CARDIFF ADVANCE TO THE SECOND ROUND

The Bluebirds are through to the second round of the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 victory over Swindon Town.

Cardiff City team huddle.

Cardiff dominated the early stages of the game and got their reward in the twenty-first minute as Cian Ashford netted. Isaak Davies whipped a corner that was met by Joel Bagan who forced a good save from Conor Ripley, but the ball fell to Ashford who tapped home from close range.

Swindon almost hit back immediately. Lively forward Princewill Ehibhatiomhan beat four City defenders before firing his effort wide from close range.

Ashford hit the post just before the break. Rubin Colwill did add a second soon after. City won a free-kick just on the edge of the box that Colwill dispatched with brilliance.

Ehibhatiomhan would get his goal ten minutes into the second half. After some nice buildup play from the hosts,  Ehibhatiomhan was found in the box and beat Nathan Trott to half the deficit.

The Bluebirds had plenty of chances to put the tie to bed late on. Calum Chambers had a header cleared off the line. Soon after, Joel Bagan was found unmarked in the box but fired straight at Lewis Ward. Yousef Salech was next up, after some great work the forward broke free in the box, and also fired straight at Ward.

City did enough in the end and advance to the next round.

Player Ratings:

Nathan Trott (6) - Didn't have a great deal to do, and couldn't do much for the goal. Distribution was varied, but on the whole fairly decent.

Ronan Kpakio (7) - Solid defensively and read the game really well. A couple of sloppy pieces on the ball but on a whole, a decent evening. Got forward well.

Will Fish (6.5) - Similar to Trott really, except perhaps some blame lies in the goal by losing his man. On the whole, was solid enough and decent passing-wise.

Calum Chambers (5.5) - Similar to the Port Vale game. Got caught out, however got punished for it this evening. Not sure Chambers has the pace to play the role he's being asked. Some nice pieces on the ball and unfortunate not to score.

Joel Bagan (8) MOTM - A big improvement on Saturday. Solid in the tackle and got forward really well. Probably should've come away with a goal, but a more composed performance.

Ryan Wintle (6.5) - Just a tidy performance, really. Nothing to shout about, just went about his business and did it fairly well.

David Turnbull (7) - Moved the ball around and dictated play nicely. Broke the lines quite nicely. On a whole a positive evening.

Rubin Colwill (7) - Another exceptional goal to add to the catalogue. Was fairly quiet outside of that though. Did grow into things late on a little. Another solid showing with glimpses of real quality.

Cian Ashford (7.5) - Right place at the right time, and should've had a second. Did cause Swindon some problems down the right with his directness. A real positive performance.

Isaak Davies (6) - A great ball leading to the first goal. Saw a lot of the action, particularly in the first half but struggled to make a great deal out of it. Worked hard.

Callum Robinson (6.5) - Led the line fairly well and probably should've had an assist. Had very little service but did work hard.

Subs:

Chris Willock (7) - A positive cameo. Brought a bit of energy and intent down the left and caused Swindon some issues. Worked well with Turnbull.

Yousef Salech (6.5) - Salech is getting there. Held the ball well and unlucky not to come away with a goal. It'll come.

Joel Colwill (N/A)

Ollie Tanner (N/A)

Eli King (N/A)

Summary:

Positives to take against with spells of nice play and most importantly a win and into the next round.

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