Match Day Thread Cardiff City v Pompey - Carabao Cup 1st Round

bravo buddy.

Would say good game but clearly our boys didn't have the right script tonight

good luck in the next round.

 

Great result! So the first three matches have produced a Jekyll and Hyde against Wednesday, a Jekyll, a tame, meek performance against Lincoln and a killer Hyde tonight.

 

A lot of positives from this game (apart from the obvious one - the result!).
My remarks are based on watching the last 60min of the Cardiff game the - first 30min being a technical fault on ifollow.
In three games I am yet to see Griffith make a spectacular last ditch save (perhaps he wishes he had for Seffield Wednesday's 2nd goal). But this is not a critism of Griffith - it is a complement on the defense which, despite being submitted to long periods of defense in all three games, has not had to leave it to Griffith .The only areas of Griffith's game that have been exposed have been his distribution - not impressive - and his catching - very competent.
The defense has been very competent in blocking everything. The only qualification of this compliment is that they may have often had too many numbers back to be able to mount sustainable possession for significant periods.
Other positives.
Rafferty has played well todate and should be continued with but Swanson looks a very competent alternative.
Despite Piggot scoring I think a Scarlet - Bishop strike combination is worth a try. Scarlet does inject some - otherwise lacking - pace .Bishop's headed finishes have been impressive.
The wealth of mid field talent is going to cause selection problems of the right kind. Peckand Nicholson have been impressive in the first two games yet we have not dominated in midfield. Mingi made impressive defensive blocks and contributed some pace against Cardiff and Lowery's cameo was impressive. Perhaps a 4-3-3 approach would allow us to play more o our mid field strength. We should not forget that Morrell is yet to return.
Mnoga played competently in the centre back position but I cannot see him being being selected there with Robertson yet to return and Morrison looking like a good acquisition. However, he could be a good 'Rottweiler' type mid field ball winner if other combinations do not work out.
Funny how a win can change perspectives as Ives points out. Two draws was an unimpressive start although one was against strong opposition. Two draws and a win having played two strong sides looks much better.

 

So are you guys trying to conquer Wales or just move in?
More importantly, never mind all this cup stuff, when are you getting back to the Championship?

 

Well, good luck with your promotion challenge. I can't think that there would be many genuine football fans that would begrudge it.