Surprise point for “down to the bare bones” Cardiff at moneybags Middlesbrough.

One Response to Surprise point for “down to the bare bones” Cardiff at moneybags Middlesbrough.

1. Iain Stuart says:

   October 18, 2026 at 9:49 am

   Morning Paul
   A fair assessment of a game I was convinced we were going to lose before kick off, given the start that ‘Boro have had and our poor away results.

   However, I was plesantly surprised to see us take the lead with two excellent goals. Added to that, was a mostly very assured performance by Trott in goals, especially in the first half. He seems to beback to his past good standards. I have to admit that I had also feared the worst, seeing Kpakio start and the lack of depth and experience on our bench. However, Kpakio had a much steadier 1st half performance than some of his past starts. I’m still of the mind that he’d be better as a winger. He did go missing a bit second half and that’s probably why BBM pushed Bagan over to that side & brought on Scanlon.

   I was mystified though by the substitution of Colwill for Turnbull and your comment about Turnbull ball watching for Boro’s first goal, back’s up what I thought was a BBM mistake, in that substitution. I’m not a Turnbull fan and I fail to see why BBM put him on when Colwill had been breaking up play and generally being a nuisance to Boro. Turnbull does not offer anywhere near the same as Colwill and you certainly don’t get any of the tackling and disruption or “busy-ness” that Colwill gives us. Had Joel stayed on, I’m sure that he would have been able to dent Boro’s increasing dominance in the second half. As it was, I felt we were getting over-run in midfield and it was only a matter of time that Boro would score. In the end, we were very very lucky to “escape” with the draw. Had there been any more added time then I think it may have been too much for us to hold out.

   A draw is no mean feat away at Boro, so I think we should be grateful for a point but I can’t help but feel disappointed when we’d been leading, if you get my drift.

   Again, it’s a game where you have to question the standard & consistency of the officials. After Tuesday night when I thought Mr Busby was excellent, the same can’t be said for Mr Nield. A blatant penalty not given when Phillips hauled Moylan to the ground and Osho’s indiscretion on Lankshear was a only yellow imo. As you say though, it doesn’t help when the tackle’s in front of the benches. I thought some of his other decisions were questionable but I think it’s something that sadly we’ve become used to seeing week in, week out. Mind you, I think Osho got sucked into a situation with Lankshear and paid the price. Lankshear’s one of those players that you’d love to have in your own side, but hate playing against as he has an edge, an arrogance, if you like, that opposing fans hate. Lol.

   Your final point about the suspensions and injuries is one thing that I think we were all concerned about that happening, with the lack of bodies through the door. I know I voiced my concerns about this many weeks ago. I hope BBM and his team and those in charge of the club, address this in January.

   Anyway I think that result/performance will be something to build on in the coming weeks and hopefully will see us move up the table a little.