Cardiff City calmed fears of an automatic promotion collapse with a 2-0 statement victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Cardiff City Stadium.
A quick-fire double early in the second half from Omari Kellyman and Chris Willock ensured Cardiff’s first home victory in four games.
After starting the day with just 2 wins in their last 8 games, suggestions of a wobble were evident.
However, following today’s result, they have now arrested those fears and pulled 10 points clear of the chasing pack.
They now look set to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Nathan Trott (8) – Had very little to do throughout, with just one simple save to make. Assured, commanded his box well, and looked back to his early-season level, with some impressive work in possession too.
Perry Ng (7.5) – Solid defensively and looked threatening going forward at times. Set up a huge early chance for Alex Robertson, and was unlucky not to come away with an assist.
Will Fish (7.5) – Strong in the air and drove forward well with the ball. His longer passing wasn’t always at its best, but he dealt with Bolton’s threat comfortably for the most part.
Dylan Lawlor (8) – A magnificent return for the 20-year-old. Calm in possession and picked out some excellent passes to move City upfield. Also produced some crucial blocks and held his own in the aerial battle.
Joel Bagan (7.5) – A confident outing from the Irishman. His link-up with Chris Willock caused Bolton problems, and he grabbed his sixth assist of the season with an excellent corner for Kellyman’s opener. Booked late on after a lazy challenge.
Ryan Wintle (7) – Shielded the back four well throughout, but struggled in possession. Played too many wayward passes, though he remained disciplined defensively.
Alex Robertson (7.5) – An all-action display from the midfielder. Covered plenty of ground, was industrious throughout, and picked up an assist for Willock’s goal. Should have scored himself, though, somehow hitting the bar from inside the six-yard box in the first half.
© Rubin Colwill (7) – Not his most influential outing. Didn’t see as much of the ball as he would have liked, but kept things ticking over. Worked hard off the ball, helping lead an aggressive press that forced Bolton back numerous times.
Ollie Tanner (6.5) – A frustrating afternoon. Possibly showing signs of fatigue after what is his 17th consecutive start. Had six shots without troubling the goal and was occasionally guilty of giving the ball away too easily or choosing the wrong option. Did get back defensively alongside Bagan.
Chris Willock (8.5) – (MOTM) – A constant threat from the first whistle. Created a chance inside the opening minute, setting the tone for his performance. Caused Cyrus Christie all sorts of problems down the left and capped it with a trademark goal, cutting inside and finding the bottom corner. An excellent return to the starting XI.
Omari Kellyman (7.5) – Opened the scoring early in the second half from a corner. Didn’t see as much of the ball as he would have liked overall, but that’s now eight league goals for the season and his first with his head as he continues to grow into the No.9 role.
Calum Scanlon (6.5) – Introduced late on for Willock and added pace and directness. A solid cameo.
David Turnbull (7) – A strong showing off the bench. Typically calm in possession and helped City take control in the closing stages to see out the win.
Joel Colwill (6.5) – Industrious as ever and did well to break up play late on in midfield.
Yousef Salech (N/A) – Not enough time to make an impact, but a welcome return for the 6ft 5in Dane. His first appearance at the Cardiff City Stadium since the serious injury against Stockport in January. Arguably got the biggest cheer of the day when he came on.
