Match Report | Cardiff City 0-1 Hull City
Cardiff City were narrowly defeated by Hull City at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday night.
Keane Lewis-Potter’s first-half goal from close-range was enough to seal all three points for the Tigers.
Bluebirds boss Steve Morison made two changes to the side that secured a 2-1 victory at Preston North End last time out, with Kieffer Moore and Leandro Bacuna coming into the starting XI.
The visitors started brightly and created the opening chance, with Lewis-Potter delivering dangerously towards Josh Magennis, only for Aden Flint to defend brilliantly with a clearing header. City responded well through academy product Isaak Davies, whose weaving run through the Tigers’ backline almost resulted in an opportunity to fire at goal, but was cut out by left-back Callum Elder.
Grant McCann’s side took the lead in the 15th minute, with George Honeyman’s corner delivery falling to Lewis-Potter, who turned home from close-range. As the Bluebirds looked for an instant equaliser, Will Vaulks’ long-throw was almost flicked on by Republic of Ireland defender Mark McGuinness in the box, finding the back of the net without a touch, as City remained in search of an elusive leveller.
In a spell of chances for Morison’s men, some positive work from Moore saw him lay the ball off to Vaulks on the edge of the box, whose powerful drive was blocked. As City continued to create opportunities, a fine delivery into the box from loanee Ryan Giles fell to Flint in the box, whose effort at goal was met by an on-rushing Tigers defender.
The Bluebirds finished the half strongly, as Giles’ dangerous cross into the area from a free-kick was met by McGuinness, only for his header to be saved by Tigers goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, ensuring the visitors went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Morison looked to his bench for reinforcements at half-time, introducing Joe Ralls, who almost made an immediate impact, finding McGuinness with his free-kick, who headed into the arms of Baxter. City continued their positive start to the second period, with Bacuna finding space on the right to cross low for Davies, whose effort was blocked once more.
In another spell of chances, Giles beat the offside trap on the left to deliver, evading the on-rushing Moore by inches. As the ball was put back into the area by Perry Ng, Bacuna headed narrowly wide of the post. Giles was again involved in an opportunity for City to level, as his cross was cleared out to the edge of the box to substitute Ralls, whose goal-bound effort was blocked by a Tigers defender.
McCann’s men responded with a chance of their own, with Honeyman’s free-kick routine headed back across goal by Jacob Greaves for striker Josh Magennis, whose close-range effort hit the woodwork. The Bluebirds continued to press for an equaliser, as Giles found space on the left to cross for substitute James Collins, who headed wide of the post.
In another opportunity for City, Ralls drove forward to the edge of the box, before having an effort saved by Baxter. Republic of Ireland striker Collins had the ball in the net for the hosts, turning home at the back post, only for a foul to be given against substitute Mark Harris in the build-up. Collins was again involved in the Bluebirds’ final chance, heading onto the woodwork from close-range in injury time. Despite the waves of pressure, City couldn’t find an equaliser.
The Bluebirds return to league action on Saturday, November 27th to take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
FULL TIME: CARDIFF CITY 0-1 HULL CITY
Cardiff City: Smithies, McGuinness (Harris 85’), Flint, Vaulks (Ralls 45’), Bacuna (Colwill 63’), Moore, Nelson, Pack ©, Giles, Ng, Davies (Collins 63’). Subs not used: Phillips, Morrison, Brown.
Hull City: Baxter, Elder (Huddlestone 45+2'), Greaves, Smallwood ©, Wilks (Williams 66’), Docherty, Honeyman (Mills 90+2'), Lewis-Potter, Longman, McLoughlin, Magennis (Eaves 80’). Subs not used: Ingram, Cannon, Moncur.
