MALKY PRAISES SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE

Manager praises second half performance at Upton Park

City boss Malky Mackay praised his side for their second half performance and brave fightback against West Ham United despite being knocked out of the Capital One Cup by the narrowest of margins.

The Bluebirds came back from two early goals for the Hammers to level the scores at 2-2 with fifteen minutes to go; Peter Odemwingie grabbing his first goal for the club and the initiative only for Ricardo Vaz Te to grab a winner for the home side late on.

But despite City’s Cup exit, Malky was pleased with the determination his side showed to get something from the match in the second half, saying: “I'm desperately disappointed for them because of the way they played in the second half.

“We looked like the team that was going to get the third and even after they scored the late goal we had the chance in the last minute to level."

“We had a mountain to climb after the way we started,” said Malky, “West Ham came quickly out of the blocks which we knew they would.  I thought we were a shadow of ourselves in that first period, but we scored a wonderful goal just before half-time to keep ourselves in it.

“It's about having belief in yourself and confidence by being on the front foot, that was the difference between the first and second halves.”

The match saw Deadline Day signing Odemwingie make his full debut for the Bluebirds on the right side of midfield, with the City manager pleased with what he saw from the Nigerian International throughout as he got more valuable match time under his belt.

“I thought Peter was excellent tonight,” said Malky, “He always looked a threat and was dangerous throughout.



“We just needed to get match minutes into him, he's not played a lot of football in the last six months, he's trained well but match practice is key for any player. That's something he needs to get him up to speed but he's a terrific player.

“He's back playing football again and he's an experienced Premier League player who has shown his class when he plays,” added Malky, “He's got a smile on his face again when he plays which is important for any player.

“He's desperate to be involved but we'll look after him over the next few days and make sure that he's ready for the weekend.”

WATCH THE GOALS AND REACTION TO THE MATCH COURTESY OF CARDIFF CITY PLAYER BELOW