FIRST DEFEAT OF THE SEASON FOR CITY

Cardiff City’s great start has been halted after a defeat against Bradford City this evening.

Rubin Colwill in action.

Tommy Leigh gave the visitors the lead just after ten minutes with a cannon from the edge of the box. Antoni Sarcevic soon added a second, as he fired his penalty down the middle to double the Bantams’ lead.

Sarcevic had a huge chance before the break to add a third, but he headed over an empty net. The away side did net a third four minutes into the second half, an unmarked Josh Neufville at the back post fired past Nathan Trott to put the game beyond doubt.

Callum Robinson added a consolation late in the second half, with an effort into the roof of the net, however it wasn’t enough to prevent City’s first loss of the season.

Player Ratings:

Nathan Trott (6.5) - Made a handful of good saves to keep things alive late on. Not sure he can do a great deal on the three goals. Distribution was varied.

Ronan Kpakio (5) - Struggled physically and with the pace of Bradford down the late. Some sloppy play going forward. Read the game fairly well.

Will Fish (5.5) - Was okay generally, except for a few balls into touch. Dominated at times, but also looked shaky in other spells. Just a topsy and turvy game.

Gabriel Osho (5) - Did have some good spells in the game, carried the ball quite well, and some big blocks at the back. Just rash at times, particularly for the penalty.

Joel Bagan (6) - Put some nice crosses into the box, but had his struggles defensively. Another who struggled with the pace of Bradford.

Ryan Wintle (5) - Just never in the game. Bradford had so much joy in the midfield. On the ball, tidy enough but anonymous off of it.

David Turnbull (4.5) - Far too slow and sloppy. Slowed things down when Cardiff needed to get goals, and didn’t look his usual forward-thinking self, rather opting for the negative option. Didn’t offer much out of possession. Squandered a great chance early on.

Rubin Colwill (5) - Struggled. Bradford stood up to Colwill physically, and he didn’t have much of an answer. When Colwill did get the space, he was wasteful.

Cian Ashford (4.5) - Also squandered some good chances, and generally struggled. Looked devoid of creativity and confidence.

Yousef Salech (5.5) - Really should’ve got at least one goal. Had some real golden opportunities. Held the ball up well.

Subs:

Perry Ng (6.5) - Did fairly well when introduced. Got forward well and defensively was alright.

Callum Robinson (7.5) MOTM - Added real energy to City’s game, and got his rewards with a nice finish. Linked up well with Davies.

Omari Kellyman (6.5) - A tidy performance with glimpses of what Kellyman is about. Some nice set piece deliveries.

Isaak Davies (6.5) - Direct and caused Bradford some issues with his pace, just that decision making at the final moment needs improving.

Joel Colwill (N/A)

Summary:

A difficult afternoon against a good side. Just have to dust ourselves off, go again and take the lessons from this game ahead of a difficult run of games.

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