Rubin Colwill’s second half header extended City’s unbeaten run to six after a 1-0 win over Port Vale on Wednesday night.
Brian Barry-Murphy made six changes to the side that secured promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship against Reading on Saturday. Ronan Kpakio, Calum Scanlon, Joel Colwill, David Turnbull, Callum Robinson and Yousef Salech were all welcomed into the starting XI.
City dominated the ball in the early stages, but the first chance of the game didn’t come until the 15th minute. Neat passes between Rubin Colwill and Robinson saw the latter curl an effort just wide of the post.
Port Vale then responded with their first chance as Liam Gordon fired goalwards, though his strike was easily blocked by Kpakio.
In an opening period of few chances, Joel Colwill created his own, as he made space for himself and struck goalwards, forcing a diving save from the Joe Gauci in the visitor’s goal. City’s domination started to bring chances, as Rubin saw his effort deflect into the side netting. Followed by a long-range strike from Robinson, Gauci saved comfortably.
City’s pressure continued into the second half and went agonisingly close to taking the lead. Kpakio’s first time cross found Salech, who rose the highest and headed just wide. Alex Robertson then tested the visitors' keeper as he curled an effort from distance.
Despite the Bluebirds’ domination, the Valiants almost found themselves ahead. Gordon’s in-swinging corner was met by Ben Garrity, whose header looked set to find the back of the net, but Nathan Trott produced a superb diving save to keep the score level.
Brian then made two changes who had an instant impact. Omari Kellyman’s cross to the back post was cleared away but only into the path of Chris Willock, who drove into the box and his low driven cross found Salech. However, the striker’s effort was blocked on the line.
City’s continuous pressure eventually paid off when the captain broke the deadlock with just under 10 minutes to go. Willock’s pinpoint cross found Rubin, who powered a header into the roof of the net.
Even after going behind, the visitors didn’t back down and squandered a promising chance with only moments of normal time left. Onel Hernández’s cutback found Ben Waine, with the latter somehow missing the target from close range, meaning City secured all three points.
The Bluebirds are back in action on Saturday, welcoming Northampton Town for the final home fixture of the season. KO is at 3pm.
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FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 1-0 PORT VALE
Cardiff City: Trott, Kpakio, Osho (Fish 62’), Lawlor, Scanlon (Bagan 83’), J.Colwill (Wintle 90’), Robertson (Kellyman 62’), Turnbull, R.Colwill, Robinson (Willock 62’), Salech. Subs Not Used: Ng, Tanner.
Port Vale: Gauci, Gabriel (Hernández 72’), Humphreys, C.Hall, Campbell, Walters, Croasdale (Shipley 85’), G.Hall (Archer 72’), Garrity, Gordon (Headley 72’), Sherif (Waine 72’). Subs Not Used: Amos, Magloire.