Kennedy Blast For 'Awful' Cardiff City Defence

Cardiff City scored an impressive four goals away from home, enough to see off a gutsy Sheffield United side but the Bluebirds conceded three very poor goals and appeared to switch off at times. We conceded two equalisers moments after taking the lead, while the third was right at the death when we thought we`d done enough. It could have been worse has Stephen Quinn`s late effort not been ruled out for offside and the defending needs to improve.

The centre-back partnership between Hudson and Gerrard has been ever-present for Cardiff in the league but although solid at times, has also caused serious concern with a lack of pace evident and too frequent lapses in concentration. Adam Matthews has been a revelation on the right, ousting Paul Quinn while Mark Kennedy has ably filled the left-back spot.

The former Liverpool and Crystal Palace man was unhappy with the Bluebirds` defensive display and warned his team-mates the situation was unacceptable. He told the Western Mail:

"If we are prepared to settle for that kind of display we will not get promoted. I`m just being as honest as possible, it`s not trying to be clever or anything like that."

"The goals we conceded were awful to be fair and the only positive thing I can see is that we are not being opened up."

"They were mistakes by us and it`s up to us to sort it out."

This game was a particularly peculiar one and you cant read too much into it. However, we are not as solid at the back as we would like and with Gabor Gypes and Kevin McNaughton desperately trying to force their way in - Dave Jones does have options. Unfortunately, the goals we conceded were simple and could have been avoided by better concentration and leadership. Mark Hudson was brought in to be that vocal presence but we continue to look shaky under pressure.

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