By Lewis Webb - Guest Writer
The Bluebirds surge into the Play Off places with an emphatic 2-0 victory versus an injury riddled yet tame Bristol City, with Rubin Colwill’s late goal undoubtedly the highlight of the fixture.
Following up Perry Ng's minute header, Colwill put the game to bed late on by rifling the ball into the roof of the net, which followed a great bit of skill to beat two men. This makes it 5 losses out of the last 7 games for Nigel Pearson’s men, who return home empty handed. With Bulut having stated that Colwill had 'lots of things to work on' after Cardiff’s recent draw with Watford, Rubin proved his worth to his manager's side by securing a vital victory for his side late on after being brought on from the bench.
The first half drew to a close with Cardiff up one goal to nil thanks to a Perry Ng header, with the Bluebirds seen to be the side deserving of this going into the half time break.
The first half drew to a close with Cardiff up one goal to nil thanks to a Perry Ng header, with the Bluebirds seen to be the side deserving of this going into the half time break.
The game began with both sides looking to stamp their authority on the half, with Bristol City striker Harry Cornick failing to capitalise on a promising counter attack only three minutes in; which could have completely changed the landscape of the half that was to follow.
Cardiff grew into the game and eventually made the breakthrough with a Perry Ng header, making that two goals this week following on from his impressive finish versus Huddersfield in their midweek fixture. Bristol’s frustration grew obvious towards the latter end of the half; through various failed through balls and a late Mehmeti booking – they were left with work to do in the second half.
Cardiff started the second half how they finished the first; with some effective pressing that won them the ball back which resulted in Meite failing to trouble the keeper with his header.
The early sector of the second half was as cagey as the opening of the first, but with Bristol having the slight edge over Cardiff in terms of attacking intent; the highlight of this being a well struck effort from Knight that was well kept out by Alnwick.
The second half contained no huge chances or opportunities as Cardiff gradually grew back into the game, with substitute Rubin Colwill’s magnificent solo effort in the 91 minute, right in front of an ecstatic Canton Stand, putting the game to bed to secure bragging rights for the Bluebirds in an entertaining Severnside Derby.
Erol Bulut, Cardiff City manager
"It was not an easy game."
On Perry Ng’s goal scoring form, he said: "If he continues that I don't have any problems."
"I was clear on what I want" when asked on his previous issues with Colwill and Robinson's defensive capabilities.
"Rubin has been doing well for a long time – this performance is what we want to see."
"Our players work hard every game, every week to be in this position."
Rubin Colwill, scorer of Cardiff's second goal of the game
"Bit more special as it’s against Bristol"
"It's been a tough period for me – injury wise, fitness wise."
"If anyone has any criticism of my game I'm open to criticism".
When asked on his spell out of the side, he said "The morale and the team spirit is really high – the atmosphere around the squad in general is great."
"I really enjoy playing for the U21s but the goal is to get back in the first team", when asked on his aims on getting back into the senior Wales squad and his recent time in the U21s fold.
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