The Bluebirds bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup with defeat to Peterborough United on Saturday afternoon.
Brian Barry-Murphy made four changes to the side that won in midweek: Dylan Lawlor, Alex Robertson, David Turnbull and Callum Robinson came into the City starting XI.
Under new management, it was the hosts who had the best two early opportunities. Within the opening minute, Harry Leonard found himself with a shooting chance inside the box, but dragged his effort wide. Jimmy-Jay Morgan took aim minutes later, but a flying block from Lawlor denied the young Chelsea loanee.
The Bluebirds soon grew into the contest, and had their first real chance through Robinson. Good pressure from City's attackers saw Peterborough sloppily give away possession, with keeper Alex Bass out of his box. Robinson smartly opted to take his shot on early, but the Posh stopper recovered well to scramble back and save with his legs.
Barry-Murphy's men continued to find their feet, with Will Fish and Omari Kellyman sending efforts towards goal. Fish saw his header go wide, whilst Kellyman's strike was held by Bass.
Yet, after that positive spell midway through the half, City fell behind on the 37 minute mark. A blocked shot fell kindly to the unmarked Leonard inside the box, with the on-loan Chelsea youngster able to tap home. Rubin Colwill tested Bass with a powerful drive, but the Posh stopper was equal to it, ending the half with the hosts ahead.
The Bluebirds came out firing at the start of the second period; Cian Ashford saw a low strike towards the near post saved by Bass, and soon afterwards set up Colwill on the edge of the box, but his drive was blocked. Yousef Salech and Isaak Davies were introduced to add further firepower to the City frontline.
Ashford again went close after 63 minutes, but, connecting on the volley from Turnbull's inviting cross, couldn't keep his effort down, as it cleared the crossbar.
The Bluebirds continued to press for a leveller, with Ronan Kpakio going close. The young defender cut inside and curled low towards goal, with his effort flashing just wide of the upright.
United allowed City to have the lion's share of possession but defended well in the second half, with Nathan Trott easily able to gather a long-range shot from Brandon Khela. Minutes later, the ball was taken away from Davies by what looked like the arm of a defender, but appeals for handball were dismissed.
Despite City's efforts to find an equaliser, it was the hosts that would progress in the Emirates FA Cup. Next up for the Bluebirds is a Sky Bet League One clash with Blackpool on Saturday, November 8th.
FINAL SCORE: PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1-0 CARDIFF CITY
Peterborough United: Bass, Collins, Odoh, Lees, Woods (O'Brien-Brady 85'), Lisbie (Lindgren 72'), Mills, Morgan (Khela 55'), Leonard (Lolos 72'), O’Connor, Kioso ©. Subs not used: Reyes, Johnston, De Havilland, Okagbue, Dornelly.
Cardiff City: Trott, Kpakio, Fish, Lawlor, Bagan, Robertson (Wintle 71'), Turnbull (J. Colwill 71'), R. Colwill (C), Kellyman (Davies 58'), Ashford, Robinson (Salech 58'). Subs not used: Turner, Osho, Chambers, Mafico, Nyakuhwa.