Cats hoping ‘important’ Leadbitter back soon
LEE Johnson is hoping Grant Leadbitter will not be sidelined for long after the midfielder dislocated his shoulder in Sunderland’s draw at Crewe.
With the Black Cats trailing 2-0, the midfielder came off the bench just before the hour mark at Gresty Road as Johnson made a quadruple substitution.
But the 35-year-old’s afternoon lasted just seven minutes before he stumbled and put his arm out to break his fall, and it was immediately obvious that he was in severe pain.
Johnson revealed that Leadbitter had dislocated his shoulder in Sunderland’s win at Ipswich a month ago but had been able to play on, but this time the injury was worse. “It’s not good,” said Johnson.
“It popped out of the joint, and credit goes to the doctor and their physios and ours for managing to pop it back in.
“You could hear Grant screaming which showed how much pain he was in.
“Sometimes when you put it back in, it gives it half a chance of healing better without needing to pin it or anything.
“It happened originally in the Ipswich game and since then he has had a couple of injections in it, so there’s obviously still a weakness there from that initial injury.
“I hope we don’t lose him for too long because he is a really important player for us, but to be fair Winch [Carl Winchester] did really well when he came on [to replace Leadbitter].
“I was going to make five subs at half-time but it’s lucky I didn’t because if Grant’s shoulder had popped out then we would have had to play with 10 men.”
Sunderland fought back to earn a point in a 2-2 draw against the Railwaymen, with first-half goals from Chris Porter and Tom Lowery cancelled out by two wondergoals from Jordan Jones and Chris Maguire in the final 15 minutes of the match.
MARCUS BETTINELLI
Very quiet. Cardiff’s only efforts on target were the goal and early free-kick
ANFERNEE DIJKSTEEL
Midjudged a header to concede throw for the Cardiff goal, but solid otherwise and did a good job on Murphy
DAEL FRY
Will be disappointed by Cardiff goal but matched Moore in a mature and physical display
GRANT HALL
Calm and composed showing. His physicality and presence was useful at the back
MARC BOLA
Solid enough defensively and got forward at every opportunity. Replaced in second half
JONNY HOWSON
A calming presence in the middle of the park. Saw a lot of the ball
PADDY MCNAIR
Kept Wilson quiet and popped up with crucial late equaliser
MARCUS TAVERNIER
Showed what Boro have been missing. Full of energy and intent, and crucial for the goal as he closed down Flint
NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING
Considering it was his first start of season, he looked bright enough in first half without threatening. Tired in the second period
DUNCAN WATMORE
As game and willing as ever but struggled to get into the game. Replaced in the second half
BRITT ASSOMBALONGA
Tough task against physical Cardiff defence, didn’t stand a chance with long and high balls forward. Had one first half effort saved
SUBSTITUTES
MARVIN JOHNSON ............ 6
For Bola, 71. Fresh legs on the left
NEESKENS KEBANO .......... 8
For Mendez-laing 71. Superb showing from the bench. He was the spark Boro needed and crossed for the goal
CHUBA AKPOM ................... 7
For Assombalonga 81.
CARDIFF CITY
Phillips, Morrison, Flint, Nelson, Ng, Vaulks (Ralls 67), Pack, Bennett, Wilson (Bacuna, 67), Murphy (Oyo 61), Kieffer Moore. Subs (not used): Smithies, Williams, Sang, Harris, Bagan, Hoilett.
MATCH FACTS
Immediate impact with the header for the goal
DJED SPENCE ...................... 8 For Watmore 81. Teed up Kebano for the cross for goal. Added energy on the right. Outlet.
Not used: Morsy, Archer, Fisher, Saville, Coulson *Subs must play 15 minutes to gain a mark
GOALS:BORO: Mcnair (82); CCFC: Morrison (37) BOOKINGS: BORO: None CCFC: Vaulks 30, Bennett 57, Ng 59
REFEREE: Jarred Gillett (Australia)