Cardiff City Stunned By Plucky Peterborough

Cardiff City succombed to a spirited Peterborough fightback and lost 2-1 to Posh of League One, despite a first half in which the Bluebirds dominated proceedings and should have been out of sight.

Cardiff omitted Craig Bellamy from the matchday squad, and as expected included the likes of Lee Naylor and Jason Koumas in order to give both some much needed match practice. Koumas in particular looked bright and an arrowed cross was met by Burke, whose volley hit the side netting.

Bothroyd, Koumas and Olofinjana all went close before a lovely team move saw Danny Drinkwater fire over when he really should have done better. Peterbrorough Utd had their moments but the bright passing and movement from Cardiff saw them carved open time and time again. The deserved opener came via a Koumas cross where JAY BOTHROYD's header beat Joe Lewis.

An eye injury to Seyi Olofinjana saw the welcome return of Stephen McPhail to the midfield, and we lost a little shape from that moment. However, the Bluebirds remained well on top and despite Tom Heaton making two good saves from Arron Davies, City had the best chance to extend the lead when a fine team move culminated in a last ditch Langmead challenge to prevent McPhail drilling home.

Cardiff City should have been 3 goals to the good, and that gave Peterborough heart as they started the second half with a blitz on the Cardiff City goal. Heaton twice denied Mackail-Smith while Posh caused havoc with successive corners before Boyd fired over from just three yards.

After weathering the initial storm, Cardiff City remained a threat on the break and Jason Koumas unluckily lost his footing as preparing to fire home when clean through. Chris Burke too was finding space, seeing a shot saved and crossing for 2 decent efforts for his team-mates.

Cardiff City were made to rue our profligacy in front of goal when Peterborough struck with a well deserved equaliser. The Bluebirds failed to clear the backline and Mackail-Smith collected a pass to lash home from 18 yards. You have to say they deserved it.

Cardiff created one or two half chances, but Peterborough were inspired by the comeback and undeterred by the likes of Aaron Wildig and Paul Quinn entering the pitch for Cardiff. You sensed another goal was in the offing, but few would have anticipated the quality when it came. George Boyd, always a threat cutting in unleashed a superb drive giving Heaton no chance. The defending was again sloppy, but the finish exemplary from 20 yards.

At half time, it looked like being a walk in the park, but once again we were out-played comprehensively at London Road in the second half. Last time out, we led 4-0 and drew 4-4. After relegation, Peterborough were able to go one better and turned around a high-tempo, all action game to win 2-1. An entertaining contest, Posh showed great heart but Cardiff City have real defensive worries to consider.

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