Cardiff City returned to winning ways thanks to two own goals from Liam Kitching as they beat Coventry 2-1 at the CBS Arena.
The hosts dominated early on as Kasey Palmer had a low shot held by Ethan Horvath. Simms was next to have an attempt, however he was denied by a great block from Jamilu Collins. Ben Sheaf then came close but his effort was just over the bar.
Coventry eventually took the lead through Ellis Simms. A well worked move that was topped off by Simms who tapped home from close range.
Siopis found Meite in behind, Yak made some space for himself in the box however his shot was held following a deflection.
The Bluebirds were level not long later as Liam Kitching fired into his own net following a corner from David Turnbull.
Josh Bowler came close early in the second half, his long range effort skimmed just passed the Coventry goal.
Cardiff should have been in front not long later, Karlan Grant found himself one-on-one, Grant fired wide of the Coventry goal. Huge let off for the hosts.
Coventry could have gone in front not long later as van Ewijk poked wide from the edge of the box.
Cardiff were in front a few minutes later with another own goal from Kitching. Josh Bowler's crossed found the head of Kitching who beat Collins in the Coventry goal.
Coventry thought they were level late on, however Haji Wright was offside. Confirming Cardiff's three points.
Player Ratings:
Ethan Horvath (7) - Not a great deal he can do about the goal. Horvath didn't have a great deal to do, but when called into action he was sharp. Didn't see much of the ball at his feet either.
Perry Ng (6) - Perhaps a little harsh, but I feel he has to do better for the Simms goal. Caught the wrong side and allows Simms an easy tap ins. Some nice pieces offensively and defensively.
Nat Phillips (7) - Big improvement from some of his recent performances. Him and Dimi came really key late on and probably won us the game. Phillips unlucky not to score as well.
Dimitrios Goutas (7) - Same as above really. Goutas made some really key blocks and tackles late on that ultimately won us the game. Put his body on the line and was a real good performance.
Jamilu Collins (8) - Arguably his best performance of the season. Kept a player of van Ewijk's quality quiet for the majority of the game. Most of the balls that came down his side, Collins was there to stop. Really encouraging return.
Manolis Siopis (7) - Trademark Siopis really. Went about his game quietly but really effective. Didn't allow Sheaf space to dictate things as he typically does. Cardiff always a better side with Sio.
David Turnbull (7) - Did some really tidy pieces and created some good chances. Seemed to dictate things in the final third. Decent deliveries from set pieces.
Joe Ralls (8) MOTM - Performances like today is why we tied down Rallsy to a new deal. An energetic performance that disrupted Coventry. Good on the ball and all round a really good performance from The Bluebirds skipper.
Josh Bowler (7) - Best Bowler has played in a while to be fair. Put the cross in for the second goal. A direct performance that was a reminder of what Bowler can be like, haven't seen enough of it this season, unfortunately.
Karlan Grant (6) - Grant played well, but it's hard to give KG more than a six as he missed a brilliant chance, and it's a miss that sums up his time at Cardiff perfectly. Outside of that, KG was his usual busy self and looked a threat.
Yakou Meite (6.5) - Meite ran the back line well. Should have had an assist after putting a good ball through to Grant. Worked his socks off as usual, unfortunately nothing to show for it.
Subs:
Ryan Wintle (6) - Wasn't involved a great deal when he came on. But made a couple of nice pieces on the ball, and a block or two.
Aaron Ramsey (N/A) - Came on too late to make an impact. Left one on a Coventry player, as professional foul as you'll see.
Callum O'Dowda (N/A) - Came on too late to make an impact.
Ollie Tanner (N/A) - Came on too late to make an impact.
Summary:
A big win to stop the negativity (until the next time we lose). Cardiff played some nice stuff at a good tempo and earned a deserved win.
A good reaction to Monday's defeat, a performance the team need to build on ahead of Hull.
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