Cardiff City were victorious in the first game of the 2025/26 season, coming from behind to beat Peterborough United 2-1.
Second half goals from Rubin Colwill and Ronan Kpakio secured an opening day win for the Bluebirds.
Brian Barry-Murphy gave Matthew Turner his senior debut in goal, while Kpakio and Dylan Lawlor also started the game. Rubin Colwill captained the side having been made vice-captain on Friday, while his brother Joel Colwill played alongside him.
Despite City starting the brighter of the two teams, it was Peterborough who went in ahead at half time. The Bluebirds created many chances in the first half, with Ollie Tanner often being the main source of attack.
With 30 minutes on the clock, Declan Frith broke into the box and was adjudged to have been brought down by Will Fish. Striker Bradley Ihionvien converted the penalty to give the visitors the lead.
City reacted well and forced a chance through Yousef Salech in the 41st minute, whose header led to a fantastic save from Peterborough shot-stopper Nicholas Bilokapic.
At the start of the second period, City no.10 Colwill stepped up to take a free kick and had a chance to level the game. And level it he did, curling a fantastic effort into the right-hand corner as Cardiff City Stadium erupted.
Only five minutes after Salech had his shot saved, Tanner would finally be rewarded for his hard work, passing the ball to Kpakio, who scored a stunning curling effort.
Tanner was again involved and had a curling effort in the 78th minute, followed by Callum Robinson hitting the side netting shortly after. City showed discipline and confidence to see the game out.
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 2-1 PETERBOROUGH UNITED
Cardiff City: Turner, Kpakio, Fish, Lawlor (Daland 64'), Bagan, Wintle, J.Colwill (King 90+2'), R. Colwill ©, Tanner (Davies 90+2'), Ashford (Willock 77'), Salech (Robinson 77') Subs not used: Alnwick, Mafico.
Peterborough United: Bilokapic, Johnston ©, Collins, Wallin (Nevett 74'), Khela, Ihionvien (Lindgren 73'), Odoh (Lisbie 89'), Frith (Hayes 73'), O’Brien-Brady (De Havilland 73'), Mills, Okagbue. Subs not used: Dornelly, Reyes.