Cardiff City U21 and Pontypridd Town AFC faced off in a tightly contested League Cup match, with Cardiff City U21 emerging victorious 3-1. The match's decisive moments were heavily influenced by Cardiff City U21’s attacking efficiency and teamwork. Scoring first in the 17th minute gave Cardiff an early advantage, putting Pontypridd on the back foot. Cardiff maintained their pressure with a second goal early in the second half, which set the tone for the match's remainder.

Statistically, Cardiff City U21 exhibited dominance in offensive metrics, evidenced by their eight corner kicks compared to Pontypridd Town AFC's two. This disparity indicates Cardiff's prolonged attacking presence, creating multiple set-piece opportunities. Pontypridd struggled to contain this pressure, also reflected in their two yellow cards, which affected their defensive strategy. Cardiff’s cleaner disciplinary record, with no yellow cards, contributed to sustained pressure without risk of severe sanctions.

Moreover, Cardiff's three offside calls to Pontypridd's single offside reflect their ambition and forward movement; however, it also hints at moments of overzealous attacking. In contrast, Pontypridd's solitary goal showcased resilience but came too late to shift momentum significantly. Their goal at the 18:58 mark in the second half temporarily narrowed the gap to 2-1 but did not sufficiently alter the game's dynamics due to Cardiff’s swift response with a third goal at 29:54.

In evaluating defence, Cardiff's clean sheet in terms of yellow cards suggests disciplined play. Conversely, Pontypridd’s two yellow cards at crucial junctures undermined their composure and ability to mount a cohesive comeback. This disciplined play allowed Cardiff to stay focused and ultimately secure the victory.

In conclusion, the critical factors in Cardiff City U21's success were their aggressive yet disciplined offensive strategy, effective utilization of set-pieces, and superior game management in the face of Pontypridd Town AFC’s attempts to counterattack. These aspects collectively underscore Cardiff's teamwork and performance superiority on the day.

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