City Vs Flyers

Cardiff City Push Flyers to the Limit in Narrow Defeat
NBL Division Two | SGS College – WISE Campus | Saturday, 8th February 2025

Cardiff City delivered a spirited performance against Bristol Academy Flyers II, leading deep into the game before the home side edged a hard-fought 72-63 victory. Despite an early deficit, Cardiff battled back to tie the game by halftime and even took the lead heading into the final quarter, showcasing their resilience and determination.

First Half: A Gritty Comeback

Bristol started strong, taking a 25-17 lead after the first quarter. However, Cardiff quickly regrouped and responded in style. With Lewis Tucker orchestrating the offense and Siddiqullah Khan providing energy at both ends, they clawed their way back into the contest. A much-improved second quarter saw them match Bristol basket for basket, bringing the score level at 34-34 heading into the break.

Third Quarter: Cardiff Take the Lead

Riding their momentum, Cardiff came out firing in the third period. Anthony Sweeney and Jonathan Thorne made big plays, while their defensive pressure unsettled the Flyers. Cardiff’s disciplined approach and smart shot selection saw them outscore the hosts 17-16, giving them a narrow 51-50 lead heading into the final quarter.

Final Quarter: Flyers Rally Late

With Cardiff sensing an upset, Bristol had to dig deep in the fourth. Despite Cardiff’s continued hustle and fight, the Flyers found another gear, producing a 22-12 final quarter to reclaim the lead and see out the win. A few missed opportunities from the free-throw line and some late turnovers proved costly for Cardiff, but their overall performance was full of promise.

Key Positives for Cardiff

• Fighting Spirit: Coming back from an early eight-point deficit and taking the lead shows the team’s resilience.

• Strong Defense: Cardiff disrupted Bristol’s rhythm, forcing tough shots and turnovers.

• Momentum Carriers: The third-quarter push demonstrated their ability to take control of games.

• Never Backed Down: Despite Bristol’s late surge, Cardiff continued to battle until the final whistle.

Final Thoughts

While Cardiff didn’t get the win, their performance was a statement of intent. Going toe-to-toe with one of the league’s stronger sides and holding a lead heading into the fourth quarter highlights their potential. If they can build on this display, they will be a serious threat in the games to come.