Late goals no consolation as City lose again

Last updated : 11 September 2016 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphp24F1.tmpNorwich away was never going to be easy so a narrow 3-2 defeat seems to be a fair effort from Cardiff City but watching from the stands igt was a disappointing effort again from City for long periods in the game.

The first half didn't show either side in a good light, few chances and a lack of quality from both teams. The key moment came when keeper Ben Wilson only managed to parry a cross into the path of Cameron Jermome (who else). The former City striker fluffed his first effort but had time enough to try again and poke the ball home from a tight angle.

Rickie lambert did have one header saved but generally neither keeper had much to do in the opening 45 mins.

Seven minutes into the second half and Rickie Lambert thundered a header against the bar but instead of spurring City on it respresented the only effort on goal until the last 10 minutes. 

Cardiff laboured and failed to find any sort of attacking threat while Norwich were the team looking to push forward and go on an win the game. Several chances went close and the game looked to be safe when Russell Martin headed in from a corner. Another soft goal to concede.

Norwich didn't sit back and I commented that the only club likely to score again was Norwich but Cardiff got a break. With subs Harris, Whittingham and Noone on the pitch Cardiff started to throw themselves forward.

A Whittingham corner caused mayhem in the Norwich area and the ball finally went in off Anthony Pilikington's chest.

Could that spark a late rally, ermm no, Norwich fans may have been a little concerned but minutes later Norwich countered and Josh Murphy curled a shot past Wilson re restore the two goal lead.

Four mins into added time Norwich paniced again from a Whittingham corner and Pilkington noddd in his and City's second.

There was one last lump of the ball forward i the unlikely hope of an equaliser but the offside flag went up and the game was over.

Paul Trollope says he was pleased at his sides spirit after going two goals down but come on, we can't afford to keep going behind, especially when we look so toothless in attack.

This has been the worse start to a season for over a decade and unless results improve in the next three or four games (all against teams who are currently below us) then it's going to be a long hard season battling at the wrong end of the table.

My underlying feeling was that we were poor, offered limited creativity and were vulnerable in defence. We do not dominate in key areas and that allows the opposition to defend quite comfortably against us and then pick us off. We've conceded in every game except the opener at Birmingham and have failed to score in four of the seven games in total we've played this season.

With only one win, against the worst side in the league at the moment, Trollope needs to inspire his side and quickly.