Warnock crying out for a change of luck after worst run of results for a decade
There were other reasons for Warnock and Cardiff’s travelling fans to be aggrieved – a penalty call missed on Rhys Healey and another on Kenneth Zohore either side of the one that was given, a shove on Callum Paterson by Jake Bidwell that allowed Joe Ralls to open on 54 minutes.
Goals from Matt Smith and Paul Smyth – the latter with a deflection, Warnock was quick to add afterwards with a wry smile – made that call from referee Robinson all the more crucial as Cardiff slid to defeat for the fourth time in four games.
It was already Warnock’s worst run as Cardiff manager, now it’s his worst since with Crystal Palace in 2008.
That Cardiff remain fourth during this run is testament to the achievements of the first half of the season.
It took more than luck to get them into the position, and they cannot rely on being lucky if they are to force their way back into the top two or even just make sure they remain in the top six. Signings with the backing of owner Vincent Tan will go a lot further than good fortune, you would presume.
Likewise, it is more than just luck as to why Cardiff lost this game. Despite making five changes from the Friday night defeat to Preston, there were still elements of either the rustiness or tiredness and a little lack of confidence that has reared its head in recent weeks.
Kenneth Zohore should have given Hoilett an easier chance to beat Smithies in the first-half, a poor touch robbing the wideman’s opportunity of silencing the jeers at his former home.
Ralls could have provided a better pass to Zohore when Cardiff kept up their control but failed to find a way through, before that 54th minute spot kick.
And they could – and should – have been far stronger to stop the response from QPR. Seeing a long throw and a big header from Smith with Cardiff shirts almost standing and watching him do it for the 62nd minute leveller was a surprise. Sunday League, was the damningly honest verdict of the manager who must be counting down the days for Sean Morrison to return and reinforce the backline.
Bruno Manga won’t want to watch over how he was done for pace by debutant Smyth, whose work-rate earned him the luck of the deflection off Sol Bamba to beat Brian Murphy.