KING KENNY FIRES UP CITY’S PREM HOPES
RAPTUROUS applause came from all sections of Cardiff City Stadium as the Welsh Guards marched the Cardiff City and Bristol City players on to the pitch for the Severnside derby.
And it was those wearing blue who were up on their feet once again come the full-time whistle after the Bluebirds produced yet another magnificent rearguard effort to continue their own march towards promotion.
In truth, it was a derby encounter of little quality and one that saw both sides desperate not to make a mistake that could cost them the game.
But given the artillery the Bluebirds now possess – despite being decimated by injuries – it was the halftime introduction of Kenneth Zohore that ultimately settled the contest as the Dane lashed home from Joe Ralls’ cross in the 82nd minute.
Until that deciding moment, there was little to choose between the sides, although The Robins barely threatened Neil Etheridge’s goal throughout the game.
And that was largely down to the colossus that is Sol Bamba who was well and truly on song, keeping Lois Diony and Famara Diedhiou quiet from start to finish.
The Ivorian defender led the Bluebirds with distinction, and – with the armband proudly on display – delivered a captain’s performance in the absence of regular skipper Sean Morrison against Lee Johnson’s side.
Time and time again Bamba gobbled up long balls, played the ball out from the back and broke down attacks when necessary.
And the game could well have gone on for another 90 minutes, because the reality is, Bristol City never looked like finding the back of the net.
It’s typical of what we’ve come to
expect from a side who registered their 16th clean sheet in the Championship this season with victory over their Severnside rivals, meaning they have already reached the target they set themselves before a ball was kicked, with 12 games still left to play in the league.
But more so, it’s testimony to the way the whole squad have bought into Neil Warnock’s methods.
Matthew Connolly and Greg Halford both made rare starts against the Robins while a host of key players – including matchwinner Zohore did not even play from the outset.
And even with a significantly different line-up – which saw five changes from the 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road – the Bluebirds were never troubled.
“I said after the game ‘you do me proud lads’,” said Warnock in his post-match press conference.
“We haven’t got the Rolls Royces of the division but by gum we’ve got some endeavour and a lot of skill in certain areas.”
It’s that effort and endeavour that has so far seen the Bluebirds defy the odds of those from the outside looking in, and it’s that same grit and determination that could well carry them over the finish line in the coming months.
Their well drilled defence was once again the platform for success, their fourth on the trot in the league, and the fourth consecutive game in which they’ve shutout the opposition.
Given their magnificent form, the Bluebirds may well have to re-evaluate their clean sheet target as they continue their promotion push.
But further up the pitch, it’s the form of Zohore – and potentially Gary Madine – that could be the difference for the Bluebirds in their quest to reach the promised land of the Premier League.
“I looked at our teamsheet and there was no Morrison, no (Aron) Gunnarsson, no Zohore,” added Warnock.
“Wow. I’d have been crying 12 months ago if that had been the case. It just goes to show how far we’ve come with the squad really.
“If it had been anyone else but Bristol City, I probably would have gone with both of them (Zohore and Madine).
“But we haven’t had time to work with both of them because of Gary’s injury and I just thought it was too much of a gamble.
“I thought we should stick to what we’re good at until we get a chance to work in training about what we do when we play them both up front.
“It wasn’t to be but there will be games now when they both play.”
And having seen his opposite number Lee Johnson launch a grenade in the build-up to the match with his comments about the atmosphere at Cardiff City Stadium, Warnock was more than happy to oblige with a cheeky dig of his own following the Bluebirds’ victory, although he was eager to praise the Robins for the way they have gone about their business so far this season.
“I had a quick chat with him [Johnson] before the game,” added the Yorkshireman.
“I thought the crowd, despite the empty seats here and there created a very good atmosphere.
“Whatever the result today, I think both teams and clubs have had a fantastic season.
“Bristol City are in that play-off position and we’re in a play-off position. If you looked at the bookies odds pre-season neither of us were anywhere near.”
So once again, it wasn’t pretty. Once again, there were a few gripes from the opposition. But once again, it was a display that yielded three points.
And if you’re a certain Mr Warnock, nothing else matters.