Cardiff 2 Blues 1

Some defeats you can take positives from, this was one of them. Cardiff were protecting a 100% home record so the task facing Blues was massive, even tougher than Brighton. After giving every ounce on Saturday, could Blues do it again? Unfortunately not.

Blues played some decent stuff in this match, especially early on. Leroy Lita was guilty of missing a good chance as he dragged his shot wide. The organisation Blues were showing was much improved, as it was at Brighton, but they looked a tad leggy. That said, in the first half, Blues went toe-to-toe with the hosts. Chris Burke saw a shot saved as did Lita with a header.

Six minutes before the break, Craig Bellamy put the home side ahead. A long ball which should have been dealt with better defensively, fell to Bellamy who was unmarked and he netted.

The second period, Blues came out the blocks quicker. Although they were playing the better stuff, Cardiff created the best chance. A let-off and a kick-up the backside for Blues as Lita forced the equaliser. Blues were only level for three minutes though. It was poor defending from Lee Clark’s men as Hudson poked it over the line. But in truth, it was a poor decision from the linesman not to flag Bellamy offside in the original phase of play. The curse of the full-back’s goes on as Will Packwood became the latest to receive an injury. He was replaced by James Hurst, for his debut.

There was plenty of huff and puff from the players but they were visibly becoming tired. Burke had one run late on, but his legs appeared to go faster than his body as he lost control of the ball. Not through the want of trying, Blues couldn’t muster up a clear-cut chance to give the visiting fans hope. Five minutes of added time appeared on the board, for Cardiff it was pretty-much a keep-ball mission. The final whistle sounded, a defeat for Blues. But lots of positives, performance wise.

Blues ratings- Butland 6. Packwood 6. *DAVIES 7. Caldwell 7. Robinson 6. Burke 6. Spector 7. Fahey 6. Elliott 6. Lovenkrands 6. Lita 6…SUBS USED- Hurst 6. Redmond 6. King 6.

Match report by Rob Wildey.