Cardiff City endured a battling and bustling encounter this evening to get back to winning ways and score a 1-0 victory over Reading FC. It was far from easy for the Bluebirds who rode their luck at times and played the last quarter without Stephen McPhail who was shown a red card for a high tackle.
Both sides worked hard throughout but Caridff had the better chances in the first half, Chopra going close with a left foot drive and Whittingham seeing a shot blocked. The Chopra / Bothroyd combo was impressive and Jay saw a shot saved by Federici.
Hunt had an effort for Reading but City shaded the first half. The Royals started much the better in the second half and went very close through Howard.
Marshall had to save from Matejovsky and Rasiak before City got a goal against the run of play – Chris Burke finding the net with a 16 yard drive.
Burke could have had another soon after but was ruled inches offside when clear through. However, the game turned when McPhail, returned to the starting XI, was dismissed. The Irishman was shown a straight red card for a high foot, but could count himself unlucky.
After that, Cardiff were on the back foot and needed the likes of Gerrard and Quinn to rescue situations while Bothroyd performed wonders in attack to hold the ball up.
Simon Church wasted a glorious chance to level, but fired wide before goalkeeper Adam Federici connected with a bicycle kick only for Marshall to gather – shades of last Boxing day when the Aussie keeper netted a 96th minute leveller.
Cardiff City clung on for a much needed win and move up to fourth place. The result was key and we showed great appetite, work-rate and commitment even if the performance wasnt top notch.
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