Match Report | West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Cardiff City
Cardiff City started the New Year with a well-earned point away from home against the Baggies on Sunday afternoon.
James Collins’ first-half opener gave City a lead going into the break, before Callum Robinson’s controversial equaliser levelled the score shortly after the interval.
Two changes were made to the starting lineup following City’s last outing, with Marlon Pack and Collins stepping in for the Bluebirds.
City’s first chance came with ten minutes on the clock, as Joe Ralls sought to play Mark Harris through on goal in a swift counterattacking move. The pass was perfectly weighted for Harris, though he had crept just offside, with the linesman’s flag being raised.
Alex Smithies made a terrific save from the hosts’ first shot on target, diving to get fingertips onto Karlan Grant’s curled effort, which was subsequently diverted wide.
Just past the half hour mark, Ralls was able to win a corner-kick with a well-taken shot from the edge of the area, which was deflected onto the side netting.
The captain stepped up to take the corner himself, and struck it perfectly towards the waiting James Collins, where the striker headed home for his second goal of the season.
Now in the lead, the Bluebirds very nearly scored a second moments later, as Harris was once again played through on goal. With his effort saved, the linesman’s flag was raised, as Harris had strayed offside once again.
City’s lead was nullified not long after the second half began, however. Robinson found a through ball inside the visitors’ area, before dispatching towards the far post, though there were plenty of City claims for offside.
The Baggies nearly took the lead when their next chance came in moments later, as Bartley sent his effort wide of the far post from a corner-kick.
With the pressure from the hosts briefly alleviated, City came up with their next big chance of the half, as Harris dispossessed defender Matthew Clarke deep in the Baggies’ half.
Beating his marker as he raced forwards, the forward picked out teammate Will Vaulks, whose shot flew high and wide of the mark.
A few minutes later, Ralls received the ball in a similar position, but sliced wide with a right footed effort.
The hosts were reduced to ten men with little more than 15 minutes remaining, as Alex Mowatt was dismissed immediately for a poor challenge on Vaulks.
With neither side able to add any further to the scoresheet during the final quarter-hour, City were forced to settle for a point. Following the blowing of the final whistle, 'keeper Sam Johnstone and Aden Flint were also dismissed by the referee.
FINAL SCORE: WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1-1 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City: Smithies, McGuinness, Flint, Vaulks (Colwill 79'), Ralls, Nelson, Collins, Pack, Giles, Harris (Davies 86'), Ng. Subs: Phillips, Bagan, Morrison, Brown, Patten.
West Bromwich Albion: Johnstone, Townsend, Bartley, Robinson (Molumby 79'), Livermore, Clarke (Reach 72'), Ahearne-Grant, Kipre, Mowatt, Gardner-Hickman, Fellows (Diangana 72'). Subs: Furlong, Ajayi, Hugill, Button.
