Match Report Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Cardiff City Cardiff

The Bluebirds fell behind early in the second half in unfortunate circumstances. Bradley Dack hit Brereton Díaz’s cutback from the edge of the box, with the effort taking a cruel deflection off Simpson and into the far corner of the net.

It arguably should’ve been two-nil after 57 minutes, if not for a big let-off. Gallagher with a free header in the box, but he diverted the ball off target.

Hudson responded to going behind and this chance with a triple change: Rubin Colwill, Sheyi Ojo and Andy Rinomhota replacing Joe Ralls, Simpson and Whyte, going to a more attacking approach.

It was the hosts that again went close after this though. Brereton Díaz ran in one-on-one with Allsop. The City shot stopper denied the dangerous forward, pushing clear.

City’s subs, including Isaak Davies, who was introduced after 66 minutes, fought to find a leveller against their strong hosts. Harris linked up with Welsh teammate Colwill, getting a snapshot away on 72 minutes, that Kaminski held. A late chance fell the way of the Bluebirds. Colwill’s corner kick found Perry Ng at the back post following a deflection. Unfortunately for City, our number 38 couldn’t connect properly with his effort, with Rovers clearing their lines.

Goalkeeper Allsop came up for a corner deep into the five minutes of added time. Callum O’Dowda managed to meet the set piece, but Kaminski held onto the ball. City unable to find a late leveller to take anything from their opening 2023 fixture.

Blackburn Rovers: Kaminski, Rankin-Costello (S. Wharton 53’), Ayala, Hyam, Pickering (Travis 78’), Morton (A. Wharton 88’), Garrett (Edun 78’), Hedges, Dack, Brereton Díaz, Gallagher. Subs Not Used: Pears, Markanday, Vale.

Cardiff City: Allsop, Sang, Kipré, Ng, Simpson (Rinomhota 59’), O'Dowda, Wintle, Ralls (Ojo 59’), Whyte (R. Colwill 59’), Robinson (Davies 66’), Harris (Philogene 78’). Subs Not Used: Luthra, Nelson.