Defeat for Bluebirds in first game

Bournemouth spoiled Cardiff City’s Premier League return with a hard-earned 2-0 victory.

The technically superior hosts were quick to dominate possession, pinning their opponents back in their own half for long periods and deservedly taking the lead when Ryan Fraser fired in from close range.

Bournemouth were then awarded a penalty when Callum Wilson was brought down after a tangle with Bruno Ecuele Manga, but the forward’s low spot kick was well saved by Neil Etheridge.

Cardiff roused themselves in the second half with a flurry of chances from set pieces – the best seeing Sean Morrison thwarted a yard out by Asmir Begovic.

Warnock afterwards

“I thought we did alright, we got better as the game went on. On another day we could have got a result but it wasn’t to be.

“They were better in certain areas but not other. We had our chances and I’m disappointed. The penalty was soft. It just felt a little bit hard for us today at times.

“They are an established team in the Premier League and we could have got a result here on another day. We’re looking forward to the season and a few lads were a bit nervous but once that rubbed off, it was okay.”

Player ratings – possession 37%

Etheridge   7

Peltier   6

Morrison   7

Manga   7.5

Bennett   6.5

Mendez Laing   6.5

Bamba   6.5

Patterson   5.5

Ralls   6.5

Hoilett   6.5

Reid   6.5

Subs

Murphy   6.5 (Mendez Laing) (63 mins)

Ward   5.5 (Paterson) (63 mins)

Madine    (Reid) (89 mins)