Cardiff City 2 v Derby 1 > Ruthless Bluebirds Grind It Out

Cardiff City are slowly sorting their s**t out.

After a well-documented dark period over the last 3 seasons, with supporters enduring the owners complete disregard for the fan-base, soap opera style politics and a relegation, the club are clawing their way back to the light - both on and off the pitch. This latest bridge rebuilt by the club this week saw a successful ticket giveaway prior to the match seeing supporters flood back to the stadium – 28,000 of them (13,500 more than the last attendance against Ipswich).  

It was a far cry from the drab atmospheres fans have become accustomed to in recent times too, even seeing the new Ninian stand extension in use and in full voice. Russell Slade said before the game that the record crowd could get his team over the line, and in the end, they really did.

(Shout out to my father-in-law John and sister-in-law Charlotte who each made their full debuts at the Cardiff City Stadium - below). 

A clinical, ruthless Cardiff, controlled the first half against one of the division’s most dangerous (and expensively assembled) sides. After going in 1-0 up after a cagey first half though the crowd came to life in the second half offering thunderous support not seen at this ground for way too long. It was Derby who equalised with a scrappy goal but the Bluebirds dug deep, tightened up at the back and grinded out a few chances.

The stadium upped the noise switching from mild encouragement to vein bulging support and City responded deservedly bundling home a Peter Whittingham curling corner for a 2-1 lead. 

It was surprising, but entirely fitting, that Stuart O'Keefe was the man to pop up in the box and nick Cardiff's crucial winner. He may not have a rep for being a poacher, but he’s developed a knack of being in the right place at the right time. Saturday he was all over everything, breaking up Derby attacks, flying into tackles and generally bringing the ruckus with every inch of his being. No one symbolises Cardiff's transformation in recent months more than O'Keefe. This may not be the most talented side in the division, but their confidence is growing and the desire and commitment is there for all to see.

(Respect to O'Keefe for getting in the mix at this ruck - below)  

So, this vital victory keeps City in contention for a play-off finish and drags both Derby and Sheffield Wednesday that bit closer in the table (just 2 points now). Before Christmas this kind of run was unthinkable to the City regulars and credit must go to Slade and the team for building this momentum. 

A degree of chill is advised though as a bitch of a match away at Burnley awaits tomorrow night and plenty more twists and turns lurk ahead in the next month. City may drop points along the way but so will their rivals and ultimately it looks like it could go down to the wire and those final two colossal AF games up at Sheffield Wednesday and at home to Birmingham.

I was pleased the first time fans got treated to not only a win but a classic Peter Whittingham scissor leg smash tackle slam whereby Whitts halts an opposition fast break by wiping out a player. That was cool. 

With more beastly home games on the horizon, it wouldn’t surprise us if the club ran more offers for tickets to bring as much of this crowd back. We’ll see.  

Also shout out to the Cardiff City Hospitality resident magician Adam James Reeves who twisted our minds pre-game with some sickening close-up magic.  

But mostly, kudos to Stuart O’Keefe. He wants your ball.