Match Report | Cardiff City 0-0 Preston North End
Cardiff City were held to a goalless draw with Preston North End at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Boss Steve Morison made three changes to the side that started at Bristol City last weekend, with Joe Ralls, Rubin Colwill and Jaden Philogene coming into the starting XI.
City began the contest on the front foot and forced an early opportunity after just three minutes. Colwill - making his first league start this season - delivered a high cross towards Philogene at the far post, but he couldn't direct his header goalward.
Minutes later, City continued to apply pressure; Philogene made a great darting run before being brought down outside the box. From Ralls’ resultant free-kick, the Lilywhites failed to clear their lines with the ball falling to Ryan Wintle, who smashed an effort just wide of goal.
Colwill slid through Max Watters moments later, but the striker's effort was well blocked by the sliding Liam Lindsay.
At the other end, Ryan Lowe’s side broke well down the right and Perry Ng had to be alert to clear Troy Parrott's fierce cross.
With the Bluebirds continuing their attacking momentum, a flurry of chances occurred for Morison's side. One particular chance saw Watters fend off several challenges before diverting an effort just over the bar.
Before the break, with City controlling large spells of possession, Callum O’Dowda found Ralls in space, but the City skipper dragged his effort off target.
With City creating momentum straight from the restart, Morison’s side made a blistering start to the second period. Watters teed up Colwill for a strike inside the box, with his effort sparked controversy over a potential hand-ball. However, referee Andy Woolmer waved away any appeals.
On 52 minutes, the Bluebirds went agonisingly close to finding the breakthrough. After another fine attacking City move, Ralls found space outside the box, before his effort cannoned off the inside of the post.
As City looked to break down a resilient Lilywhites backline, Colwill produced a brilliant piece of skill, but again his low-driven cross was diverted away from danger by Lindsay.
In injury time, City had a golden chance to sneak a late winner. Nkounkou broke through in the box, but he was unable to guide his effort below the bar. With the final whistle blown moments later, the Bluebirds were forced to settle for a point in the Welsh capital.
The Bluebirds return to league action again on Tuesday night (7.45pm KO), with a home match against Luton Town at CCS.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-0 PRESTON NORTH END
Cardiff City: Allsop; Romeo, Ng, Kipre, O'Dowda (Nkounkou 45'); Wintle, Ralls (Rinomhota 69'), Sawyers (Whyte 90+1'); Philogene (Harris 69'), Watters, Colwill (Ojo 88'). Subs not used: Alnwick, Simpson
Preston: Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Cunningham; Whiteman; Potts, Brady, Ledson (McCann 62'), Browne (Woodburn 62'); Johnson (Jakobsen 36'), Parrott (Evans 78'). Subs not used: Cornell, Bauer, Slater
