Weimann turns the tables on Bluebirds
STRIKER HITS DOUBLE TO SETTLE DERBY
ANDREAS WEIMANN’S genius handed Bristol City a third straight win at rivals Cardiff.
The Austrian forward’s brace was of no surprise to Robins boss Nigel Pearson despite his star man missing most of last season with a serious knee injury.
Weimann is now back fit after an anterior cruciate ligament problem and he has four goals in his last three league games.
“It’s not the careerthreatening injury it used to be,” said Pearson.
“He’s very diligent with how he recovers, it’s good to have him back, and he played very well. He knows what he’s good at and him and Chris Martin were very efficient.
“Physically, it was a big challenge and they did well.
“The players have a bit of trust in each other now, which is really good.
“We’ve got some good players and we look more like a team. Our points total doesn’t necessarily reflect the performances we’ve had, but I’m particularly pleased for the players.
“I thought it was a solid performance all-round and a very important result.”
Cardiff started on the front foot in this Severnside derby.
Their former Bristol City man Marlon Pack shot over and his midfield partner Joe Ralls also curled wide.
The Bluebirds’ best chance came when the lively Ryan Giles ran through. A goal looked certain, but Nathan Baker got back brilliantly to cover and save the day.
Bristol City’s opener came against the run of play after 21 minutes.
Zak Vyner put a hopeful ball down the right channel. Weimann got past Aden Flint too easily, but Cardiff goalkeeper Dillon Phillips dawdled fatefully.
At first it looked as if he was going to come off his line before changing his mind and, in the split second between the hesitation, Weimann pounced with a neat finish.
Cardiff had three more good chances before the break.
Kieffer Moore’s effort was cleared off the line by Andy King, while Joel Bagan and Leandro Bacuna forced Dan Bentley into smart saves.
Han-noah Massengo shot just wide and Martin headed over at the start of the second half for the Robins.
At the other end, Giles drove forward and Pack’s effort deflected off target.
Seconds later, Cardiff equalised. Pack found Moore, whose shot went into the net off Bentley after Baker tried to clear as the Bristol City keeper conceded an unfortunate own goal. It was the first Championship goal Cardiff have scored this season that wasn’t a header.
But that man Weimann then turned the tables again.
Substitute Antoine Semenyo had a shot saved but then delivered a floating cross just four minutes after coming on, which Weimann volleyed home.
Cardiff huffed and puffed as they tried to salvage a point but this was their first Championship defeat of the season.
Bluebirds boss Mick Mccarthy said: “I thought we started really well, but we just lacked that bit of quality.”
CARDIFF CITY: Phillips 4; Morrison (capt) 5, Flint 4, Nelson 5; Sang 4 (Collins 73,5), Pack 7, Ralls 6, Bagan 4; Bacuna 5 (Colwill 73,5), Giles 7, Moore 7. Subs not used: Smithies, Mcguinness, Ng, Vaulks, Harris.
BRISTOL CITY: Bentley (capt) 8; Vyner 7, Kalas 6, Atkinson 7, Baker 7; Massengo 8, James 7, King 7 (Semenyo 66,7), Pring 7 (Dasilva 81,5); Weimann 9 (Scott 90 + 5,5), Martin 7. Subs not used: O’leary, Simpson, Palmer, Wells.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Andreas Weimann: Two fine finishes gave his team victory and the first came against the run of play. Deadly in front of goal.
REFEREE: David Webb 6.