Cardiff City Beat Doncaster In Underwhelming Style

Cardiff City ground out a deserved but un-inspiring victory over Doncaster Rovers yesterday with two second half goals giving Malky Mackay's side all three points.

It took just 42 seconds for the first real chance as Eanshaw spun and fired at goal, only denied by fine defensive clearance with the goalkeeper beaten. Despite threatening when in possession, City struggled badly with rovers pressing and too often resorted to long aimless balls. The Miller / Earnshaw partnership again looked unbalanced and didn't fit the style of play.

Rovers rarely threatened though looked decent in midfield. One long range effort test4ed Marshall, but that was it until two late chances flew over for the visitors.

City broke the deadlock in the 2nd half, courtesy of an Anthony Gerrard header from a Whittingham free-kick. Whitts missed a chance, while Cowie was denied by a good save and Miller went down too easily when seemingly through on goal. The points were wrapped up in farcical fashion as Whittingham found space in the box, saw his pass to Earnshaw intercepted before inexplicable being given time and space to find Earnie again, completely unmarked at the back post and easily finding the net.

The victory was welcome, and deserved but this was far from a vintage performance. In fact, it was an ugly win but the players worked hard, and kept a clean sheet. For now, that's more than good enough.

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