' The Story of Todays Game '

' STORY OF THE GAME '

Saturday 2nd April 2016


Cardiff City secured a vital win in front of a record home crowd as goals from Bruno Manga and Stuart O'Keefe gave them a win over play-off rivals Derby County.

The Bluebirds are now two points outside the play-off places behind Derby and three points behind Sheffield Wednesday who beat Huddersfield 1-0.

Cardiff made by far the brighter start, forcing two corners in the first three minutes and going close through a Joe Ralls volley.

That promising start gave way to something of a stalemate, with Derby County content to sit deep and watch Cardiff recycle possession.


Derby had enjoyed their best spell of the game when the Bluebirds forced a corner from an innocuous enough passage of play.

Whittingham's floated corner was over the head of Morrison, but Manga came flying in to score.

That was pretty much that for the first half, as Cardiff closed out with an ease that they could probably scarcely believe.

To start the second half in such a sloppy manner, then, will have been a great frustration.

A slip in the box let Martin go through, and he beat the onrushing Marshall to the ball.

Noone almost put the Bluebirds back ahead just moments later, forcing a good save from Scott Carson.

That typified what was a really spirited Cardiff response, but they began to lose the grip of the game they had in the opening 45.

No surprise then, that it was another set-piece that led to their winner, with Whittingham's cross converted by the smart O'Keefe.


Here's what we learned....

CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN

He attacks the ball with such purpose and commitment that is almost impossible to stop.

With that in mind, the floated, pin-point corners of Peter Whittingham are absolutely perfect.

Defensively, Manga was as assured as you'd come to expect, though he was distraught not to eat up the ground quick enough to clear Martin's effort before it crossed the line.



CONNOLLY'S DISTRIBUTION A BIG MISS

Sean Morrison stepped in for the centre-back in really impressive manner, towering in the air and clearing a multitude of crosses.

With the ball at his feet, however, he does not look as good as Connolly.

Too often the long-balls out from the back were aimless, and Pilkington cut a frustrating figure at times.

Connolly's confidence and line-breaking strides are a big miss and it was evident today.

O'KEEFE ADDING ATTACKING THREAT TO DEFENSIVE EXCELLENCE

This was the kind of faultless showing that is now his trademark.

Breaking up attacks, inch-perfect sliding tackles, careful passing.

Russell Slade will be pleased to see him now adding a touch more adventure to his game, often making late runs towards and into the box.

Today, Joe Ralls often took up a deep-lying playmaker role, giving O'Keefe the chance to surge forward every now and then.

It is clever rotation and shows a team confident in their system.

And that poacher's instinct to score the second goal... who knew he had that in his locker?




CAN NOONE MAKE A DEFINING CONTRIBUTION?

Anthony Pilkington of Cardiff City charges forwardAnthony Pilkington of Cardiff City charges forward
It was the right-winger who began this renaissance with two majestic goals at Wolves, but injury stalled his progress after that.

He hustled all game here, showing a great work-ethic in his determination to help Lee Peltier contain Bradley Johnson.

Going forward, he grew into the game and offered plenty of incision in the second half.

He should have scored when he went through one-on-one with Scott Carson, however.

Encouraging signs that his best form is on the way.

ALL ABOARD THE PASSING CAROUSEL!
Cardiff's drastic improvement and poise on the ball is absolutely remarkable.

This isn't tiki-taka but they are giving themselves a much better platform to break teams down.

It is particularly important given that they lack a real target man up front.

Kenwyne Jones was a terrific asset in the Championship but his departure has had some unintended but hugely positive consequences.

Not the greatest footballing display I've ever seen but one thing about this team is that in recent weeks they have given their all and never give up. It's in complete contrast to the display we saw at pride park earlier this season when we were awful and got deservedly beaten 2-0 with many fans chanting were effing shit.

Let's hope the players keep battling and Derby and Wednesday lose there next 6.

Wasn't able to go to the game on Saturday but watched the (brief) highlights

Great win for City in what was a genuine 6 pointer (if we'd lost, we'd now be EIGHT points behind The Rams) and it tied in with what my mate told me, i.e. that Cardiff were the dominant side, restricted Derby to very few clear chances and their goal was a gift!

Wasn't able to go to the game on Saturday but watched the (brief) highlights

Great win for City in what was a genuine 6 pointer (if we'd lost, we'd now be EIGHT points behind The Rams) and it tied in with what my mate told me, i.e. that Cardiff were the dominant side, restricted Derby to very few clear chances and their goal was a gift!

I couldn't believe the change in Derby from when we played them at the Ipro in November. After that game I was convinced we were heading for a 15th or 16th place finish whilst the Rams were looking like championship winners. Just proves how quickly things can change in football.