Looks Promising.

Well, the first week the season is behind us. How you feel about the week depends on whether you are a glass half full or a glass half empty person! I like to take a positive slant on things, and at least we are unbeaten in 3 games!

Its fair to say that the lack of new signings in the summer caused a little concern. The only major signing being Sammy Ameobi on loan from Newcastle United. But the advantage of this is coherent team work amongst a group of players who clearly know each other very well. There were certainly one or two issues this week, but in general it was an improved and encouraging start to the season.

Due to injuries, we were left with the 2 centre backs Sean Morrison (also made club captain) and Matt Connoly. This is unlikely to be a regular pairing, and undoubtedly Bruno Ecuele Manga will replace Connoly when he returns from injury (by this weekend probably). But they are a competent pairing and have performed well together. Simon Moore has been playing in goal for the League games while David Marshall is suspended, and young back up Ben Wilson given the chance for the Capital One Cup match against Wimbledon.

Despite these defensive uncertainties, the defence has generally performed in a satisfactory way this week, and left back Scott Malone has probably been player of the week, capped off with a stunning stoppage time equaliser against QPR!

Results this week:-

CARDIFF 1 FULHAM 1

CARDIFF 1 AFC WIMBLEDON 0 (Capital One Cup)

QPR 2 CARDIFF 2

Cardiff 1 Fulham 1

An encouraging start to the season. Plenty of chances created, but sometimes lacking a cutting edge in front of goal. The Bluebirds dominated possession for much of the first half, but then went behind early in the second half following a handling error by keeper Simon Moore. However, the team did not get downhearted and stuck to the game plan. The reward was a stunning goal from substitute Craig Noone in the 86th minute. The goal was nothing more than we deserved. Craig none has already shown more in the 3 games he has been involved in this season than he did all last season. Its good to see.

Craig Noone celebrates his late goal against Fulham.

Cardiff 1 AFC Wimbledon 0

A number of changes to the team, notably a completely new midfield, in order to give some game time to players on the bench from Saturday. These matches are often difficult against lower league opposition, and League 2 Wimbledon caused some problems from time to time . But the game was settled by another classy Craig Noone goal from a free kick on the stroke of half time. On a night when many other Championship clubs struggled against lower league opponents, this was a decent performance from what is probably a half strength side.

Sammy Ameobi on the ball against AFC Wimbledon.

Queens Park Rangers 2 Cardiff 2

The trip to west London was seen as the first major test of the season, against a team relegated from the Premier League last season. This was a further improved performance by the team, but QPR scored against the run of play following bad marking by the Cardiff defence at a corner. Then early in the second half, QPR went 2-0 ahead from a very dubious goal where a clear handball was missed by the officials allowing the predator to score off his chest.

But thankfully, the Bluebirds stuck to their task, and a gaol from a corner by Sean Morrison got us back into the game. Then, as 90 minutes clicked on to the clock, the ball fell to left back Scott Malone who volleyed an excellent equaliser into the top left corner of the goal - the second outstanding late equaliser in the week. Defensive errors apart, this was a very encouraging start to the season. I'm not counting on the playoffs or promotion yet, but there were definite signs of hope.

Next fixture tomorrow Tuesday 18th August away at Blackburn Rovers, then another televised game at home to Wolves on Saturday. Lets hope at least one win comes from those 2 matches.