Cannon fires to down Bluebirds

IT took a bit of magic from Tom Cannon to break the often dire deadlock of this battle of the low scorers.

The 20-year-old Everton loanee had only scored one goal out of Preston’s season tally of just 31 before his super strike.

Cannon took delivery of a well-placed through pass from Greg Cunningham to then control beautifully.

He kept his cool and steadied himself before unleashing a powerful right-foot shot that beat keeper Jak Alnick.

And as late sub Ched Evans scored his eighth of the season, there was more drama as Cardiff keeper Alnick was red-carded for a reckless tackle on Cannon – out of his area and in added-on time.

On came sub keeper Rohan Luthra, who managed to save Evans’ shot, but could do nothing to stop him hitting home the rebound.

It was the second game running when Cardiff had their keeper sent off, last week’s being Ryan Allsop late on at Bristol City.

Bluebirds boss Sabri Lamouchi admitted: “I’m very disappointed. I’ve never before had two keepers sent off in two consecutive matches.

“It was unbelievable, but this was our fault. A back pass here put our keeper under pressure.

“We had our chances, but then we conceded those two goals. Mistakes let us down.”

Preston manager Ryan Lowe said: “Tom Cannon’s goal was sublime. Greg Cunningham’s through ball was excellent.

“He had another chance earlier, but he fluffed that one. Ched Evans showed great reaction for his late strike.”

PRESTON: Woodman 6; Storey, Diabe 5, Cunningham 6; Whiteman 6; Potts 6, Johnson 7 (Onomah (83) 4), Fernandez 5 (Ledson (83) 4), Woodburn 6 (Evans (60) 6); Parrot 6 (Brady (60) 6), Cannon 8 CARDIFF: Alnick 6 (Luthra (90) 3); Ng 6, McGuiness 6, Kipre 6; Philogene 5, Wintle 5, Rinomhota 5 (Harris (72) 5), Sawyers 6, O’Dowde 5; Kaba 7 (Ojo (64) 5), Etete 6

STAR MAN: Tom Cannon - Everton loanee broke the deadlock with a fine goal.

REF: David Webb 7