" Are Cardiff City Now Serious Contenders? Plus "

FootballLeagueWorld writer Harry Smith identifies three things we learned from this intriguing encounter...

Bolton 2 Cardiff 3

06/12/15

1) Bolton stand a chance

Neil Lennon's side may be light up front, but they showed that they can overcome this major obstacle and pose a threat to a solid Cardiff defence.

Bolton recorded 18 shots, two more than Cardiff throughout the game, and Madine got a goal that will massively boost his confidence.

They need to make more of their chances this season if they are to stay up, but strike a rich vein of form, and they could find themselves outside the danger zone.

2) Cardiff are contenders

The Bluebirds have snuck into the Play-offs with this win over Bolton, and are among a host of clubs, including Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Fulham and Reading, who are chasing the final Play-off space.

Pilkington, Jones and Watt linked up well going forward and it looks like there is enough promise in this Cardiff side to achieve a top six place come May.

3) Consistency continues to trouble Cardiff

This win means that Cardiff have had two wins, two draws and two defeats in their last six games.

If they are to launch a serious Play-off bid, they must gain some much needed consistency, and bolstering their squad in the January transfer window to do this.

Jones is simply too inconsistent to lead the line on a regular basis, so a new striker will be top of this list.

Highest we can finish is sixth place, there are loads of teams in the hunt for it not withstanding QPR who are yet to get going. It will be tough but there's a lot of football left to be played.

I think we are yes being in the top 6 around Christmas is a very good position and it could be an indication.

We must always believe annis we can get into the play offs at least I get downhearted at times but I still try to stay positive if we could get a run of wins together it would help us big time

A lot will obviously depend on January and the incoming and outgoings, maybe Tan will see we are in with a chance and give Slade money to make 1 or 2 key signings to help us get over the line, similar to when we brought Campbell in.

Still think that one or two in the top 5 will be caught. Not by us perhaps but i think there will be more opportunities for us this season than just 6th place

Highest we can finish is sixth place, there are loads of teams in the hunt for it not withstanding QPR who are yet to get going. It will be tough but there's a lot of football left to be played.

Don't always agree with your posts but this time spot on

We struggled to beat a bottom of the table team

Mid table at best unless that clown goes

We struggled to beat a bottom of the table team

Mid table at best unless that clown goes

The previous 9 teams to visit didn't struggle to beat them just two did, a win away is 3 points

FootballLeagueWorld writer Harry Smith identifies three things we learned from this intriguing encounter...

Bolton 2 Cardiff 3

06/12/15

1) Bolton stand a chance

Neil Lennon's side may be light up front, but they showed that they can overcome this major obstacle and pose a threat to a solid Cardiff defence.

Bolton recorded 18 shots, two more than Cardiff throughout the game, and Madine got a goal that will massively boost his confidence.

They need to make more of their chances this season if they are to stay up, but strike a rich vein of form, and they could find themselves outside the danger zone.

2) Cardiff are contenders

The Bluebirds have snuck into the Play-offs with this win over Bolton, and are among a host of clubs, including Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, Fulham and Reading, who are chasing the final Play-off space.

Pilkington, Jones and Watt linked up well going forward and it looks like there is enough promise in this Cardiff side to achieve a top six place come May.

3) Consistency continues to trouble Cardiff

This win means that Cardiff have had two wins, two draws and two defeats in their last six games.

If they are to launch a serious Play-off bid, they must gain some much needed consistency, and bolstering their squad in the January transfer window to do this.

Jones is simply too inconsistent to lead the line on a regular basis, so a new striker will be top of this list.

I think it depends to a large extent on who we are able to bring in,in the January transfer window, if we are able to bring in quality, I believe that all things are possible

Slade still has a talented if misaligned squad.

442 with two wingers tells me he is taking the handbrake off. If we lose 2 of the next 3 games because having 4 attackers plus two mobile CM's on the field means we get caught on the break as we did countless times under Ole then all the negative out of his depth crap starts again.

Really important that Watt and Pilkington scored, slightly concerned another game where Jones hasn't. He is a striker and needs to keep the scoring chart ticking over.

Can't see him changing philosophy, so I can see why he believe he needs a powerful winger as Pilkington has played once so is due another injury and Noone didn't score or assist AGAIN. Slade would love a Conway / John Lewis type genuine 442 winger.

Watt will be our signing of the window as unless he is a total tw*t in training he looks a perfect fit for us.

So no, I don't believe we are serious contenders, would love it if we went on a mental run. Dikgachoi on for Noone away to give us a bit of Steel, but that would mean a different formation and our Russ is incapable of that thought.

