Rubin Colwill helped Cardiff City continue their
promotion celebrations with a goal that confirmed Port Vale's relegation from
League One.
Colwill had scored a crucial goal in the weekend win at
Reading that ensured the Bluebirds will be back in the Championship next term
after one season away.
Here his 79th-minute header sealed the fate of Jon Brady's
Vale side, who had needed maximum points from their remaining games to avoid an
immediate return to League Two.
Brady had already suggested relegation was almost
"inevitable" even if he promised his side would fight on.
They did that here and will rue the impressive save from Nathan Trott that denied Ben Garrity's header on 53 minutes.
But, in truth, Cardiff had wasted several opportunities to
underline their quality, with Callum Robinson, Joel Colwill and Yousef Salech
all going close.
And Colwill's breakthrough was deserved given Cardiff's
dominance of possession and chances, the Wales international rising unmarked to
meet Chris Willock's cross to seal Vale's fate.
This was always going to struggle to match the drama of last
weekend when Cardiff secured
their Championship return at the first time of asking.
After all, it is not often a reserve goalkeeper's
injury-time goal in a separate game sparks a promotion party.
Balloons, drums and the prospect of a stress-free night had
suggested this was going to be a Cardiff celebration on and off the pitch, even
with the visitors' need for victory.
As it turned out, Cardiff missed that sense of edge.
While still on top and able to carve out a string of
chances, Cardiff – perhaps understandably – looked a little flat, with the
atmosphere similar.
But it is a testament to Brian Barry-Murphy's side and their
achievement that they could afford to be when others are still fighting to
decide their fate.
It was fitting, too, that Port Vale were the opponents. Back
in August, Cardiff were lucky to get a point at Vale Park in only their second
game at this level in 22 years.
They were bullied that night, with Barry-Murphy admitting
his young side would learn from the experience.
They did so and then some over the months that followed,
without sacrificing their eye-catching football and emphasis on youth.
Both were on display again here, albeit with some six
changes made from the weekend, a tweak in system and only the third league game
that strikers Callum Robinson and Yousef Salech have started together.
Robinson went wide early, Salech headed over after the
restart before the subs started, including Willock who provided for
match-winning captain Colwill. Again, a fitting scorer from a player who
offered hope of better times throughout the year.
There will be more chances to assess as Cardiff go from
celebrating to considering what will be needed next season.
But there are also more chances to celebrate this campaign,
with Saturday's visit of Northampton Town and the final-day trip to Mansfield
to come.
Cardiff City: Trott, Kpakio, Osho (Fish 62’),
Lawlor, Scanlon (Bagan 83’), J.Colwill (Wintle 90’), Robertson (Kellyman 62’),
Turnbull, R.Colwill, Robinson (Willock 62’), Salech. Subs Not
Used: Ng, Tanner.
Port Vale: Gauci, Gabriel (Hernández 72’),
Humphreys, C.Hall, Campbell, Walters, Croasdale (Shipley 85’), G.Hall (Archer
72’), Garrity, Gordon (Headley 72’), Sherif (Waine 72’). Subs Not
Used: Amos, Magloire.
