saints returned to the top of the Under-18 Premier League table last time out, as goals from Tyler Dibling and Rylee Wright saw them emerge victorious at Staplewood over West Brom.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

A Dom Ballard brace was the difference when Saints hosted Fulham at Staplewood in the reverse fixture in December.

A different tale was told when Saints visited Fulham last season, though, with Fulham racing to a comprehensive 6-0 victory in their bid for the title.

With Saints and Fulham finishing at opposite ends of the table in the 2020/21 season, Carl Martin's side will be looking to reverse the fortunes this time round.



https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2022-02-25/under-18-preview-fulham-southampton-under-18-premier-league-2021-22

[WhiteJC]

Fulham team news and predicted XI for Cardiff City clash

Fulham make the long journey to South Wales to face Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon.

Marco Silva's side will be looking to pick up another three points this afternoon as they face Steve Morison's Cardiff City away from home.

Fulham head into the tie off the back of a midweek win over strugglers Peterborough United and will fancy their chances of picking up another important win in their bid to make a return to Premier League football.

They face a Cardiff City side that have proven to be tricky customers under Morison's management though. The Bluebirds have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five and currently sit in 19th, though they are a comfortable 15 points away from the relegation zone.

Fulham team news

Silva has no new injury blows to contend with after the 2-1 win over Peterborough United, so he could field a similar side today.

Tom Cairney will likely remain unavailable through injury, but forward Rodrigo Muniz could come back into contention after missing the last two games.

Predicted XI

(4-2-3-1)

Rodak (GK)

Williams

Adarabioyo

Ream

Robinson

Reed

Seri

Wilson

Carvalho

Kebano

Mitrovic

Fulham have a wealth of attacking options available to them, with the likes of Harry Wilson and Ivan Cavaleiro on the bench in midweek. Wilson could return to the starting XI though to face his former loan side Cardiff City. The attacking midfielder enjoyed a successful spell with the Bluebirds last season, managing seven goals and 12 assists, but he could come back to haunt them this weekend.

The tie kicks off at 15:00 this afternoon.



https://the72.co.uk/264216/fulham-team-news-and-predicted-xi-for-cardiff-city-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Stansfield elated with title success

Jay Stansfield was delighted that Fulham's all-conquering under-23s sealed both promotion from the Premier League 2 Division 2 and the league title with victory over Aston Villa last night – but the young striker is already focused on the next challenge.

The Tiverton-born talent has enjoyed an exceptional first three years at Fulham, winning back-to-back under 18s southern titles before earning promotion with the under 23s as the young Whites clinched the title with five games to spare. The 19 year-old told FFCTV last night:

"It's good. A lot of us boys have obviously been here through the whole scholar [programme]. We won two titles last year and the year before. To win this one and be able to go up and play against bigger and better teams will be the next challenge for us.

We've just going to enjoy the games now. We're still going to be professional and try and get as many wins as possible and then it comes to the last game of the season at Craven Cottage and we can lift the trophy, that's when we can celebrate and enjoy the experience."

Stansfield, who has battled back from injuries this term to score five goals in nine matches and added two assists when deployed in a new number ten role, praised the impact of head coach Steve Wigley, who was promoted to under 23 coach earlier this season after years in charge of the under 18 squad.

"So much. The attitude that he brings to the team, the work rate. Some teams can't handle it. Tonight they've done quite well playing out – but we've still outworked them and that's what got us the result."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/stansfield-elated-with-title-success/

[WhiteJC]

Wigley hails Fulham's 'real talent'

Steve Wigley hailed the 'real talent' within Fulham's academy set up after the under 23s claimed the Premier League 2 Second Division title with five games to spare.

The under 23s head coach was delighted with the character of his side after the young Whites came from behind to clinch both promotion back to the top flight and the championship with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Motspur Park last night courtesy of second half goals from Luke Harris and Sonny Hilton. Wigley told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"To have done it the way have and as early as they have – if I'm honest, I thought we'd won it three weeks ago, but I'd never say that! The attitude probably since the West Brom game at the turn, when you play the second half of the season, we always went out with a mantra that anybody we beat between now and the end of the season, is finished. That's how we have approached it and when we finished the game, I've said, that's a line through them. Tonight was the first time we were a little bit nervy because of the consequences. Believe me, it's not easy to win games of football.

"There's some real talent out there in your different ages. From the youngest in Luke Harris to the oldest in Sonny, the season he's had is unbelievable – if you look at his stats, goals and assists. It has been really well supported from Marco, the manager, because he's set out a culture at the start of the year where young players will train with him every day and if they are not in the squad, they will play. There's a good culture throughout the football club and hopefully the first team go and finish the season in fine form for us."

Wigley, who adds the under 23 success to back-to-back southern under 18 league titles after stepping up from leading the younger age group, was typically modest about his personal success preferring to praise both the quality at his disposal and the way the squad bought entirely in his coaching methods.

"I've been lucky – got good players! Good players and everybody who's out there has played for me at some time. We're all fully aware of what the expectations are. Seasons like this are won Monday to Friday really because of the hard work and I haven't had to raise my voice all season really. You work hard on the training ground and they transfer that into the games."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/wigley-hails-fulhams-real-talent/

[WhiteJC]

Parkes prepared for 'battle' with Saints

Fulham under 18s skipper Stefan Parkes knows Fulham will have to be at their best when they take on league leaders Southampton at Motspur Park this morning.

The Saints have won each of their last three league fixtures, scoring eleven goals in the process, and are currently a point clear of West Ham at the top of the table with a game in hand. Parkes told Fulham's official website that his team will be ready to raise their game, having been easily beaten at Staplewood earlier in the season.

"It's going to be another tough battle this weekend, but I'm sure all the boys are up for it! Southampton are a top side in great form and a win against them this Saturday would be a great testament to the work we put in week in week out.

Of course, getting one back over them would be nice and obviously no one wants to lose, but revenge isn't on the forefront of our minds and we can't get caught up in that mindset. Our main focus is to be the best we can be, improve as much as we can and give it 110% everyday. If we continue to hold ourselves to these high standards then come Saturday, I feel the result will take care of itself."

The full back feels the squad have grown in confidence after winning at Chelsea in the local derby and knocking Manchester City out of the Premier League Cup and praised the character of the team for emerging from a disappointing run of form to play some of their best football of the campaign.

"I wouldn't say we've changed much to be honest. I mean each week we constantly keep training hard, in and around the training ground and so it was only a matter of time before we got back to winning ways. I also feel it says a lot about the characters that we have in the squad, that we were able to endure a rough spell and yet still be able to fight as hard as we do now."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/parkes-prepared-for-battle-with-saints/

[WhiteJC]

Duff registers first win in management

Former Fulham winger Damien Duff recorded his first win as a manager last night as Shelbourne produced a professional performance to secure a 2-0 victory at Drogheda.

Second half strikes from Dan Hawkins and Mark Coyle – the latter a classic breakaway finish in injury time – sealed a maiden League of Ireland success for Duff, whose move into management made quite the splash in his homeland this winter. His charges had to weather a significant period of pressure from the home side before picking up a first win of the new season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/02/duff-registers-first-win-in-management/