Cardiff City Profit From Widemen Wizardry

Cardiff City’s win against Preston North End displayed a good balance in midfield with Ledley and Rae impressive in the middle. It was however the widemen who really caught the eye with stunning performances from our two wingers:



Wayne Routledge


The on-loan Aston Villa had to wait a while for a touch in the game, but at his first opportunity to run he caught out PNE left-back Davidson with a clever flick before easily outpacing the full-back and sending a dangerous cross over. Routledge continued to have the beating of his man and Preston were forced to double up on him before Davidson was booked for hauling the winger back when almost through on goal.


Throughout the game, Wayne showed positive intent and was happy to take on his man. Several pieces of skill were impressive while his control of a looping ball before wrapping his wrong foot round to cross was sublime – the cross landing exactly on Bothryoy’s head.


Later in the half, Routledge was perhaps a little over-confident and lost possession on a couple of occasions – trying to do too much when an easier pass was on but that sort of play is exactly what we are missing with McPhail, Whittingham, Ledley in midfield. Routledge was a constant threat to Preston and created a number of chances as well as creating space for his team-mates.




Paul Parry


Parry has not been in great form of late and was again disappointing in the first half. To be fair to him, there was little space and scant service during the first period bu Lilywhites right-back Billy Jones was able to nullify our threat down the left.


In the second period, things looked to be going the same way as Ledley fed Parry in space only for the winger to sky a woeful cross wide and past the back post – a real waste of a decent chance. From that moment on though, Parry was superb giving Jones a torrid time and creating a plethora of chances for City – all of which could have earned a goal.


Parry used tricks, outsprinted his marker and cut inside well. He was obviously happy to go past his man, twice nutmegging Jones and he got to the by-line on a number of occasions. Further, the delivery of the final ball was much improved on recent times. He found Bothroyd brilliantly from one such run – the header hit the post. Parry showed great vision to pull-back for Gavin Rae and this time only a full stretch Andy Lonergan prevented a Bluebirds goal.


Great credit must go to Parry for his second half performance. Moments from the end he found space on the right but his shot drifted just wide with Lonergan beaten. If that had gone in, Parry’s confidence would have been sky high – he now needs to continue where he left off and will certainly start against Burnley tomorrow night.





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