Jaden Philogene came off the bench to help Cardiff City produce one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Championship. As the Bluebirds recovered from last week’s derby setback to Swansea, Philogene’s 65th-minute winner ended Mark Hudson’s three-game losing streak. Perry Ng, a crucial defender for the hosts, and Richard Wood, the captain of the visitors, were both glad to be back. And the opening hour was controlled by defenders. Even though Cardiff had 65 percent of the possession and had 19 shots to their opponents’ three, they lacked the creative edge to make those numbers matter before Philogene’s excellent finish.
Callum Robinson, who received a red card at Swansea, was suspended, hence Mark Harris started for Cardiff. The Wales international was bright and creative throughout, but despite intense pressure in the first half, the home team was unable to penetrate the Millers’ staunch defense. After only 80 seconds, Sheyi Ojo did put the ball in the back of the net after Viktor Johansson saved Harris’ shot, but the offside flag was up. Shortly after, Joe Ralls found Callum O’Dowda, who shot into the side-netting from the left of the 18-yard box.
The Northern Ireland international was freed by Oliver Rathbone on the break, but he wanted too much time with the ball and was surrounded before he could fire a shot. At the half, Hudson substituted both full-backs in an effort to increase the threat from wide areas. And in the 65th minute, Cardiff finally got the advantage they deserved thanks to a team effort between substitutes Mahlon Romeo and Philogene. Philogene, an Aston Villa loanee, displayed his Premier League pedigree by curling the ball into the top corner after Romeo had one of his shots stopped. Wintle blasted over in stoppage time, and Harris squandered a chance to double the lead, but the hosts only needed one goal.
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