Cardiff City 3-2 Swindon Town: Match Report and Player Ratings as Moylan marks debut with winner

Jack Moylan’s stunning top-corner strike saw Cardiff City progress to the second round of the EFL Cup with a 3-2 victory over Swindon Town at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Moylan, who signed for the Bluebirds from Championship rivals Lincoln City just three days ago, marked his debut with a 77th-minute winner.

It was an entertaining five-goal encounter, a repeat fixture of last year’s EFL Cup first-round tie almost a year to the date - 361 days ago - which Cardiff won 2-1.

The two teams were separated by two divisions this time around, with Cardiff returning to the Championship while Swindon continue to ply their trade in League Two for a sixth consecutive season.

Against the run of play, it was the Robins who took the lead in the ninth minute through their first meaningful attack.

Well-worked play from Swindon saw them find an opener when debutant Louis Millard found the back of the net via a deflection off Gabriel Osho.

However, Cardiff soon found their rhythm and, after working it well down the right-hand side, they were awarded a penalty on the stroke of the 30-minute mark.

Mitchell Clark was deemed to have handballed from Isaak Davies’ first-time strike following a stunning cross from Ollie Tanner.

City’s No.9 Yousef Salech powered home from the spot, giving goalkeeper Connor Ripley little chance despite diving the right way.

On the stroke of half-time, Cardiff moved ahead, Salech landing his second of the afternoon following a sweeping move from the Bluebirds.

From back to front in little over five seconds, the home side played through Joel Bagan, Davies and Cian Ashford, whose excellent outside-of-the-boot cross found Salech, who finished superbly first time into the roof of the net.

An imprint of exactly how Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy wants his side to play as he enters his second full season of management in the Welsh capital.

Cardiff soon began to purr before the half-time whistle, and David Turnbull slipped Ashford in a one-v-one. The Bluebirds academy graduate should have put his side two goals to the good but struck the crossbar.

Chances came for both sides at the beginning of the second half, becoming an end-to-end contest as Swindon pushed for the equaliser.

Ian Holloway’s side responded with a fantastically worked goal of their own in the 62nd minute. Substitute Joseph Hungbo had been on the field for just four minutes before he was released down the left-hand side after some neat build-up play. He swung in a defence-splitting cross, with Paul Glatzel sliding in at the back post to equalise at 2-2.

With both sides continuing to show attacking endeavour, it was anyone’s game at the Cardiff City Stadium and needed one final bit of quality to book a place in the second round of the EFL Cup.

And that quality came from the Bluebirds' new signing Moylan. A long Nathan Trott kick released Salech through on goal. The striker used his strength superbly before turning his man and laying the ball into the path of the Irishman, who sweetly found the top-right corner with a classy first-time finish.

The 24-year-old had been on the pitch just five minutes after replacing Tanner and, in his first outing in the Welsh capital, found not only the net but the winner for Cardiff City as they progressed to the second round and won their opening competitive game of the 2026/27 season.

Cardiff will find out their opponents for the next round after the draw is completed on Monday evening, but for now their attention will turn to Welsh opponents Wrexham, who they welcome to the Cardiff City Stadium in 10 days' time on Monday, August 17.

Meanwhile, Swindon bow out of the EFL Cup at the first-round stage for the 12th consecutive season despite a valiant effort and some encouraging signs.

Their curtain-raiser in League Two is a trip to the Sixfields Stadium to face newly relegated Northampton Town.

Cardiff City Player Ratings

Nathan Trott (7) - His distribution, both short and long, was excellent. Often picked out Salech when mixing up his game. Could do little about either goal and, outside of that, did not have a save to make.

Ronan Kpakio (5) - Struggled at times to contain the play down his side. Was beaten too often by Glatzel, Millard and later Hungbo, who all caused him problems. Did grow into the contest physically as it wore on, but his passing was timid at times, and there was not enough energy in some of his actions.

Gabriel Osho (6) - His progression out from the back, both passing and carrying the ball, proved an asset today. Unfortunate with the own goal but largely stood up well to the physicality of the game.

Perry Ng © (6) - Captained the side from centre-back with three of City's central defenders missing. Was assured in possession and played some good diagonal passes out wide. Partially at fault for the first goal but could do little about the second, which was a wicked cross across the face of goal.

Joel Bagan (6) - A fairly quiet outing from Bagan. Did not get beyond Davies or Willock much this afternoon. However, he produced a strong block in the first half, was neat in possession, and little came down his side.

Alex Robertson (7.5) - Really growing into his role at No.6. Dictated the game in City's best periods and everything was flowing through him. Brought good energy about the pitch, was combative and displayed an impressive passing range. Another strong outing.

David Turnbull (7) - Got beyond Swindon's back line at times and delivered some dangerous crosses. His passing was sharp off both feet, and he got about the pitch well. Unfortunate not to get an assist for Ashford. His performance waned slightly in the second half as the game opened up and tired legs began to show.

Cian Ashford (7.5) - A player clearly enjoying his role at No.10 in Rubin Colwill's absence. Always a hard worker, but his movement and close control in central areas make him look a brand-new player. Proved tricky throughout the afternoon, registered a lovely outside-of-the-boot assist and should have scored himself but struck the crossbar. Overall, an impressive showing.

Ollie Tanner (6.5) - Provided good width for Cardiff down the right-hand side and got beyond his man on several occasions, digging out some strong crosses. One of those led to the penalty which contributed to Cardiff's opener. However, he seemed to tire quickly, and his influence on the game diminished, while his work rate out of possession also suffered.

Yousef Salech (9) - MOTM - An excellent showing from City's No.9. Pressed from the front, took both his goals well, and his strong hold-up play contributed to the winning goal. If that form continues, Cardiff have one of the top Championship strikers on their hands this season.

Isaak Davies (6.5) - Similar to Tanner on the opposite flank. Held good width and his pace caused problems, but his influence waned as the game wore on. A willing runner as ever and always offers a threat.

Substitutes

Joel Colwill (5.5) - One of those days for Colwill where his game just did not come off. Put himself about and picked up a needless yellow card. Outside of one good run past his man, he struggled to gain a foothold in the game.

Chris Willock (7) - Offered a good outlet for City down the left as the game wore on. A calming influence in possession and his dribbling got him into some nice areas where he could well have picked up an assist on another day.

Jack Moylan (7.5) - The debutant, after just three days at the club, showed Cardiff fans what he is all about. His first-time finish into the top-right corner was impressive, but even more impressive was his willingness to defend and help his team in the closing stages. He threw himself into blocks, one in particular when a shot looked destined for the net, and also helped City play out well under pressure. An impressive debut.