Cardiff City started their Vertu Trophy campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Exeter City at St James Park. The Bluebirds dominated for extended periods and looked set for a comfortable win following Callum Robinson's powerful second-half header. However, late drama, including a red card and a disallowed Exeter equaliser, made for a tense finish.
Cian Ashford's late dismissal added pressure, and Jack Fitzwater's header appeared to have leveled the score for the hosts, but the assistant's flag spared Cardiff from a penalty shootout. Despite the late scare, Cardiff secured the win against the Grecians.
Key Moments and Player Performances
The match saw debuts and opportunities for several players, with Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell giving players a chance to prove their worth. Johnly Yfeko made his return from injury, while Pierce Sweeney captained the side. Youngsters like Kieran Wilson also got a chance to impress.
Cardiff's Perry Ng stood out with a strong performance at right-back, making a crucial goal-line clearance. Other debutants also showed promise, indicating a positive start to their Cardiff City careers.
Exeter City's Fight
Despite the loss, Exeter City showed resilience, with Reece Cole and Jayden Wareham creating opportunities. However, they couldn't convert their chances into goals. Caldwell emphasised the importance of playing with bravery and determination to secure a place in the team.
- Perry Ng: A standout performance at right-back.
- Callum Robinson: Scored the decisive header.
- Exeter City's Youngsters: Gained valuable experience.
The victory provides a positive start for Cardiff City in the Vertu Trophy, while Exeter City will look to bounce back and improve their performance in future matches.