Portsmouth 0 Cardiff City 2 The Bluebirds joined QPR at the top of the Championship after this comfortable victory at Fratton Park. Debt ridden Portsmouth are a shadow of the side that beat City in the 2008 FA Cup Final, whilst despite financial troubles of their own, Cardiff have shown their intent this season with some inspired signings. Craig Bellamy returned to the starting line up after being rested for the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Peterborough, with City lining up in 4-5-1/4-3-3, with Jay Bothroyd supported by Bellamy and Burke on the flanks and Peter Whittingham pulling the stings in the middle of the park. The home side started quite brightly, with skipper Mark Wilson, who reportedly is about to join Stoke, forcing Marshall into action as his 30 yard free kick was tipped over the bar after 12 mins. Cardiff though and in particular Bellamy looked dangerous on the break, his lighting pace causing problems as he flashed a ball from Chris Burke over the bar. On 37 mins, the Bluebirds took the lead. Drinkwater, growing in confidence alongside Olofinjana in central midfield, winning posession before his through ball to Bothroyd was intercepted by Pompey defender Haydn Mullins, but his outstretched foot could only guide the ball past keeper Ashdown and into the corner of the net. After the break, Cardiff started strongly, with Hudson going close with a header before another rather fortuitous goal on 49 mins put the visitors in the driving seat. As Bellamy chased down the left, defender Sonko put the ball into the path of Bothroyd, with keeper Ashdown also rushing out to clear. The City striker left with the simple task of rolling the ball into the empty net. From that moment on, the result never seemed in doubt as the Bluebirds controlled midfield and always looked capable of stepping up a gear. In the dying moments new signing Andy Keogh came off the bench and looked to have put City 3-0 up with a well taken header, only for it to be ruled out for offside. The large travelling contingent went back to South Wales having witnessed a very professional performance. If Dave Jones' team can keep this up, we're going to be very hard to beat this season. |