After getting off the mark for 2026/27 with the opening goal at Pride Park, Cian Ashford spoke to the media following the final whistle in our 2-2 draw with Derby County.
"We played some good football, but in the Championship every game is going to be tough, so teams will punish you if you make a mistake." Cian said. "If you give them a chance to get back into the game, they will.
When they hit the target man, you don't want to let them use that against you. So, we just tried to keep hold of the ball, make them run, chase us and try to create some chances. We're aware that we've got the injuries, the lack of centre backs, but it's a shame that we couldn't hold on."
Cian discussed his opening goal against the Rams, which came after a succession of dangerous City corners.
He said: "Well, obviously it fell to Ronan [Kpakio], and I knew he was hooking it back into the box. As it saw it land, I thought - nothing too crazy, just try and glance it into the far corner.
"I didn’t want to snatch at it and smash it over the bar, so I tried to just stay calm and roll it into the corner.
"I know it's disappointing to obviously lose the lead twice, but it's a positive that we got a point from the game. There are lots of positives that we're going to take."
Playing once again in an attacking midfield role following an impressive pre-season, our number 45 concluded with a comment on his new position, and his new teammate in that area, Jack Moylan.
"I'm enjoying my football, and my time so far in the middle of the pitch. The way we play football, we can stretch teams, so it's about improving, keeping that ruthlessness about us and carrying that on into each game.
"He [Jack] is quite easy to play with, to be fair, and a couple of the other boys would definitely agree with that. He's come in and he's done well, so it's been a good addition to the squad.
"We're feeling positive. We've got high hopes, for me and the team, so I hope we can go on and have a good season together. I'll just keep trying to do my best for the team and see where that takes me."
Watch more from Cian and Brian Barry-Murphy on Cardiff City TV.