DRAMATIC VICTORY IN THE WELSH CAPITAL

The Bluebirds returned to winning ways this afternoon after a dramatic 4-3 win over Leyton Orient.

Callum Robinson celebrating.

Orient dominated the opening stages, but it was The Bluebirds that took the lead in the 20th minutes. Callum Robinson rolled his man and finished neatly past Tommy Simkin.

The visitors fluffed two great chances, as Nathan Trott made a big save from close range before Omar Beckles cannoned over just six yards from goal. City's luck would run out soon after, Aaron Connolly pounced on a under-hit back pass and finished past Trott to equalise for Orient.

The second half started at a million miles an hour, and City retook the lead through Dylan Lawlor. The defender ventured forward and beat Simkin from range. Just one minute later, the visitors were level. Idris El Mizouni's strike just clipped in to tie the score once more.

Dom Ballard gave Orient the lead just after the hour mark. The striker was afforded too much room on the edge of the box and picked out the top corner with a goal from the top draw.

Substitute Yousef Salech equalised for The Bluebirds with a header from close range, before Robinson doubled his account for the afternoon to confirm all three points for Brian Barry-Murphy's men!

Player Ratings:

Nathan Trott (9) MOTM - You may think how could a keeper who conceded three be the best player on the pitch? Without Trott I really fear what that score could've been. Some saves from the top top draw. Prevented the game becoming a Cricket score. Save after save.

Ronan Kpakio (7.5) - Struggled in the first half, but immense in the second. An excellent ball for the winner, and up and down like a mad man. A Leonel Messi esque run almost topped off the afternoon. Really grew into the game.

Gabriel Osho (4.5) - Unfortunately gives a gift of a goal, after being lucky just a few minutes prior. Shaky on the ball after that and just overplaying. Did make some key challenges late on.

Dylan Lawlor (8.5) - Almost carried the back line by himself. Commanded his side of the pitch fairly well, and really grew into the game. So tidy on the ball. Great occasion to open his account for City as well.

Joel Bagan (5) - Struggled against the tricky Ballard. Just a little slow on the ball at times and got caught a few times. Did grow a little better as the game went on.

Ryan Wintle (5) - Just struggled with the intensity of what was against him. Just had no time on the ball and that led to a sloppy performance. Out of possession didn't offer a great deal.

Joel Colwill (6) - Quiet for large parts of the game, but when involved did fairly well. Some nice pieces out of possession.

Rubin Colwill (8) - Just a workhorse in midfield. An excellent cross for the Salech goal, and some really smart play. Adapted really well when dropped deeper, offered a lot out of possession.

Isaak Davies (5.5) - Just couldn't get in the game at all. A tidy performance but spent large parts of the game as a spectator.

Chris Willock (8) - Will probably go under the radar today, but absolutely immense. A deserved assist and just had his man on toast. Ball control is so impressive. Another great Chrissy Willock showing.

Callum Robinson (8.5) - The main man! Two chances just ready-made for Callum Robinson and he made no mistake. A luxury player at this level, and that was showcased this afternoon.

Subs:

Omari Kellyman (8) - That performance came out of nowhere! A turn from the top draw was a nice introduction to the game. Just played with a level of confidence and looked untouchable. Worked excellently with Kpakio.

Yousef Salech (8) - The Salech we all know and love. A great header to get City back in it. A good battling performance followed.

David Turnbull (7.5) - Shadowed the back four brilliantly. Came on and added an element of calmness in midfield. Tidy performance.

Will Fish (N/A)

Summary:

Wow! Just wow. A fight full of grit and determination and we get the reward at the end. A game that will be remembered.

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