CONTROLLING WIN ON THE OPENING DAY
- ccfcinsider
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
Cardiff City opened their League One campaign with a 2-1 win over Peterborough United this afternoon.
Cardiff were on the front-foot from the off. The best chance of the first quarter of an hour fell to captain Rubin Colwill, as Ollie Tanner cut a lovely ball back to City's number ten, who fired wide from the edge of the box.
Peterborough were awarded a questionable penalty on the half hour mark, as Will Fish brought down Declan Frith. Posh forward Bradley Ihionvien put it just past Matt Turner to give visitors the lead.
Yousef Salech had City's best chance of the first half just before the interval. Another cross found the head of the Cardiff striker who headed straight into the goalkeeper's gloves from close range.
The Bluebirds came out with a bang, particularly Rubin Colwill who equalised early into the second half. A spectacular free-kick from the edge of the box planted in the top corner leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
City carried on with the pressure and put themselves in the lead on the hour mark. Ollie Tanner cut the ball back to Ronan Kpakio who slotted the ball into the top corner, to give The Bluebirds the lead.
Posh had a big chance late on, as Gustav Lindgren had a volley inside the box saved magnificently by debutant Matt Turner to seal The Bluebirds all three points.
Player Ratings:
Matt Turner (8) - A top debut and won it for City at the end. Commanded his area well and was composed with the ball at his feet. Not a great deal can be done about their goal. Promising start.
Ronan Kpakio (8.5) MOTM - A brilliant way to score his first senior goal. Not only a threat going forward but did his defensive work so well. A disciplined and impressive performance.
Will Fish (6.5) - Unfortunate for the penalty as I'm not sure it is one at all. Varied on the ball but did hit some very nice long balls. Was solid enough in defence.
Dylan Lawlor (6) - Seemed to struggle with the physicality of Ihionvien, also probably lucky to have stayed on the pitch after a reckless challenge on a yellow card. On the ball looked astute. A good learning curve for the young defender.
Joel Bagan (7) - Did everything that was required of him. Did the necessary things defensively and was relatively useful going forward.
Ryan Wintle (8) - Had a quieter first half but really came into his own in the second half. Some excellent cross field passes and retained the ball brilliantly. A promising return.
Joel Colwill (8) - Supplied real energy and tenacity in the midfield, brought that bit of bite that we've been desperately after. Got forward really well and made great use of the half space. Linked up real well with Ollie Tanner.
Rubin Colwill (8.5) - Wow. Another stunner to add to his fine catalogue. Worked his absolute behind off in the press and linked up well with his teammates. Colwill has set the bar now.
Ollie Tanner (8) - A real danger down the right. Put in some real dangerous crosses and could've come away today with about four assists. A real nice lay off to Kpakio for the goal. Did his defensive work nicely, as well.
Cian Ashford (6.5) - Failed to really get into the game. Had a nice chance or two but just did the basics, really. Retained the ball fairly nicely.
Yousef Salech (6) - Another who failed to really get into his rhythm. Had a nice couple of chances but did little to trouble the 'keeper. Given a bit of a hard time by the referee.
Subs:
Jesper Daland (7) - Came on and imposed himself on the game. Looked strong and calm, real promising performance.
Callum Robinson (6.5) - His usual busy self, unfortunate not to get a goal. Worked hard as he always does.
Chris Willock (6.5) - A couple of big clearances late on. Retained the ball fairly well.
Isaak Davies (N/A)
Eli King (N/A)
Summary:
A real enjoyable and comfortable performance on the whole. Some great early signs and so refreshing to see our own doing the job for us on the pitch!
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