Huge Confidence Boost For Cardiff City’s Conway

Craig Conway was Cardiff City’s hero on Saturday as his long range rocket earned all three points in the dying moments of the clash with Portsmouth. It was a dramatic finale to a game City dominated, took the led but had to come from behind to win.

The goal was extremely welcome for Conway, who had returned to the starting line-up for the first time since 17th December. He was instrumental in the victory, crossing for Hudson to head home the vital equaliser before collecting Whittingham’s quick free-kick, driving towards goal and hitting his 35 yard winner.

Conway is the only natural wideman in the current squad, and width has been a problem for City in recent weeks. Despite playing well, and picking up points – we have struggled to stretch teams and lack to ability to mix things up when the game isn’t going our way.

Conway himself has been short of form. He started the season brightly, scoring in consecutive rounds of the league cup and a fine low effort in a victory over Bristol City. However, an ankle injury saw him sidelined and despite returning to action – he has not re-captured his best form and was relegated to substitutes duty by Malky Mackay.

Conway’s performance on Saturday was much better, he looked confident and provided real width on the left, linking extremely well with Taylor to cause Portsmouth problems. Aside from width, Conway also provided a willing runner and carried the ball to good effect. The likes of Whittingham, Gunnarsson and Cowie are good passers but rarely dribble. Conway was direct, skillful and looked much more confident than in previous outings.

The return to form, fitness and confidence of Conway is a massive boost to Cardiff City. We are still searching for alternatives to play on the wing in the transfer market, but Conway has proved he can be a matchwinner and contributes a great deal to the team when on form. He looks likely to start the League Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday and will be looking to continue to impress – boosted by that late winning goal.