CITY SALVAGE POINT LATE ON
- ccfcinsider
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Cardiff City drew against Preston North End this evening.
Milutin Osmajic gave the hosts an early lead. The forward made the most of a defensive error and fired past Ethan Horvath at his near post. Osmajic almost doubled his tally soon later, but fired over from close range.
City responded just after the break with a goal from substitute Will Alves. The winger played a one-two with Yousef Salech, before his deflected effort beat David Cornell.
Preston were back in front after a headed goal from Stefán Teitur Þórðarson. Mads Frøkjær-Jensen found space on the left wing, and delivered a cross that was met by Þórðarson who beat Horvath from close range.
The Bluebirds equalised in the dying moments of the game. Alex Robertson found an unmarked Yakou Meite at the back-post who fired in to give City a point on the road.
Player Ratings:
Ethan Horvath (7) - Made a handful of key saves, especially the one at the death. Beaten by a good finish on the first, perhaps could command his area better for the second. No-nonsense on the ball.
Andy Rinomhota (7) - Had a good battle against Robbie Brady. Carried the ball well and was strong in his individual battles. Got forward fairly well.
Will Fish (5) - Keeps Þórðarson onside for the second goal, and often found himself in no-mans land. Did make a few key headed clearances late on.
Dimitrios Goutas (4) - Gifts Osmajic his goal, and struggled throughout with the forward's physical style. Did okay in the air.
Jesper Daland (5.5) - Did some nice pieces on the ball from deep, but often out of position defensively, needs to do more to prevent the second.
Callum O'Dowda (6) - Out of possession, very good. In possession, we need more, O'Dowda is capable of it, would be nice to see him express himself more. An okay outing.
Calum Chambers (7.5) - Grew into the game and controlled thing relatively well for City. A couple of dangerous crosses from fullback. Drove City forward when needed.
Sivert Mannsverk (6.5) - Saw a lot of the ball, and had varied success. Did look to progress City with varied success. Decent off the ball.
Cian Ashford (5) - Squandered two decent chances, and struggled against a physical Preston.
Rubin Colwill (5) - A spark in the first half, and tried to unlock Preston. Second half consisted of too many touches and poor decision making.
Yousef Salech (6.5) - Had very little to work with but still registered an assist with good hold up play.
Subs:
Will Alves (8) MOTM - A breath of fresh air. Came on with intent and purpose, a bit of luck with the goal but one he's deserved for weeks. Drove forward with pace and power and looked like he could really hurt Preston.
Alex Robertson (7.5) - The Alex Robertson we grew to love previous in the season, looked after ball really well and an excellent cross to find Meite.
Yakou Meite (7.5) - Right place at the right time, and another vital goal in this fight for safety.
Callum Robinson (6) - Tidy cameo.
Isaak Davies (N/A)
Summary:
Given how the game played out, you can be content with a point, but the question is why we didn't set up more attacking from the off, another team there for the taking, another wasted opportunity.
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