Played well but Cardiff were a good side

Disappointing goal to give away, losing two headers at a corner. Cardiff had a corner a couple of minutes earlier and we didn?t defend it very convincingly so maybe not that surprising. The second goal was also very basic, punt flick on and shot. Once City settled down we looked very good, and could well have been level. Jackson was too timid with a shot and should have just smashed it. Wes had a very good run (much like when he scored against Huddersfield last season) but the keeper saved the shot. We did have other chances, but there were many poor crosses with Martin (R) and Lappin most culpable. Our goal came from a cross from Smith (S)

Our first goal was well deserved and they scored almost immediately when we had ten as Wes was off getting treatment. I thought it was very harsh but a pal thought Ward moved his arm towards the ball. If the incident had been on the other side of the box I don?t think it would not have been given but as the lino was looking at it he decided it was a pen.

That knocked us back and the half finished with Cardiff looking a little better. There?s no way we were two goals worse than them.

Fair play to Cardiff they played very well second half, kept the ball, and looked mostly in control. We chased it loads and were looking very tired with ten to go; at that time I would have settled for 1-3 and we were lucky not to concede another. Ruddy made a couple of very good saves at the end.

Cardiff had some many attacking options it was scary; all very fast and prem or near prem quality. Their two centre backs don?t look that good, but Olifinjana played just in front of them and gave them some good protection. Bellamy was very quiet, had some good touches. He took a corner in front of us and we all applauded and he gave us the thumbs up.

We bumped into Neil and Chris on the train back to London. The consensus of opinion was one of disappointment but not downheartedness.

I thought Cardiff were the best team I?ve seen this season (I?ve missed three games so far), and that they will play far worse and win. The only down side to the game for me was up front where we had opportunities and didn?t take them. Holty was not great and struggled, but we didn?t create many chances in the box for him.

Plus side was that we could have crumbled at 0-2 (as Leeds did on Monday night) but we fought back into the game well. It was a good day out and a decent game, but quality told in the end.

Posted By: KentonCanary, Oct 30, 22:10:15