BLUEBIRDS GROUNDED

Sibbick bursts homecoming bubble

MICK McCARTHY joined Cardiff City fans in an emotional tribute to the late Peter Whittingham – before hailing another sweet striker of the ball playing in City blue.

The Bluebirds manager admitted he once tried to sign Whittingham, who died in March of last year.

This was the first opportunity of returning Cardiff fans to honour arguably the club’s most talented player.

After a big screen tribute to the midfielder – along with other fans who have passed away – it was left to McCarthy’s new signing Ryan Giles to rekindle memories of Whittingham’s artistry.

The young winger – on loan from Wolves – created a host of chances Cardiff were unable to convert, as well as the corner from which Marlon Pack headed them in front.

But another superb pass, from Barnsley sub Josh Benson, carved Cardiff open 15 minutes later – enabling Toby Sibbick to earn the Tykes a deserved point for new boss Markus Schopp.

“It was emotional, and having fans back in was great, but it was just a shame we couldn’t turn it into a win,” said McCarthy.

“Having fans was fantastic. I’ve been around a lot of crowds and that was as good as any. “

Pack gave Cardiff a deserved lead in the 54th minute with a thumping header from Giles’s corner. But rather than building on that platform, the Bluebirds eased up too early and were caught well before the home straight.

Benson struck a magnificent throughball six minutes after coming off the bench to release Sibbick, who fired past Dillon Phillips in the Cardiff goal.

Schopp said: “Cardiff had chances but, over the 90 minutes, we had a bit more.”