How they rated
ALEX SMITHIES
Can’t really be blamed too much for the goals. Made a series of fine stops to try to keep Sheffield United at bay. 7
MARK MCGUINNESS
Worked so hard in the back three, particularly after Morrison’s red card. Rose well to take his goal. 6
SEAN MORRISON (C)
Hadn’t done too badly up until the red card, but he his dismissal was ultimately costly for his team. 4
CURTIS NELSON
Unlucky not to open the scoring in the first half. Put his body on the line in the second. One of his better performances. 7
PERRY NG
Guilty of a few untidy touches, but grew a little more into the game as it wore on. Overall, though, a pretty quiet performance. 5
MARLON PACK
Couple of nice passes early on but energy tailed off as the game wore on. 5
RYAN GILES
Fizzed in a couple of lovely crosses, but couldn’t quite have his usual influence on the game. 5
MARK HARRIS
Scored a truly wonderful goal, and made some terrific runs. Linked up well with Isaak Davies, although was occasionally sloppy in possession. Subbed. 7
ISAAK DAVIES
As above in many ways. So bright in the first half. Nearly scored a stunning solo effort shortly after the Harris opener. Unlucky to be subbed. 7
JAMES COLLINS
Worked his socks off all afternoon. A big presence in the air too. Ultimately, though, seldom looked like scoring. Subbed. 5
STAR MAN JOE RALLS
Two assists on an otherwise disappointing afternoon. First one in particular was sublime, but his delivery from the set-piece was spot on again. 7
SUBSTITUTES
Aden Flint (on for Harris 55): Added some much needed steel following Morrison’s red card - 6
Will Vaulks (on for Davies 64): Made little meaningful impact - 4
Kieffer Moore (on for Collins 64): Gave Cardiff some much-needed bite in the final third. Denied a goal by a fine save - 7
Not used: Phillips, Bacuna, Colwill, Brown.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Foderingham; Stevens, Davies, Egan, Basham, Bogle, Hourihane, Norwood, Gibbs-White (Osborn 87), McGoldrick, Sharp (c) (McBurnie 80).
Subs: Eastwood, Baldock, Berge, Mousset, Robinson.
REFEREE
John Busby.