Cardiff City returned to winning ways as they beat Birmingham City 1-0 at St. Andrews.
It was a stop start beginning to the game, but the first real chance came to Birmingham as Miyoshi struck the post after thirteen minutes. The Bluebirds followed that us with a well hit strike from Yakou Meite who's strike found the gloves of John Ruddy.
Cardiff's next chance fell to Meite again, after a brilliant solo run from Karlan Grant, the ball landed at the feet of Yakou Meite who's snapshot was saved by Ruddy.
The Bluebirds took the lead just after the hour mark, as substitute Rubin Colwill played a nice one-two with Josh Bowler who calmly finished to put Cardiff ahead.
Late on Nat Phillips was forced to make a vital block to stop a dangerous Birmingham cross. And that's all she wrote, Cardiff secured their ninth away win of the 23/24 season.
Player Ratings:
Ethan Horvath (7) - Calm and composed as always. Commanded his area really well, especially late on. Distribution was ok.
Perry Ng (8) - After a quiet few weeks, Ng sprung back into life this evening and was back to his usual self. A staggering twelve duels won shows the impact he had on the game. Frustrated the hell out of Bacuna. Made some vital blocks in the second half.
Nat Phillips (8) - Could say the same as Perry Ng. Phillips dominated things and won everything in the air, as well as making to some vital blocks late on.
Dimitrios Goutas (8) - Matched the performance of his centre-back pairing. Dominated in the air and on the floor. Strong in his battles. A running story with Dimi this season.
Jamilu Collins (8) - JC continued his sensational return to the team. Everything that came down his side JC had an answer too, complete seven tackles this evening. Collins got the break he needed, now back to his best.
Manolis Siopis (7.5) - Was able to take pressure off The Bluebirds by disrupting Birmingham, particularly late on. His energy once again unmatched. One or two bits of sloppy play but on a whole a good performance.
Joe Ralls (7) - Put himself about, something Rallsy has been so good at this season. Some would call it a negative pairing, but Ralls and Sio allow Cardiff to be free in the final third as they cover so much ground in the midfield. Good performance from the skipper.
Aaron Ramsey (6.5) - Gutting that so close to the end of the season, Rambo picked up another injury, just hasn't been the season anyone has hoped for. Some nice pieces in Rambo's half on the pitch, looked rather lively.
Josh Bowler (7) - Josh Bowler summed up in a game. A frustrating evening and a frustrating watch for supporters, then Bowler goes and nets the winner with a nice finish. On a whole was ok.
Karlan Grant (7.5) - Really impressed with the energy KG brought this evening. His bursts of pace down the left flank caused Birmingham to be concerned several times. Defended well, as well.
Yakou Meite (6) - Squandered some pretty decent chances, in good areas. Getting in the right areas, just clearly a striker without confidence.
Subs:
Rubin Colwill (8) MOTM - In terms of substitute appearances, Colwill ticked all the boxes. Providing the assist for the winner, Colwill brought quality and composure. to the midfield. An encouraging return to action.
Cian Ashford (6.5) - Some nice pieces down the right hand side. Worked well with Colwill. A long time coming, glad to see Ashford get his chance. More to come.
Famara Diedhiou (6) - Didn't do a great deal when introduced.
David Turnbull (6.5) - Brought composure into the midfield late on. Turnbull looked comfortable in that deeper role, perhaps something that can be tested for longer. Came on and didn't put a foot wrong.
Summary:
An away win, something Bluebirds have become accustomed to this season. A game won by some individual quality, something that was always going to be the case. Nice to see a team fighting for every point.
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