Schumacher’s men hit the skids as fans lose patience

STEVEN SCHUMACHER urged Stoke fans to stick by his side after they fell into the Championship’s relegation zone following a 2-1 loss to Cardiff City.

Kion Etete and Karlan Grant struck to put the hosts in control before Bae Jun-ho reduced Stoke’s deficit before half-time.

But the Potters could not find an equaliser after a strong second-half showing as they lost for the sixth time in seven matches.

Schumacher was jeered by fans after the defeat, and he was quick to address the concerns of supporters.

“It’s understandable because we’ve lost another game of football,” he said.

“I think they can see that the players have tried and gave 100 per cent. In two key areas of the game we haven’t been good enough.

“That’s been a recurring theme throughout the whole season, not just lately and that’s why we’re in the position that we’re in.

“So we get it, all we ask is, we all need to stick together because we’re going to need their support for the next 12 games.”

Victory over Stoke brought an end to Cardiff’s six-match run without a win at home. And boss Erol Bulut believes the Bluebirds are starting to rediscover their confidence.

“When we had the last win at home, it was a long time ago,” he said.

“It was a must today to get three points. I’m really satisfied with the performance of the team.”

CARDIFF: Horvath 6; Ng 7, Phillips 7, Goutas 7, Wilson-Esbrand 6 (Turnbull (75) 6); Siopis 6, Ralls 8; Bowler 7 (Meite (67) 6), R Colwill 6 (Collins (67) 6), Grant 7 (Wintle (55) 6); Etete 7 (Diedhiou (75) 6)

STOKE: Iversen 6; Tchamadeu 5 (Gooch (46) 6), Wilmot 7, Rose 6, Thompson 6; Cundle 5 (Laurent (46) 6), Burger 7 (Vidigal (78) 6), Baker 6; Manhoef 7 (Campbell (78) 6), Ennis 6, Jun-ho 7 (Lowe (88) 6).

STAR MAN: Joe Ralls – Dogged defensively and played a key role in both of his side’s goals.

REF: Anthony Backhouse 7