Warnock: We can have an even better second half of the season

The Bluebirds remain second going into Christmas Day, despite decisions going against them at the Macron Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking candidly in his post-match press & media conference, Neil Warnock reflected on the disappointment of coming away with nothing after a professional performance that preceded the hosts’ fortuitous 75th minute penalty.

"With the penalty, it's hit his [Sol Bamba's] hand and we've no complaints about that - but deliberate handball? Come on!” – the Gaffer reflected.

"I think you know when it's a penalty and they were really fortunate to get that.

"I thought some of the challenges were horrendous early doors and I think we've had more bookings than them. Naturally we’re really disappointed with that.

"With [Lee] Tomlin I took him off at 2-0 and I could see what [Karl] Henry and [Darren] Pratley were doing to wind him up and get him sent off, so why not get him off? We'd lost the points, we didn't want to lose a player as well.”

The blip in Lancashire was only City’s fourth defeat in 23 Sky Bet Championship games, with the visit of Fulham to Cardiff City Stadium on Boxing Day signalling the beginning of the second half of the season.

The Bluebirds remain second in the division and three points clear of Derby County in third spot.

And as the manager highlighted, it’s been a fantastic start to a campaign that has huge potential to get better between now and May.

“I think we can have an even better second half to the season, once we have our injured lads back,” said Neil.

“If somebody had told us we’d be second at Christmas [at the start of the season] we’d have bitten their hands off!

“The main thing is we enjoy this together and then, who knows how far we can go?”

Post-match reaction from Neil Warnock can be viewed in full now on iFollow Cardiff City!