CITY PRODUCE DOMINANT DISPLAY TO THRASH ROVERS

Cardiff City bounced back from last week’s thrashing with a dominant 4-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Goals from Alex Robertson, Dylan Lawlor, Cian Ashford, and Callum Robinson sealed a confident win to maintain their spot at the top of the division.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, City responded to defeat once more. Heading into this game, they had won their next league fixture after a loss on all five previous occasions this season.

The Bluebirds pressed relentlessly, dictated possession, and looked cool and composed throughout, despite an unforgiving pitch.

Importantly, Brian Barry-Murphy’s men also secured a much-needed clean sheet, their first in four games, giving them a timely boost at both ends of the pitch ahead of next week’s top-of-the-table clash on home soil.

Dylan Lawlor celebrating.

Player Ratings:

Nathan Trott (7) – Had very little to do all game. Made one simple save from a long-range effort by Molyneux. Distribution was strong, and he made the right decisions when to play short and when to go long.

Perry Ng (7.5) – Standard from the right-back. Strong when flying forward and locked down his side defensively as well. Will claim an assist for the Lawlor goal too!

Dylan Lawlor (9) – MOTM – Superb from the 20-year-old. Produced an excellent pinpoint assist for Robertson’s opener, and his solo goal was magnificent, beating multiple defenders before slotting past the goalkeeper. One of the best you’re likely to see from a centre-half. Also made a crucial early block from Hanlan at 0-0. So comfortable on the ball and excellent defensively. Brought off on 60 minutes in a pre-planned substitution after his first start since early January.

Gabriel Osho (8) – Magnificent aerially and marked Hanlan out of the game. His recovery pace is crucial; he was combative and glided forward with the ball. An impressive bounce back from last week’s troubles.

Joel Bagan (7.5) – Similar to Ng, got forward well and was confident in possession. Marked Rovers’ best player, Molyneux, out of the game. Unlucky not to register an assist himself.

Ryan Wintle (8) – A welcome return to the XI. Controlled proceedings at the base of midfield and showed real variety in his passing. Shielded the back four well and nipped in to regain possession.

Alex Robertson (8) – Took his goal really well to give City the lead. Harried relentlessly in an all-round midfield display and linked well with those around him, covering the pitch beautifully.

Joel Colwill (8) – As always, full of energy. Broke up play effectively and interchanged with his brother Rubin at times to operate further forward, making intelligent runs. Perhaps could have done better 1v1 to get on the scoresheet, but a marvellous display nonetheless.

Ollie Tanner (7) – His quietest outing since returning from injury. However, you can’t begrudge him that. Still caused problems for his full-back and his pace helped City when going long, but the final touch for a goal or assist just wasn’t quite there.

Cian Ashford (8.5) – Superb from Ashford. His first start in seven games, and he played like he had a point to prove. Doubled up well on Molyneux to help Bagan and was a thorn in Sterry’s side all afternoon. Got a well-deserved goal late on, and his neat play helped City out of tight areas.

Rubin Colwill (8) – A different role today, starting as a false No.9, and played it excellently. Dropped deep intelligently, threaded nice balls through, and drove City upfield. Interchanged with Joel at times in the second half and still dictated play deeper. Registered an assist for Ashford’s goal after more excellent individual work. A captain’s performance from the skipper on his return to the XI.

Subs:

Will Fish (7) – Came on for Lawlor after an hour as part of a pre-planned change. Adjusted well, dealt with Doncaster going to a front two late on, and was confident stepping out with possession to utilise his passing range.

Ronan Kpakio (6.5) – Faced relentless pressing in the final 20 minutes but stuck to his task well. Kept his passing simple and didn’t allow anything down his side.

Callum Robinson (7.5) – A much-deserved goal for Robbo. It’s been coming. Has looked a threat in recent substitute appearances and took his goal excellently today, pressing well, sitting Bailey down, and finding the bottom corner confidently. Good to see.

Calum Scanlon (6.5) – Looked a livewire from left-back. Tidy in possession and eager to get forward at every opportunity. Offers pace that will worry teams.

Chris Willock (6) – Came on late and didn’t have too much influence, but pressed well and kept things simple in possession.

Summary:

After their 12-game unbeaten streak was ruthlessly ended in Plymouth last week, City responded in emphatic fashion.

It maintains their slender one-point gap at the top of the division, with a mouthwatering clash against second-placed Lincoln City to come at the Cardiff City Stadium next Saturday, who, to their credit, are now 16 games unbeaten in League One.

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