CCFC From one of the Worst to the Best:
Mon Sep 29, 2025 11:26 am
Cardiff boast the best defensive record in League One, conceding just five goals – only two of those from open play.
Their transformation has been startling, and it hasn’t come from building a brick wall at the back. Instead, it’s been achieved by making sure opponents rarely get near it.
Barry-Murphy’s philosophy is simple: control the ball, control the game.
Yes it’s not the Championship, But Div 3 ( League 1 ) But City Fans are enjoying every moment.
Last season Cardiff had the 2nd worst defence in the Championship conceded 73 goals:
Cardiff average 62.5% possession, the highest in the division. By monopolising the ball and pressing with intensity when it’s lost, they have reduced opposition attacks to a trickle.
Their strength lies not in aerial dominance or last-ditch clearances, but in prevention.
The manager has placed trust in ball-playing defenders. Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio have been blooded into the senior side, while Calum Chambers, Will Fish and Gabriel Osho have been encouraged to carry the ball out from the back.
Instead of brute force, Cardiff’s defence is built on composure, positioning and distribution.
There are caveats, of course. This is League One, and as Fish himself admitted in a recent press conference, the forwards they face aren’t as clinical as those in the Championship.
Their transformation has been startling, and it hasn’t come from building a brick wall at the back. Instead, it’s been achieved by making sure opponents rarely get near it.
Barry-Murphy’s philosophy is simple: control the ball, control the game.
Yes it’s not the Championship, But Div 3 ( League 1 ) But City Fans are enjoying every moment.
Last season Cardiff had the 2nd worst defence in the Championship conceded 73 goals:
Cardiff average 62.5% possession, the highest in the division. By monopolising the ball and pressing with intensity when it’s lost, they have reduced opposition attacks to a trickle.
Their strength lies not in aerial dominance or last-ditch clearances, but in prevention.
The manager has placed trust in ball-playing defenders. Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio have been blooded into the senior side, while Calum Chambers, Will Fish and Gabriel Osho have been encouraged to carry the ball out from the back.
Instead of brute force, Cardiff’s defence is built on composure, positioning and distribution.
There are caveats, of course. This is League One, and as Fish himself admitted in a recent press conference, the forwards they face aren’t as clinical as those in the Championship.
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Re: CCFC From one of the Worst to the Best:
Mon Sep 29, 2025 5:47 pm
I know this is an if, but if Port Vale, Stockport and Wimbledon had taken their many clear cut chances our goals against would have been a lot
Poorer. I’m not complaining though as this is the best football I have seen for many a year.
Poorer. I’m not complaining though as this is the best football I have seen for many a year.
Re: CCFC From one of the Worst to the Best:
Mon Sep 29, 2025 11:47 pm
Add to the results in the Cup matches - Great Start to the season 
Re: CCFC From one of the Worst to the Best:
Tue Sep 30, 2025 2:27 pm
Port Talbot 10,48 wrote:I know this is an if, but if Port Vale, Stockport and Wimbledon had taken their many clear cut chances our goals against would have been a lot
Poorer. I’m not complaining though as this is the best football I have seen for many a year.
And if my aunt had balls she would be my uncle............................maybe.
