ERRORS ARE COSTING US, SAYS HARRIS
NEIL Harris bemoaned yet more sloppy defensive errors after Cardiff City fell to their second defeat in three Championship games. Reading hit the Bluebirds with two goals after the break and both came by virtue of some questionable defending from the hosts.
The first was a set-piece, from which Michael Morrison was afforded far too much space, and the second came after Sheyi Ojo conceded possession in the middle of the park, allowing Josh Laurent to ghost into the box and find Lucas Joao to convert the Royals’ second.
It was all a bit Groundhog Day for Harris, who was left frustrated after a lax defensive display against Sheffield Wednesday proved costly on the opening day of the season.
And if Cardiff are to mount a serious bid for promotion this season, Harris believes they must be sharper at the back.
“It’s hugely disappointing,” the manager said. “We set our stall out at the start of the season to be resolute at home and build a platform for a top-six challenge.
“The frustrating thing for me is we’ve conceded four goals at home, and look at the goals. We have to learn. First goal against Sheffield Wednesday we give the ball away cheaply and the second comes from a set play, then today the first goal comes from a set play and the second from us giving the ball away cheaply in the middle of the park.
“That’s what hurts. We’re the better team, we’ve created the better chances, got more balls in the box, more set plays and we’ve lost the game. That’s the frustration.
“I said to the players the effort is there. After Sheffield Wednesday I questioned their focus but not today. If we want to be top-six side, we can’t give away poor goals.”
Following an encouraging display at Nottingham Forest last weekend, which included an excellent attacking performance in the first half and a resolute defensive showing, it will feel like a little bit of a step backwards.
It leaves the Bluebirds 16th after three games and with their season yet to really kick into gear.