The Bluebirds have beaten Watford 1-0 with a moment of magic from Josh Bowler.
Watford started the better of the two sides. Perry Ng, Dimitrios Goutas and Jak Alnwick were all called into action in the first half an hour to deny The Hornets.
Colwill fired over after half an hour. Before Josh Bowler gave The Bluebirds the lead just before half-time, as he cut in side onto his left beat a man or two, and let off a worldie into the top corner to give Cardiff the lead.
Cardiff started the better in the second half. Perry Ng's free-kick went wide from close range, as well as a long range effort from Kion Etete. Siopis and Ng both tried their luck from outside the box, neither challenged Hamer.
Kone's shot deflected off of Wintle hit the Cardiff post on the hour mark. Dennis, Asprilla and Hoedt both missed chances not long after.
Cardiff were denied what looked a blatant penalty on Karlan Grant in the 81st minute. Not long after, Dennis missed from close range. Dele-Bashiru was denied by Alnwick from long range.
Watford had a handful of half chances late on, however just couldn't find their way past Jak Alnwick. The full-time whistle blew, and Cardiff sealed all three points.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (8) - Made some real key saves, especially fromm close range. Watford could easily have scored two or three if it wasn't for Alnwick. Distrubution was decent as well.
Perry Ng (7) - Did decent against decent opposition. One or two misplaced passes, but made up for it with his defensive contribution. Hopefully his injury isn't too serious.
Dimitrios Goutas (8) - Made two blocks I'd say that denied goals. Was magnificent. Composed on the ball and a monster in the air.
Mark McGuinness (8) - Much improved from Macca. Made some crucial interceptions. Limited Bayo brilliantly. Best I've seen McGuinness play for months, long may it continue.
Jamilu Collins (8) MOTM - Thought JC was sensational. Similar to McGuinness, the best I've seen him play in months. Defensively was near enough flawless. Contributed in attack as well.
Manolis Siopis (8) - Went about his work quietly, but was so effective. Gave Colwill the freedom to express himself on the pitch. Got in front of his man really well. Off the ball, Cardiff's best player.
Rubin Colwill (7.5) - Definitely grew into it. Found himself in space a lot of the time and his decision making was good. Perhaps guilty at times for taking a touch too many, but on a whole he was Cardiff's best creative outlet.
Ryan Wintle (7) - Cardiff's skipper showed great energy. Got in the Watford players' faces, and they didn't like it. Delivery was decent as well.
Josh Bowler (7.5) - That finish was incredible. Showed the Bowler we know that's in there, a game changer when he's on it. A little bit quiet minus the goal.
Karlan Grant (7.5) - An absolute workhorse. Works so hard down that left hand side. Linked up with JC really well.
Kion Etete (7) - Grew into it in the second half. Became crucial when Cardiff were under pressure in the second half, worked really well.
Subs:
David Turnbull (7) - Perhaps not the game for him to show his attacking capabilities. However, defensively he was really good, got his body in the way well.
Mahlon Romeo (7) - Made some crucial challenges. Good when he came on.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand (5) - Caught out a couple of times, granted he ws against a great player in Dennis.
Famara Diedhiou (6) - Impressive in the air, both defensively and offensively.
Nat Phillips (7) - Wasn't on the pitch very long, but made an impact. Some key challenges, and looks a real leader as he was organising as soon as he entered the pitch.
Summary:
Such an important win. Also puts in good stead ahead of a pretty difficult run ahead of us. Also be nice to see Bowler build on the goal.
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