Brandao was a late replacement for Oliver Gill but played up front with Anton Bryan with Matty James playing at the back alongside Scott Moffatt. This meant that United were without their two first choice central defenders with both Gill and Kenny Strickland unavailable. United had much of the first half and had the better chances, taking the lead on 20 minutes when a Eikrem corner was whipped in and Brandao jumped early at the near post to glance a header into the top corner. A well taken goal. On 40 minutes Moffatt had to leave the pitch after taking a knock and Ajose came on to replace him. Stewart moved to right back and McCormack moved into central defence.
Half time: Cardiff City 0 United 1
United had most of the play in the opening ten minutes of the second half and could have scored two or three goals. The United forwards were also being caught offside quite a bit as the Cardiff back four were playing a tight line high up the pitch. Cardiff then equalised on 56 minutes against the run of play when one of their players ran straight through the United defence and drilled a shot past Gary Woods giving the keeper no chance. On 66 minutes poor marking in the United defence allowed Cardiff to take the lead with a shot from eight yards. To be fair, Cardiff had been the stronger team since equalising but it was hard lines on the Reds as we didn't really deserve to be losing the game. Cardiff had only really had two shots on goal. On 70 minutes, Potts came on to replace Norwood who had faded on a very hot morning. Perhaps he was still a little tired from the CYC in Malaysia. Cardiff continued to dominate possession and their midfield was clearly the more dominant with Eikrem and Derbyshire unable to make any inroads. On 77 minutes Curran came on to replace Brandao who had played well. Ajose moved up front with Curran on the right wing. Then on 83 minutes Stewart gave away a penalty and Cardiff increased their lead from the spot. Three minutes later Cardiff made it 4-1 when they scored with a header at the back post from a corner. Things got worse two minutes later when when a cross from the left was bundled into the net.
Full Time: Cardiff City 5 United 1
Basically United had lost their shape in midfield and with one of our best midfielders, Matt James being used in defence, we seem to be outmuscled contributing to a poor second half. However, United were clearly the better team in the first half and should have converted more of their chances. But the scoreline flattered Cardiff who perhaps deserved to win...but 5-1 was very misleading.
Team: Woods, McCormack, Dudgeon, Moffatt, Brandao, James, Derbyshire, Eikrem, Bryan, Norwood, Stewart.
Subs: Ajose (4), Potts (10), Curran (5)
Half time: Cardiff City 0 United 1
United had most of the play in the opening ten minutes of the second half and could have scored two or three goals. The United forwards were also being caught offside quite a bit as the Cardiff back four were playing a tight line high up the pitch. Cardiff then equalised on 56 minutes against the run of play when one of their players ran straight through the United defence and drilled a shot past Gary Woods giving the keeper no chance. On 66 minutes poor marking in the United defence allowed Cardiff to take the lead with a shot from eight yards. To be fair, Cardiff had been the stronger team since equalising but it was hard lines on the Reds as we didn't really deserve to be losing the game. Cardiff had only really had two shots on goal. On 70 minutes, Potts came on to replace Norwood who had faded on a very hot morning. Perhaps he was still a little tired from the CYC in Malaysia. Cardiff continued to dominate possession and their midfield was clearly the more dominant with Eikrem and Derbyshire unable to make any inroads. On 77 minutes Curran came on to replace Brandao who had played well. Ajose moved up front with Curran on the right wing. Then on 83 minutes Stewart gave away a penalty and Cardiff increased their lead from the spot. Three minutes later Cardiff made it 4-1 when they scored with a header at the back post from a corner. Things got worse two minutes later when when a cross from the left was bundled into the net.
Full Time: Cardiff City 5 United 1
Basically United had lost their shape in midfield and with one of our best midfielders, Matt James being used in defence, we seem to be outmuscled contributing to a poor second half. However, United were clearly the better team in the first half and should have converted more of their chances. But the scoreline flattered Cardiff who perhaps deserved to win...but 5-1 was very misleading.
Team: Woods, McCormack, Dudgeon, Moffatt, Brandao, James, Derbyshire, Eikrem, Bryan, Norwood, Stewart.
Subs: Ajose (4), Potts (10), Curran (5)