Cardiff City put in a nightmare performance and deservedly lost to Plymouth Argyle. The score was 2-1 but it should have been more after a woeful showing in which Cardiff could not have complained going in 4-0 down at the break.
The back four looked distinctly uncomfortable and Roger Johnson in particular was guilty of two terrible clearances which put us in trouble. Heaton recovered from a silly handball in the first moments to make several good saves. Mpenza, Gallagher and Fallon with chances for the Pilgrims.
In contrast, Cardiff created virtually nothing. Playing with two pacy widemen, we persisted in lofting aimless balls forward and got what we deserved – nothing. New man Wayne Rouledge tried to inject momentum on the rare occasions he got possession – he did get past Chris Barker on one occasion but no one could meet his teasing cross. Chopra had the only chance for City after a goalmouth scramble but Larrieu saved at his near post.
Just as it looked like we could hang on until half time, Plymouth struck. A hopeful long ball was headed on by Fallon – there looked little danger but Purse turned the wrong way and was outmuscled by Mpenza whose outstretched foot guided the ball past Heaton. Mpenza did really well to manufacture the chance, but Purse should have dealt with the threat.
Just moments later it was 2-0, Clark outfoxed Kennedy on the Plymouth right before sending in a swirling cross which rebounded off the crossbar directly to Gallagher to stab home. A touch of fortune bu the least Plymouth deserved for their endeavour.
The second half saw an improvement from City, but only because Plymouth decided not to take the game to us anymore. You felt if they wanted to, the Pilgrims could step up several gears but as it was they coped well. Darcy Blake endured a torrid first 15 minutes after replacing McNaughton – maybe the occasion got to him, or he was shellshocked by the previous 45 minutes but his distrubution and decisions were awful.
Chopra pulled a goal back after cleverly dropping into a gap, Routledge found him (a hint of offside) but Chops coolly rounded the keeper to record his 2nd goal of his loan stint.
We never looked like getting an equaliser, Rae came closest with a 20 yard volley and in truth Plymouth deserved the three points. With Reading and Swansea coming up, this game must be forgotten and changes may well be on the way. Who could blame Dave Jones for that?
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Absolutely shocking performance. Finally ive read a report which questions McPhails ability. Make a change in midfield as well as the back four. i think Darcy took a while to get into the game but i think thats just down to th regularity of him playing. of there was another 45 minutes he would have been comfortable. on the + side. wayne looks a good find.