Sat Oct 24, 2026 4:31 pm
Cardiff looking the Championship part but Blues fall short of standards
BBC
It was a game that underlined the gradual improvement of Brian Barry-Murphy's side, who had to wait until their seventh game of their return to the second tier before registering a first victory.
There had been signs that they were starting to find a way to add a ruthless edge to their often impressive play, such as that 5-1 thrashing of Watford.
But a daunting run of fixtures represented a real test, including this visit of a Birmingham side that have looked every inch a team to be taken seriously this season.
Cardiff answered plenty of questions with this performance, as did Salech who hasn't found goals easy to come by. The return of the striker will give much hope ahead of games with Wolves and West Ham.
But a first clean sheet since April should not be underestimated, with Trott's late save and an assured display from Will Fish key.
A different story for disappointing Birmingham, who may complain whether Neumann was fouled as Salech turned him, but can't complain about the result.
Missing top scorer August Priske, they will perhaps look back at an early chance for replacement Luis Vazquez as a key moment.
But in truth they took far too long to find the kind of rhythm and resilience, with their rally with time running out too little, too late.
With a trip to Lincoln City up next, they can expect another awkward away day – and Davies will expect more from his side.