Manga for Morrison is a must and I wouldn't be too disappointed if Jones left as it would stop us going long all the time.

Not sure where our X factor comes from, hopefully its Watt and Saadi

Massive improvement in team structure and slowly we are starting to look more efficient and, dare I say it, entertaining. The midfield looks better adjusted and I have to say so far I like the look of Watt. As others have said when Saadi returns it could be an interesting combination having he and Watt up front. Maybe, we'll have to see. The one concern I have is that apart from the starting 11, with the exception of maybe a handful of players, I fear may yet not have the strength in depth to compete at the top echelon till the end of the season. January could be key with new signings to bolster the squad, but many of us are unsure what will transpire.

next 2 games are huge. 2 wins and we are right up there. all depends what Tan does in January now.
preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.
Whitts is an interesting 1. shall we sell if an offer comes in ? personally i would to attempt to get Bridcutt to replace Whitts. offer so much more

this season reminding me so much of numerous seasons under DJ tho where we just fail in playoffs.
all credit to Slade as done a great job with zero money. prefer a but of flexibility in formation personally to get us up, but aint gonna happen. Watt signing permanently is a must and i believe a deal is allready in place according to someone i know at the club. whether i believe it or not im unsure

next 2 games are huge. 2 wins and we are right up there. all depends what Tan does in January now.
preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.
Whitts is an interesting 1. shall we sell if an offer comes in ? personally i would to attempt to get Bridcutt to replace Whitts. offer so much more

this season reminding me so much of numerous seasons under DJ tho where we just fail in playoffs.
all credit to Slade as done a great job with zero money. prefer a but of flexibility in formation personally to get us up, but aint gonna happen. Watt signing permanently is a must and i believe a deal is allready in place according to someone i know at the club. whether i believe it or not im unsure

preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.

Jesus wept.... Ralls is a very good player and our future captain but best in the championship ? Arsenal always shop for 22 year olds in the championship. He is nothing like Aaron Ramsey maybe Paul Ramsey.

Playing with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi will mean we will have to score three or four every game because we'll let two in. It is like a DJ team he could only play 442. We only did something when we had a modern day realist at the helm.

next 2 games are huge. 2 wins and we are right up there. all depends what Tan does in January now.
preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.
Whitts is an interesting 1. shall we sell if an offer comes in ? personally i would to attempt to get Bridcutt to replace Whitts. offer so much more

this season reminding me so much of numerous seasons under DJ tho where we just fail in playoffs.
all credit to Slade as done a great job with zero money. prefer a but of flexibility in formation personally to get us up, but aint gonna happen. Watt signing permanently is a must and i believe a deal is allready in place according to someone i know at the club. whether i believe it or not im unsure

preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.

Jesus wept.... Ralls is a very good player and our future captain but best in the championship ? Arsenal always shop for 22 year olds in the championship. He is nothing like Aaron Ramsey maybe Paul Ramsey.

Playing with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi will mean we will have to score three or four every game because we'll let two in. It is like a DJ team he could only play 442. We only did something when we had a modern day realist at the helm.

guessing you dont enjoy attacking football then ? i believe Pilks and Noone both work hard.
Manga coming back in will tighten us up even more for me. everyones entitled to an opinion

Not many better talents coming through in the Championship than Joe Ralls for me. can you name someone better ? Even Bolton fans saying how Ralls controlled the game. cam give you a link to their board if you dont believe it
For me hes very similar to Ramsey. possibly better work rate but maybe not quite got the paaaing ability as Ramsey played passes i couldnt see. never seen anything like it but believe young Joe has the ability to go futher.
how much is Joe Ralls worth now ? for me hes top quality if you study his game

next 2 games are huge. 2 wins and we are right up there. all depends what Tan does in January now.
preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.
Whitts is an interesting 1. shall we sell if an offer comes in ? personally i would to attempt to get Bridcutt to replace Whitts. offer so much more

this season reminding me so much of numerous seasons under DJ tho where we just fail in playoffs.
all credit to Slade as done a great job with zero money. prefer a but of flexibility in formation personally to get us up, but aint gonna happen. Watt signing permanently is a must and i believe a deal is allready in place according to someone i know at the club. whether i believe it or not im unsure

preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.

Jesus wept.... Ralls is a very good player and our future captain but best in the championship ? Arsenal always shop for 22 year olds in the championship. He is nothing like Aaron Ramsey maybe Paul Ramsey.

