WARNOCK: "WE DESERVED IT"

Cardiff City FC recorded a fantastic Severnside derby victory over Bristol City on Friday evening. A first half penalty from Peter Whittingham and a debut goal from Sol Bamba in the second period giving the Bluebirds a 2-1 win at Cardiff City Stadium.

Shortly after the final whistle, new Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock offered his thoughts on his first game in charge.

“I’m very pleased with the display”, Neil began. “We had three lads making their debuts who haven’t played a game of football this season, so all credit to them and the rest of the team. I thought we deserved the win if I’m honest. It was a close game and very nerve wracking, like many derbies can be.

“I said to the lads after the game, I’m 67 and when that final whistle goes, that’s what I’m in it for, to see a group of lads give their all for me. I can’t ask for any more from them.

“I thought our fans were fantastic as well, particularly when Bristol got their goal. The reaction from our supporters got us going again so all credit to them. We were playing a very good team tonight, I still feel they will have an outside shot of going straight up, let alone through the playoffs.

“We want to climb the table obviously; we don’t want to be down there. We’ve got some tough games coming up, so we have to take it one game at a time and we can’t really get carried away as anyone can beat anyone in this league.

“I’ve always liked being the underdog and I think we’re going to be the underdog a few more times over the next few weeks, but we’ll be ready for the challenge.”

The new Bluebirds boss was also full of praise for central defender Sol Bamba. The towering defender only joined the club this week but put in a fine performance, making several key tackles as well as scoring City’s second goal from close range.

“I tried to sign him when he was at Leicester”, stated Neil. “If he keeps things simple and plays without frills then he’s as good as anyone in this league.

“He’s quick, some of his tackling was fantastic and I thought he has already formed a very good partnership with Sean Morrison. The pair of them are tough to play against going through the middle.”

Hear more from Neil Warnock, Joe Bennett and Junior Hoilett on Cardiff City Player HD now.