Assured Cardiff City Ease Past Barnsley

Caridiff City played their way back into form nicely with a satisfying 3-1 victory over Barnsley last night. The key moment undoubtedly came in the first few moments as we settled the nerves with an early opener. Roger Johnson caused havoc at a free-kick and won a corner from the right. Johnson and Gyepes again caused problems and JOE LEDLEY was on hand to lash the loose ball high into the net.

Cardiff settled nicely and it was 300 minutes until Dimi was tested in goal – the big Greek alert to tip a deflected Mifsud effort over. Eddie Johnson grew into the game and showed neat touches as well as winning a remarkable amount in the air against two Barnsley giants. In fact, centre-backs Souza and Foster were forced to foul Eddie on several occasions allowing us good possession and territory.

Towards the end of the first half, things got even better for Cardiff City when a swerving Whittingham shot was spilt by Muller and MICHAEL CHOPRA was exactly where you`d expect him to control and fire low for a 2-0 lead. Also in the first half Whittingham hit a 30-yard to be denied by a full-stretch save and Eddie Johnson narrowly missed a low Chopra cross.

After the break, we continued to dominate but Mifsud was looking more of a threat. A Barnsley substitution brought immediate dividends as Jon Macken pounced with his first touch to fire into the top corner. Roger Johnson had been held off and the ball bounced on the edge of the Cardiff area – Macken did exceptionally well to swivel and score, a real 1 in 20 effort. Nevertheless, the goal changed the course and complexion of the game – we became nervous. Thankfully we needn`t have worried as Barnsley midfielder Andranik, walking a disciplinary tightrope all game, decided to push Chopra in the face after conceding a free-kick. He simply had to go and it had been coming, Barnsley`s discipline was awful including manager Simon Davey – they contested every decision and could have lost a man earlier through persistent fouling. Chopra`s free-kick was brilliantly saved by Muller.

Substitute Quincy came on and saw a surging run and shot nearly grab a third, again Muller at full stretch to tip past the post. Gavin Rae saw a thunderous effort rebound of the bar before he set up PETER WHITTINGHAM who had time and space to curve a low left footer inside the post for 3-1.

A much better performance from City, the determination was back, we closed down well and looked threatening in attack. Eddie Johnson was superb, Ledley immense and the defence was assured against the 1 man Barnsley attack.