Lads lay down big Mark-er
Philogene-Bidace 65
CARDIFF interim manager Mark Hudson beamed with pride as his young squad bounced back from the disappointment of derby defeat to Swansea.
Jaden Philogene-Bidace scored the only goal in the 65th minute to finally break the deadlock against a Rotherham side who offered little threat all afternoon.
“I thought we dominated from start to finish,” said Hudson.
“After the really tough week, it shows unbelievable character to stick to a game plan and to be brave enough to put it into action.
“That’s something I’m really proud of – and they should be.
“The derby defeat sat with them for a while, as it should, but their application was second to none in training and I’m delighted for them that we got the win we deserved.”
Half-time substitutes Philogene-Bidace and Mahlon Romeo combined for the winner as Romeo found Philogene and the Aston Villa loanee showed his quality to curl his shot into the top corner.
“We made some attacking changes at half-time and, ultimately, it paid off. It doesn’t always, but it did today,” added Hudson.
“I thought the subs were ready and willing. Jaden showed that he’s got that little bit of quality with his finish.”
Millers manager Matt Taylor claimed he did not have the resources to change things for the better in Wales.
He said: “I wanted to change shape, but I can’t do that if I’ve got no wide players in the squad.”
CARDIFF: Allsop 6; Sang 6 (Romeo (46) 6), Ng 7, Kipre 7, Nkounkou 6 (Philogene (46) 7); Rinomhota 7 (Sawyers (62) 6), Wintle 6, Ralls 7; Ojo 8 (Whyte (89) 6), Harris 7 (Etete 90) 6), O’Dowda 7
ROTHERHAM: Johansson 7; Peltier 7, Humphreys 6 (Norton-Cuffy (58) 6),
Wood 6 (McCart (77) 5); Barlaser 5;
Harding 6, Rathbone 6 (Lindsay (70) 5), Wiles 5, Bramall 7; Kelly 5 (Eaves (70) 6), Washington 5 (High (77) 6)
STAR MAN: Sheyi Ojo – The brightest spark in a young Cardiff front line, always a threat.
REF: Oliver Langford 7