Match Report | Cardiff City 2-1 Reading
City continued pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory over Reading at Cardiff City Stadium.
A brace from the influential Callum Robinson secured victory for the Bluebirds.
The Bluebirds started brightly and took the lead inside four minutes, as Robinson showed great desire to charge down goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke’s clearance, leading to the opening goal. City’s no.47 was again involved as he broke free on the right, but his low delivery just evaded midfielder David Turnbull.
With 12 minutes on the clock, the Royals struck back through Femi Azeez, who struck home clinically to equalise. The visitors then went close to taking the lead, as Mamadi Camara drove into the area, before firing wide. At the other end, Rubin Colwill showed great skill to find space in the box, with his left-footed strike flying just wide of the post.
After a competitive opening 45 minutes, the score was level at the break.
At the interval, U21 centre-back Dylan Lawlor was introduced, marking his first senior involvement. Much like the first half, City started the second period brightly, with midfielder Eli King firing wide of the post from the edge of the area. In another chance, Cian Ashford was found free at the back post, but headed past the woodwork.
The Bluebirds restored the lead in the 78th minute, with U21 defender Luey Giles key in the build-up. The left-back delivered perfectly into the area for the on-rushing Robinson, who calmly finished into the bottom corner. Just minutes later, the advantage was almost doubled, as Turnbull struck just wide of the post.
With ten minutes left on the clock, summer recruit Chris Willock was found in space in the area, before being denied by goalkeeper Boyce-Clarke. Willock went close once more, as his goal-bound free-kick was tipped just past the post. City ended the game strongly, maintaining control of possession to ensure victory.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-1 READING
Cardiff City: Alnwick, Kpakio, Chambers (Lawlor 46’), Bagan (Giles 73’), T Davies, King (J Colwill 65’), Rinomhota, Turnbull, R Colwill (Méïté 60’), Ashford (Willock 60’), Robinson. Subs not used: Turner, Gbadehan.
Reading: Boyce-Clarke, Craig (Savage 46’), Osho (Wareham 65’), Elliott (Sackey 46’), Mbengue (Kanu 46’), Dean, Knibbs (Wing 46’), Senga (Holzman 43’), Camara, Smith (Garcia 65’), Azeez (Ehibhatiomhan 46’). Subs not used: Pereira, Akande, Stickland.