How they rated

ALEX SMITHIES

Made a couple of really important saves, including in the lead up to Stoke’s second. Neither goal was his fault.

JAZZ RICHARDS

Failed to affect the game whatsoever going forward and looked increasingly stretched as the game progressed. A tough afternoon.

SEAN MORRISON (CAPT)

Dropped an almighty clanger which almost gifted Tyrese Campbell a goal. Not at his best but not the worst by any stretch.

CURTIS NELSON

Totally outmuscled for Joe Allen’s goal and made a hash of a few routine defensive clearances. One he’ll like to forget.

JOE BENNETT

Far too passive for the second Stoke City goal. Added very little in attack, too, which is a shame following some decent displays.

MARLON PACK

Had little impact at either end of the pitch but tried to control the tempo when City, sparingly, had possession.

WILL VAULKS

Drifted in and out of the game and found it hard to provide quality ball for the attackers going forward. Was shrugged off the ball too often, too.

CALLUM PATERSON

Really not his afternoon. He huffed and he puffed but no end product. He found himself getting knocked to the floor far too often.

JOSH MURPHY

Another one who just didn’t do enough to produce the goods. Had one opportunity and blazed his shot 20 yards over the bar.

DANNY WARD

Had very few opportunities, but the ones he did have he squandered, often shooting from tight angles. Latched on to one cross but sent it miles wide.

STAR MAN ALBERT ADOMAH

Perhaps Cardiff ’s most exciting outfield player. Caused the defence a number of problems when afforded the opportunity to run.