Playing with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi will mean we will have to score three or four every game because we'll let two in. It is like a DJ team he could only play 442. We only did something when we had a modern day realist at the helm.

guessing you dont enjoy attacking football then ? i believe Pilks and Noone both work hard.
Manga coming back in will tighten us up even more for me. everyones entitled to an opinion

Not many better talents coming through in the Championship than Joe Ralls for me. can you name someone better ? Even Bolton fans saying how Ralls controlled the game. cam give you a link to their board if you dont believe it
For me hes very similar to Ramsey. possibly better work rate but maybe not quite got the paaaing ability as Ramsey played passes i couldnt see. never seen anything like it but believe young Joe has the ability to go futher.
how much is Joe Ralls worth now ? for me hes top quality if you study his game

I am not against attacking football, but left many games under DJ wondering how we lost it.

For me Noone does nothing. He looks good but no end product, A winger with no assists, he can't cross and we probably have the best header of a ball in the championship, at least Kennedy would get a cross in. We don't have enough genuine wingers to play 442 nor do i believe its worth it. 4 attacking players on the pitch at the same time means there is a lot of space in the middle, better teams will pick us off.

As for Joe ralls, made for our 442 he is a dominator. WBA, Stoke or Leicester may come calling as he fits their style but just couldn't see Arsenal as he is not a defensive midfielder. Rambo was special, Joe is just very very good.

next 2 games are huge. 2 wins and we are right up there. all depends what Tan does in January now.
preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.
Whitts is an interesting 1. shall we sell if an offer comes in ? personally i would to attempt to get Bridcutt to replace Whitts. offer so much more

this season reminding me so much of numerous seasons under DJ tho where we just fail in playoffs.
all credit to Slade as done a great job with zero money. prefer a but of flexibility in formation personally to get us up, but aint gonna happen. Watt signing permanently is a must and i believe a deal is allready in place according to someone i know at the club. whether i believe it or not im unsure

preying Slade keeps the attacking intent up with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi.
aslong as we keep Joe Ralls in the middle as hes the best CM in the championship for me and we are lucky to have him. can see someone like Arsenal sniffing around him as hes the next Ramsey for me.

Jesus wept.... Ralls is a very good player and our future captain but best in the championship ? Arsenal always shop for 22 year olds in the championship. He is nothing like Aaron Ramsey maybe Paul Ramsey.

Playing with Pilks and another winger. Noone, Kennedy or Ameobi will mean we will have to score three or four every game because we'll let two in. It is like a DJ team he could only play 442. We only did something when we had a modern day realist at the helm.

guessing you dont enjoy attacking football then ? i believe Pilks and Noone both work hard.
Manga coming back in will tighten us up even more for me. everyones entitled to an opinion

Not many better talents coming through in the Championship than Joe Ralls for me. can you name someone better ? Even Bolton fans saying how Ralls controlled the game. cam give you a link to their board if you dont believe it
For me hes very similar to Ramsey. possibly better work rate but maybe not quite got the paaaing ability as Ramsey played passes i couldnt see. never seen anything like it but believe young Joe has the ability to go futher.
how much is Joe Ralls worth now ? for me hes top quality if you study his game

I am not against attacking football, but left many games under DJ wondering how we lost it.

For me Noone does nothing. He looks good but no end product, A winger with no assists, he can't cross and we probably have the best header of a ball in the championship, at least Kennedy would get a cross in. We don't have enough genuine wingers to play 442 nor do i believe its worth it. 4 attacking players on the pitch at the same time means there is a lot of space in the middle, better teams will pick us off.

As for Joe ralls, made for our 442 he is a dominator. WBA, Stoke or Leicester may come calling as he fits their style but just couldn't see Arsenal as he is not a defensive midfielder. Rambo was special, Joe is just very very good.

Thought I would chip in with my two pennies worth, nooney has been terrible for two seasons am all for his attitude nice lad and all that but posted this so many times. Can't beat a man, makes poor decisions and gives the ball away. Wouldn't even have him as impact player.

Joe Ralls has everything to go on to be a top, still learning but Ramsey he is not that kid was special. Who can forget Rambo totally dominate and run the game against boro away in the cup with footballing ability on another level.

There's 3 points difference between us (6th) and QPR (12th). Way too open to decide if we are contenders, yet.

I think we'll finish about 8th. Our football isn't good enough to be in the top 6 and if we do somehow get promoted, we will be eaten alive in the Premier League. I'm sorry but Slade isn't good enough.