ANOTHER 'DERBY' VIEW: CITY MUCH THE SAME

As the game approached, I had mixed feelings about how the game would unfold; heart saying the Bluebirds would keep their goal-scoring form going and, if we could get the first goal, Swansea haven't been in great goal-scoring form themselves

All that was turned upside down when a series of mistakes/poor decisions gifted the previously flagrant Jamal Lowe the opportunity to half-hit the ball and under Alex Smithies from inside the 6 yard box. Was it a Smithies error? I'm not so sure it wasn't just unlucky and for me, the 'blame' lay earlier in the move when a couple of players (Bennett the worst) allowed Swansea to create the opportunity and they went ahead through the previous profligate Jamal Lowe

To be fair, Swansea were the more productive side for the first half, although Cardiff did get to the Swansea box and had their opportunities but few of which were developed into real 'chances'

Having said that, they (Swansea) should have been down to 10 men early on after a silly foul by Swnasea's Bennett on Moore just outside their area. How it wasn't, yet Ralls was sent off for similar later on, is a mystery that even Jack stalwart Lee Trundle couldn't explain "in the modern game"

The resulting free kick from Harry Wilson was sent well wide of the Swansea goal

Wilson looked out of sorts, Moore worked himself to the ground and an outnumbered midfield ran themselves ragged

Cardiff were a little luck to only be one behind but it was what it was and they moved on to the half-time talk...


HALF-TIME: Cardiff City 0 - 1 SWANSEA


The second half started with a near goal from Swansea before an overall Bluebird improvement; although Swansea were well-drilled, well organised and controlled the ball and the game for long periods in reality

Matters for Cardiff were made worse when Moore went off injured after attempting a back heel goal that would have been something special. We'll have to see how that pan out but it looked reasonable bad as he walked off

The introduction of Robert Glatzel again chawed the game slightly and he had probably the best opportunity of the game for the Bluebirds

As the Bluebirds huffed and puffed, Swansea eventually went 2 - 0 up with another super goal from the (surely shocked) Jamal Lowe

Being honest, despite some effort from the Bluebirds, it was Swansea who could have added to the score and the game petered out to see Swansea take the first spoils of the season a little too easily for any Bluebird's liking


FINAL SCORE: Cardiff City 0 - 2 SWANSEA


When all is said and done, I'm not too sure the Bluebirds performance was that far off those of recent games which we have won. For me, it was a simple case of Swansea setting up well, scoring early and being able to control much of the game from there on in; a long time after such an early goal

A clearly disappointing result but now is not the time to get angry or to lose the recently built up faith. We need to regroup, see what the injury situation is and plan ahead for what is a good looking period over Christmas

Four steps forward and one step back today. Most of us would have taken four from five in recent weeks; it's just a shame the defeat had to come against that particular side

Keep the faith; it's still been a good month!

If it weren't against them,most would say"we move on" 12 from 15 pts is no mean feat.
Personally I did say the other day,that the same team again,may ne a game too far!! And the boys looked tired and lethargic to me? Not an excuse of course,but I think he should have changed a few faces,and a different formation may have been needed.never mind,long way to go yet.

If it weren't against them,most would say"we move on" 12 from 15 pts is no mean feat.
Personally I did say the other day,that the same team again,may ne a game too far!! And the boys looked tired and lethargic to me? Not an excuse of course,but I think he should have changed a few faces,and a different formation may have been needed.never mind,long way to go yet.

Definitely a game to far perhaps that shows up Harris's shortcomings as a manager? There was opportunities to change side without weakening it but he chose keep a winning side good managers know when to change team regardless of results....one thing is certain he will make changes and hopefully be the right ones both in players and positions next game.

Harris gambled on playing the same team, he knew we needed fresh legs but didn't have the guts to change a winning team

Well deserved Swansea. Much the better team on the day. Steve Cooper won the game for me with his decisions to rotate the squad. Cardiff looked sluggish and barely created a chance. Just for once, I don't feel so bad about not attending this match thanks to coronavirus and Mr Drakeford!