RUSSELL: TEAM RESILIENT, FANS MAGNIFICENT

Club News

After seeing his side battle hard for a draw against Sky Bet Championship high-fliers AFC Bournemouth, Cardiff City manager Russell Slade praised his players’ performances in earning the point.

 


“I thought we were worth a point against a very good side who played very quickly on the front foot," said the Gaffer, post-match.


"We did stay in the game and showed great resilience, when maybe eight or nine weeks ago we’d have conceded a second goal which would have put it beyond us. We showed a real determination to come back into it, and to be a threat going forward and I thought we were a threat every time we got the ball in and around the box.

 

“Bournemouth also had their chances; they’re a very good side and they began the day top of the league for the reason. I thought it was a very open game in the second period in particular.”

 


There was controversy late on as referee Lee Mason ruled out a 'goal' by Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson when the striker had blocked an attempted goal kick from Simon Moore.


The City manager offered his views on the incident, saying:“It was obviously a bit of a ploy by Eddie [Howe] to put his striker up there, to stop our keeper kicking it with any accuracy, but I can’t comment on it because I haven’t seen it back.

 

“We’re not making giant steps, but we’re making small steps. In terms of going forward, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to put the small bricks in place. We’re showing a real resilience now, and people are understanding their jobs when the ball is lost better than they were.

 

“We wanted that elusive win at home - the crowd were magnificent for us. It was an open, interesting game, and both teams were good enough to go forward and try and win the game tonight. We had ten players unavailable this evening, but I’m very happy with the Group we did have. They showed great character and resolve.

 

“We scored from two set-plays at Bournemouth, and we wanted to service the box again today. Every time the ball went into the box, I thought we looked a threat, and it didn’t surprise me that we ended up scoring from a corner. We'll go again now against Birmingham here on Saturday."



Watch Russell's post-match thoughts below. Full reaction and highlights to follow on Cardiff City Player