Cardiff City’s winless league run continues with 10-man Blackburn Rovers sealing a narrow victory

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A first-half strike from Joe Rothwell was enough for Blackburn Rovers to earn the victory and hand Cardiff City yet another home defeat.

The hosts had a refreshed look to it with manager Steve Morison handing young Leeds United loanee Cody Drameh his debut. Ryan Wintle, following an impressive loan with Blackpool, also featured in the starting lineup after he was recalled back to the club.

Strong running from Ryan Nyambe produced an early unproductive corner for the Rovers. Curtis Nelson headed over at the other end as the two sides appeared evenly matched, despite the difference in league positions.

Drameh showed his willingness to push forward as he looked to find James Collins with a cross but the youngster failed to do so. The Bluebirds looked to settle into the game as forward Mark Harris presented Collins with a chance, however, the 31-year-old failed to take it.

Blackburn midfielder Rothwell did not let the hosts settle for long as he smoothly cut through the defence and gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.

Wintle, Drameh and Harris worked hard to drive Cardiff forward but the well-organised Rovers proved stubborn opponents.

Welsh international Will Vaulks fired a decent volley goalwards on 25 minutes but the visitors were able to block his well-struck effort.

A succession of deep crosses and set pieces saw most of the action take place in the visitors’ penalty area but Darragh Lenihan and his fellow defenders stood firm.

On 37 minutes, Perry Ng’s firm drive presented another test for Blackburn, however, goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski was up to the task.

The Bluebirds had enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening 45 minutes, but as the half ended, John Buckley tested Smithies who held the shot well but it was a reminder to Steve Morison of the threat posed by the visitors.

Cardiff continued to take the game to Rovers after the restart. Despite a more encouraging performance than in recent home games, there remained a lack of penetration which hampered the hosts.

Highly acclaimed striker Ben Brereton Diaz slipped a chance wide and later sent a chance over the bar to remind the hosts of the danger that he can pose.

Rovers continued to control the second period as Cardiff manager Morison introduced Marlon Pack and Isaak Davies in an attempt to add extra legs to a jaded looking home side.

Curtis Nelson forced Kaminski into a good save in the 69th minute as Rovers substitute Sam Gallagher tumbled in the Cardiff box moments later. Referee Matt Donohue was unimpressed but one sensed that Rovers were looking the more threatening.

However, the visitors were down to 10 men after Nyambe was sent off with 14 minutes remaining when he received a second yellow card, with the fixture seeing 12 yellow cards in total.

Morison introduced Rubin Colwill for Drameh in the hope that the talented Welshman could ignite Cardiff’s fire with 10 minutes to go.

Davies and Colwill tried hard to lift the spirits with some darting runs but apart from one deflected cross that hit the woodwork there remained little threat to the visitors’ goal.

Rovers easily saw out a late period of Cardiff pressure to return home with all three points and consign the hosts to yet another defeat, their 14th league loss this season.

The Bluebirds are back in action next weekend as they take on Bristol City with Blackburn facing Hull City on Wednesday evening.