The start of the Championship campaign was
an impressive one for both Cardiff and Huddersfield in a game which neither
side deserved three points, however a goal in stoppage time sealed the newly
named Red Dragons’ first win.
For many fans the kick off could not come
soon enough after the summer break, which had left many a fan without their
weekly football fix, despite the Olympic games.
The game kicked off with the expectations
of the new season high among both sets of supporters and the exchanges in the
first half did not disappoint. Chances fell both ways with Scott Arfield nearly
putting the Terriers ahead after he went clean through on goal.
At the other end Cardiff found themselves building
well but struggling to beat a fairly solid back four in which Huddersfield captain
Peter Clarke was dominant.
It was also another formidable performance
form ex-Manchester United midfielder Oliver Norwood who found himself
attempting a couple of long range efforts which really tested David Marshall in
goal.
In the second half the newly promoted side
seemed to relax and sit back on the ball more, leading Cardiff to attack them
in possession. Despite that, Arfield yet again found himself through on goal
but unable to beat City keeper Marshall.
Both teams were struggling to find the
final ball after good spells of possession and build up. In the closing stages
of the match Huddersfield fans couldn’t wait to hear the final whistle, which would’ve
signified a well earn shared point after a valiant performance against one of
the leagues greatest promotion contenders.
It wasn’t to be though as in the 91st
minute, Cardiff skipper Mark Hudson smashed the ball passed Huddersfield
stopper Alex Smithies who could only watch his clean sheet disappear with
moments left on the clock.
The game will have a profound impact on both
teams, with Cardiff looking to build on this victory in their push for a
promotion, whilst Huddersfield will hope to regroup and learn from this
performance and take heed of the early wakeup call.
Matthew Jaggar
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