Etheridge in second save for Cardiff

Neil Etheridge saved a late penalty to preserve Cardiff City’s goalless draw against Newcastle United in his second English Premier League match held Saturday afternoon at the Cardiff City Stadium in Wales.

Etheridge dove to his left to bat away Kenedy’s low attempt from the spot just before stoppage to earn his first clean sheet in the Premier League while giving the Bluebirds a point after two matches in England’s top-tier league.

It was the second straight penalty save by the Philippine Azkals goalkeeper after stopping Callum Wilson in the first half of last week’s seasonopening 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

“Not the result we wanted, thought we could have taken all three (points),” Etheridge tweeted after the match. “But happy to keep our first clean sheet of the season at home and get points on the board!”

Expections could be higher for the 28-year-old keeper when Cardiff City travels to Huddersfield for his third Premier League appearance.

It will actually be the start of a stretch of three matches in seven days as the Bluebirds take on Norwich in the second round of the League Cup on Aug. 29 before Etheridge gets his first taste of facing a top Premier League club on Sept. 2 against Arsenal at home.

Newcastle was awarded the penalty in the fifth minute of extra time the ball hit Sean Morrison’s arm inside the box, before Etheridge rose to the occasion by preventing Kenedy from scoring the winner.