Match Report | Stoke City 1-2 Cardiff City
The Bluebirds made it four straight wins with a comeback 2-1 victory at Stoke City on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020.
Neil Harris named the same starting eleven as the last three games following wins over Luton Town, Huddersfield Town and Watford, with Mark Harris and Kieffer Moore leading the attack.
Stoke's danger man Tyrese Campbell began strongly, and curled just wide with ten minutes gone, looking to capitalise on a defensive slip.
Harry Wilson had City's first real shot with 21 minutes on the clock, firing off target after cutting in from the right and taking aim from 25-yards.
It was a scrappy encounter in the opening half, and a scrappy opening goal came four minutes after the Wilson chance, with the hosts taking the advantage. 20-year old Campbell broke into the box and put in a powerful cross that ended up in the back of the net off the legs of City captain Sean Morrison.
Neither side really threatened in the final 20 minutes of the opening period, with the wet conditions making it tough for either team to get their foot on the ball and take control of possession.
Michael O'Neill's side had two big chances to increase their advantage early in the second half. James McClean's corner was headed against the crossbar by Wales international James Chester after 50 minutes, before Morrison's evening looked to be taking a further downturn when he was penalised for a challenge on Nick Powell in the penalty box.
Despite the protests from the City players after what looked like a soft decision, Stoke substitute Sam Vokes was given the chance to net from the penalty, but he was denied a goal thanks to a brilliant save from Alex Smithies.
The hosts were punished for these missed chances as City levelled after 66 minutes. Joe Ralls' corner kick was cleared, but recycled back to the No.8. His second cross to the back post evaded all but substitute Robert Glatzel, who controlled superbly before smashing into the top corner.
The Bluebirds were on the front foot after equalising - and took the lead ten minutes later. Ralls again putting in a brilliant ball, this time from a corner, with Morrison turning his evening around expertly, burying his header into the net.
The Bluebirds held strong, and looked the most likely to score again as time ran down. Neil Harris' men picking up another win on the road.
Stoke City: Bursik, Smith (Ince 80), Collins, Chester, Fox, Cousins, Tymon (Oakley-Boothe 80), Campbell (Vokes 55), Powell, McClean, Brown (Shawcross 72). Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Lindsay, Verlinden, Porter, Forrester.
Cardiff City: Smithies, Bacuna, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett, Vaulks, Ralls (Pack 80), Wilson (Glatzel 60), Ojo, Harris (Whyte 80), Moore (Bamba 89). Subs Not Used: Phillips, Benković, Cunningham, Bagan, Murphy.
