BACK TO WINNING WAYS IN THE LEAGUE

Cardiff City returned from the international break with a 3-1 win over Northampton Town.

Joel Colwill celebrating.

City took a swift lead as Joel Colwill opened his league account for Cardiff. Ronan Kpakio drove forward, and found Colwill on the edge of the box, with the midfielder picking out the far corner.

The game saw very few chances, until Ethan Wheatley tied things for the hosts. Wheatley got the better of Will Fish, before firing his effort past Nathan Trott who got a hand to his effort.

Wheatley would be the centre of attention again, but for the wrong reasons soon after. A Joel Bagan corner was hit into the back of the net via a miss-hit clearance from Wheatley, putting The Bluebirds back in front.

Both sides had glorious chances soon after. Ryan Wintle on the goal line could only hit his effort against Ross Fitzsimons in the Northampton goal. Elliot List should've brought the visitors back level late on, but was denied by an incredible save by Trott from close range.

Chris Willock would seal all three points late on with a stunning strike from the edge of the box.

Player Ratings:

Nathan Trott (8.5) MOTM - Makes one of the best saves I've seen for a long time in such a crucial moment in the game. Not sure what he can do for the goal. Made another good save or two. Distribution fairly good.

Ronan Kpakio (8) - Tenacious and aggressive. Comes away with two assists, but particularly vital for the third. Did well enough out of possession.

Will Fish (5.5) - Outside of some nice blocks, largely struggled against Wheatley. Saved on one occasion by the referee, but couldn't be saved for the goal. Uncharacteristic performance.

Calum Chambers (8) - Continuing his great form he's been on this season. Made some vital clearances for City, and was up for the physical battle. Good on the ball, also.

Joel Bagan (8) - Trademark Bagan at this point. Defended well and got forward really well, with several dangerous crosses. The irony being the second goal coming from one of his poorer deliveries. Another good outing.

Ryan Wintle (6) - A tidy performance, but can definitely count himself lucky. Missed a huge chance and his mistake led to Northampton's best chance of an equaliser.

Joel Colwill (7.5) - An excellent finish to open the scoring. His usual aggressive self out of possession, and carried the ball well on a couple of occasions.

Rubin Colwill (N/A) - Gutting for Colwill to pick up what looks a serious injury at such a pivotal stage in his Cardiff City career.

Omari Kellyman (6) - Played a part in the first goal, but largely kept quiet.

Isaak Davies (6.5) - More involved than Kellyman, and showed flashes. Some nice skills out wide. Did look a threat.

Yousef Salech (6.5) - Link-up play and ball control was really impressive. Another game where Salech gets manhandled and nothing given, becoming a farce.

Subs:

David Turnbull (7.5) - Probably the best Turnbull has played in some time. Tidy and forward-thinking in position. Led the press fairly well. Good out of possession.

Perry Ng (7) - Added stability down the right for City, defending well. Some nice balls forward, also.

Alex Robertson (6.5) - Tidy as ever, and looked to get City forward.

Chris Willock (8.5) - Changed the game offensively for City. Direct and caused Northampton real problems. An excellent finish for the goal, also.

Gabriel Osho (7) - Did well when called into action. Strong in the air and did well on the ball. Pleasing.

Summary:

A positive response to Blackpool. Some good goals, also. Good start to a paramount stage in City's season.

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