Marshall Heroics Overlooked After Hudson Strike

Cardiff City's vital home win over Derby County was a superb three points for the club to pick up and much has been shown, spoken and written about Mark Hudson's superlative strike from his own half which left visiting keeper Frank Fielding sprawled in his own net.

However, while thart strike put City 2 up, those precious points could not have been won if not for the efforts of goalkeeper David Marshall who was excellent and a real contender for man-of-the-match despite Hudson stealing the limelight.

Scottish Keeper Marshall was called into action early to push Paul Green's shot wide, before again saving Jeff Hendrick's effort and a Buxton header. However, it was dueing the second half that Marshall made his best contributions - saving well from Hendrick and substitute Brayford. This Hendrick effort was a close range header and looked a certain goal only for Marshall to make a brilliant diving stop. Only because he had dived so far was he able to push the effort round the post and not back into danger.

To concede a goal at that time would have given Derby real hope and made home players and fans alike very nervous. Marshall's sprawling stop prevented that and was vital to the win. Only once was Marshall almost caught out when a lack of communication saw he and Ben Turner challenge for the same high ball with no opponents nearby.

Our recent string of decent results have not been due to a turnaround in form and return to sparkling attacking football. Instead, the Bluebirds have been far more miserly at the back and the settled back 5 must take a great deal of credit, as should David Marshall after an excellent performance on Tuesday.

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