Match Report: Rotherham United 0–3 Cardiff City
New York Stadium – 7 February 2026
Cardiff City produced one of their standout performances of the season with a commanding 3–0 victory over Rotherham United, achieved despite playing more than 70 minutes with ten men.
The Bluebirds started strongly, with early chances for Omari Kellyman and Alex Robertson. Their momentum was disrupted in the 21st minute when captain Ryan Wintle was shown a straight red card for a last?man challenge on Harry Gray.
Cardiff responded impressively, continuing to dictate play. Perry Ng twice forced Cameron Dawson into saves before the visitors took a deserved lead on 43 minutes. Ollie Tanner broke down the right and cut the ball back for Kellyman, who finished via the inside of the post. Moments later, Nathan Trott preserved the lead with a superb save to deny Gray one?on?one.
Rotherham made tactical changes at the break, but Cardiff remained the sharper and more composed side. Ng immediately set the tone with a clever piece of skill, and the home crowd grew restless as the Bluebirds continued to dominate.
The second goal arrived just before the hour mark. Tanner once again turned provider, threading a well?timed pass to Chris Willock, who calmly slotted beyond Dawson to double the advantage.
Cardiff looked the likeliest to score as the match entered its closing stages. Deep into added time, substitute Isaak Davies capped off the performance with an excellent solo goal — bursting past his marker before firing low into the bottom corner.
This was a statement performance from Brian Barry?Murphy’s men: disciplined, clinical, and fearless in adversity. Despite being a man down, Cardiff remained the better side throughout and leave South Yorkshire with a fully deserved three points. Their next fixtures bring them back to the Welsh capital, where they will host Luton Town and AFC Wimbledon.
Rotherham United: Dawson, Rafferty (Cover 46'), Jules, Baptiste, Adegboyega (Biancheri 66'), Spence (Yearwood 74'), Powell (Martha 46'), James, McWilliams, Gray (Watmore 90+2'), Nombe. Subs Not Used: Cann, Agbaire.
Cardiff City: Trott, Ng, Fish, Osho (Chambers 90'), Bagan, Wintle, Robertson (Kpakio 76'), J.Colwill, Tanner (Davies 76'), Willock (Ashford 65'), Kellyman (Turnbull 65'). Subs Not Used: Scanlon, Robinson.
