Cardiff City’s exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Stoke City was regarded as disappointing, but a chance to concentrate on the priority for the season – winning promotion to the Premiership.
However, the cup exit now appears more fortunate than previously after the 4-2 win over Watford on Saturday. Anything other than a win would have meant the team would be desperate to play the next match and get back into form. Happily, we collected all 3 points and now have the opportunity to rest before the next game – which will provide a 10 day gap.
With Stephen McPhail already ruled out with a hamstring problem, and Chris Riggott sidelined once more after a new injury nightmare – the Bluebirds were not too far short of full strength, especially given Jay Bothroyd’s timely return from his own hamstring problem.
However, Lee Naylor and Bothroyd were both taken off and in some discomfort during the win, though thankfully Bothroyd’s problem was just cramp. Worryingly, Peter Wittingham was next to limp off and City will want the influential midfielder back asap to provide more of the quality and creativity that led to Craig Bellamy’s opener.
Kevin McNaughton too was injured during the course of the game, having been knocked unconscious earlier, he sufferedwaht appeared to be a dead leg – and not a recurrance of his hamstring/back complaints of previous seasons.
Next weekend was earmarked for Round 4 of the FA Cup, and as such – the Bluebirds do not have a game. Instead, the likes of Bellamy, Whitts, McNaughton, Naylor and Bothroyd will have an opportunity to rest up, and come back fitter and stronger when we face Reading on 1st February.
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