Cardiff City Player Ratings vs Leyton Orient

Cardiff City missed a big opportunity to extend their lead at the top of Sky Bet League One after being held to a 1-1 draw by Leyton Orient in a frantic contest at Brisbane Road.

Yousef Salech’s magnificent solo goal rescued a point for the Bluebirds after Nathan Trott’s error allowed Dominic Ballard to open the scoring after just 12 minutes.

The draw means Brian Barry-Murphy’s side have taken just two points from a possible nine across their last three away fixtures, a return that will concern the City boss despite his side remaining top of the table.

Cardiff still sit four points clear of Lincoln City in first place, but their away form is an issue that will need addressing if they are to maintain their title push.

For Richie Wellens’ side, they picked up a valuable point that moves them two points clear of the relegation zone following an improved all-round display this afternoon.

My Cardiff City Player Ratings (Out of 10):

Nathan Trott (5)

Made a costly error that gifted Ballard the opening goal. Cardiff were perhaps due that moment given their style of play. To his credit, Trott responded well with a few decent saves, though he went long too often in possession after the mistake.

Perry Ng (7.5)

An assured performance from the right-back. Linked up excellently with Tanner down the right and was solid in his defensive duels. His influence dipped slightly after Tanner was substituted.

Will Fish (6.5)

Struggled at times with the physicality and movement of Orient’s front two, but stuck to his task well. Solid in possession and showed resilience despite a challenging afternoon.

Gabriel Osho (7.5)

Beginning to grow into the shirt right now. His pace offers something different to City’s other centre-backs, and he handled Orient’s attackers well. Excellent in possession and helped drive Cardiff up the pitch.

Joel Bagan (6.5)

Not his most dependable outing. Wayward at times in possession and didn’t get beyond Willock as often as usual, though he was defensively sound when called upon. Replaced on the hour mark by Kpakio.

Ryan Wintle (7)

Kept things ticking in midfield and was combative when required. His influence grew as the game wore on, and it was a solid all-round display from the skipper.

Alex Robertson (8)

A superb, gritty performance. Outstanding in ground duels and carried Cardiff up the pitch with strong dribbling and sharp passing. Unlucky not to score a late winner, denied by a magnificent block.

Omari Kellyman (6)

Forced off with a knock after 42 minutes. Saw little of the ball as Orient dominated large spells of the opening half, but showed some nice touches and was growing into the game before his withdrawal.

Ollie Tanner (7.5)

An impressive display on his first start since August. Gave Theo Archibald a torrid afternoon, with the Orient captain fortunate to stay on the pitch. Provided pace that Cardiff lack in wide areas, and was unlucky not to get a goal or assist.

Chris Willock (6.5)

A quiet outing for the winger. Struggled to beat his man, and his end product was not there, but he remained neat and tidy in possession and worked hard throughout.

Yousef Salech MOTM (8.5)

An outstanding performance from the 6ft 5in Dane. Battled superbly against Orient’s back three and dominated the aerial battle. Capped his display with a stunning solo run and finish, which is arguably his best goal in a City shirt.

Subs:

David Turnbull (7)

Introduced earlier than expected and slotted in seamlessly. Strong in possession, found intelligent passes in the final third, and worked hard out of possession.

Ronan Kpakio (5.5)

Struggled after coming on at left-back. Loose in possession and caught out defensively at times, though he did get forward well on occasion. A difficult outing for the 18-year-old.

Isaak Davies (6)

Replaced Tanner on the hour mark but failed to make an impact. Operating on the right wing isn’t his strongest role, and it showed, though he linked play well and was tidy in possession.

Callum Robinson (N/A)

Brought on too late to make an impact, with just the two touches.

Cardiff will view this as a missed opportunity. Against the league’s joint-worst defence, they failed to fully capitalise but still retain a four-point lead over second-placed Lincoln City, having played the same number of games.

Attention now turns to a huge trip to Bradford City next Saturday, where the Bluebirds will look to strengthen their grip on top spot against a side sitting third.

Meanwhile, Leyton Orient will take confidence from a valuable point as they move two points above the relegation zone and prepare to host Reading next weekend.