Cardiff 0-1 Sunderland (report)

Cardiff City went down to a well organised Sunderland outfit but can be disappointed with their performance after failing to display their noprmal attacking instincts.

Scimeca and Michael Chopra had both overcome injury doubts to start but Cardiff failed to get a grip in midfield. Sunderland manager Roy Keane has imposed his stamp on the Black Cats midfield as they closed down quickly, and dominated the key areas.

A Steve Thompson header was narrowly wide, while a Joe Ledley drive was well saved by Darren Ward in the Sunderland goal.


It was quick thinking by Sunderland's Ross Wallace that eventually won the game. With 20 minutes left, Stephen McPhail fouled David Connelly 20 yards out and with Neil Alexander shouting instructions to his wall, Wallace shot low at the near post. Alexander reached the ball but could only push it over his own line - the Scot will be disappointed by the goal.


New boy Warren Feeney came on for the out-of-sorts Parry and nearly got on the end of a Thompson knock-down but Cardiff failed to build any real pressure.

Cardiff arguably deserved a point from the game, but Sunderland's professional and solid performance was more impressive and they take the points to extend their fantastic run.

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