Match Report | Birmingham City 0-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff City claimed another away win with victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Wednesday evening.
The key moment came just after the hour mark, with Josh Bowler converting from inside the area to give the Bluebirds all three points.
Erol Bulut made one change to the side that faced Hull City, with Aaron Ramsey coming into the starting XI.
The hosts settled first and forced the first chance, as winger Koji Miyoshi received the ball from a short corner, before cutting inside and striking a low effort onto the post. City reacted well, as a swift break lead to Yakou Méïté finding space on the right, who forced goalkeeper John Ruddy into his first save with a powerful drive.
City striker Méïté was again involved, as the Bluebirds had a positive spell, this time heading just wide from skipper Joe Ralls’ free-kick. Bulut’s side looked promising in breaking forward with tempo, as a brilliant pass from Perry Ng cut through the hosts’ midfield and found Karlan Grant, who drove forward before having an effort blocked.
The Bluebirds loanee was posing a threat with his directness, as a brilliant run from the winger led to Méïté firing a powerful effort at goal, with Ruddy again on-hand to parry away. After a period of opportunities for City, it was the hosts who were next to go close, as midfielder Jordan James lashed an effort just wide of the post.
Much like after Miyoshi’s early chance, the Bluebirds reacted well to the hosts’ threat, with left-back Jamilu Collins breaking into the box, but couldn’t quite square to Ramsey. With opportunities for both sides in a competitive opening period, the contest was goalless at the break.
City had to soak up pressure from the hosts early in the second half and while the Blues had a period on top, the Bluebirds defended well, with goalkeeper Ethan Horvath rarely called into action. Having weathered the storm, Bulut’s men found a key moment in the 65th minute, as substitute Rubin Colwill squared to Bowler in the box, who converted with a calm finish.
Academy product Cian Ashford, who has impressed for our U21s this season, was then introduced for his Sky Bet Championship debut, gaining invaluable First Team experience. The Bluebirds searched for a second goal and went close through Grant, who cut inside and had an effort deflect just over the woodwork.
Late-on, the hosts pushed forward for an equaliser, but City were disciplined in a solid defensive shape and saw out the victory. The Bluebirds return to action on Saturday afternoon, facing Millwall at The Den, 3pm KO.
FINAL SCORE: BIRMINGHAM CITY 0-1 CARDIFF CITY
Birmingham City: Ruddy, Laird, Buchanan (Pritchard 70’), Sanderson ©, Bielik (Hogan 79’), Bacuna (Gardner 86'), Miyoshi (Drameh 70’), Paik, James (Anderson 70’), Stansfield, Aiwu. Subs not used: Etheridge, Roberts, Dozzell, Sunjic.
Cardiff City: Horvath, Ng, Goutas, Phillips, Collins, Siopis, Ralls © (Turnbull 80’), Ramsey (R Colwill 46’), Bowler (Ashford 71’), Grant, Méïté (Diédhiou 71’). Subs not used: Turner, Sawyers, J Colwill, Tanner.