Cardiff City vs. Bristol Rovers

Match Report | Cardiff City 2-0 Bristol Rovers

Match Reports
Cardiff City emerged 2-0 winners against Bristol Rovers in the first round of the Carabao Cup under the lights at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday. 

Fielding eleven changes to the side that played against Sunderland on Saturday in the season’s opener, second half goals from Mark McGuinness and Rubin Colwill sealed the win and ensured the Bluebirds were in the hat for Round Two. 

Raheem Conte Cardiff City vs. Bristol Rovers

After an even opening 20 minutes, debutant Alex Robertson inked up well with Wilfried Kanga, playing a one-two and getting his shot away, with a deflection taking it for a corner. 

Robertson was on hand to take the resulting corner, finding the head of centre-back McGuinness, however his effort sailed over the bar. 

Robertson was again involved after Luey Giles found him in the area, seeing his shot blocked but it fell to Colwill, who tried his luck and tested Rovers’ keeper Josh Griffiths. 

The away side had the chance to take the lead shortly before half-time through Promise Omochere. The striker was played in by Luke Thomas but hit his effort well over the bar. 

Midway through the second half, Colwill was again involved after a great turn to beat Michael Forbes, he released substitute Ollie Tanner on the right wing, who weaved in and out of Bryant Bilongo to force a corner.

Later, Tanner’s delivery found the head of McGuinness at the back post, who steered the ball powerfully towards goal. Despite the efforts of the defence to clear to safety, the ball crossed over the line to give City the lead. 

Andy Rinhomota had the opportunity to double the lead, after being brilliantly found by debutant Michael Reindorf, though his shot from a tight angle was parried behind by Griffiths. 

Alex Robertson Cardiff City vs. Bristol Rovers

Academy summer signing Reindorf again showed his talent shortly after; after being released on goal by Eli King in midfield, he beat two players but couldn’t quite get his shot off to test the 'keeper. 

But shortly before the final whistle, City doubled their lead as Kieron Evans played a low cross to Colwill at the back post to tap in and secure the win. 

Next up for the Bluebirds is an away trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday, August 17th - 3pm KO. 

FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-0 BRISTOL ROVERS

Cardiff City: Alnwick ©, Kpakio, McGuinness (Fagan-Walcott 76’), Bagan, Giles, Rinomhota, King, Robertson (Evans 59’), Conte (Tanner 59’), R. Colwill, Kanga (Reindorf 59’). Subs not used: Turner, Lawlor, Gbadehan.

Bristol Rovers: Griffiths, Senior, Mola (Anthony 62’), Sinclair © (Shaw 62’), Omochere (Bilongo 62’), Thomas, Garrett, Taylor, McCormick (Conteh 76’), Forbes, Lindsay (Sotiriou 76’). Subs not used: Hall, Moore, Wilson, Hutchinson.