Match Report | Cardiff City 1-0 Rotherham United
Cardiff City returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Rotherham United at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A superb strike from substitute Jaden Philogene was enough to see the Bluebirds secure all three points in South Wales.
Interim boss Mark Hudson opted for two changes to the side that started last weekend, with Perry Ng and Mark Harris returning to the starting XI. Mahlon Romeo returned from injury to feature on the bench.
After a positive start to proceedings, the Bluebirds thought they had netted the opening goal just two minutes in. Harris’ snapshot strike from inside the box was palmed away by Viktor Johansson before Sheyi Ojo fired home the rebound, though his effort was ruled out for offside.
As City continued to apply early pressure, Joe Ralls released Callum O’Dowda down the left, with the Republic of Ireland international striking the side netting. Just minutes later, another flourishing attack saw O’Dowda produce a great delivery into the box, which almost found the on-rushing Harris.
Midway through the first half City had a great chance to take the lead through Ojo. After O’Dowda found space on the right, he drove inside and produced a teasing cross towards his fellow winger, though he was unable to convert.
With half-time approaching, a trademark run forward from Harris resulted in a shooting opportunity for the Welsh international, but he was denied by Johansson's stop before Tom Sang was foiled by the Millers' shot-stopper once again moments later.
The hosts began the second period on the front foot, as Ralls’ goal-bound effort was brilliantly blocked by Richard Wood, as City searched for an opener.
The next opportunity fell to substitute Philogene, whose sharp movement enabled him to recycle a loose ball on the end of the box, creating a shooting angle. Again, however, the finishing touch was well-blocked by a stubborn Millers backline.
Despite City's positivity in attack, the visitors carved out a chance on 54 minutes. Cohen Bramall delivered a fierce ball across the face of the goal, but Ryan Allsop was equal to the challenge, intercepting from point-blank range.
After continuing to create further chances, City finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. The two substitutes Romeo and Philogene combined, with the latter showing great composure inside the area.
After receiving the ball with his back to goal, the winger showed great skill to make space between several defenders, before guiding a curling strike into the far top corner.
With Matt Taylor’s men committing bodies forward, the Bluebirds had a chance to double their lead nine minutes from time, as Ojo teed up Ryan Wintle, but the midfielder fired wide of the mark.
Despite the visitors pushing for a leveller, City held out to secure an important three points in the Welsh capital.
The Bluebirds return to league action in the midweek as Watford visit CCS on Wednesday evening, 7.45pm K/O.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 1–0 ROTHERHAM UNITED
Cardiff City: Allsop; Sang (Romeo 45), Ng, Kipre, Nkounkou (Philogene 45); Wintle, Ralls (C), Rinomhota (Sawyers 62); Ojo (Whyte 88), Harris (Etete 90), O'Dowda. Subs not used: Alnwick, Simpson.
Rotherham United: Johansson; Peltier, Wood (C) (McCart 77), Humphreys (Norton-Cuffy 58); Harding, Wiles, Barlaser, Rathbone (Lindsay 71), Bramall; Kelly (Eaves 71), Washington (High 77). Subs not used: Vickers, Odoffin.
