Cardiff dump out Welsh rivals Wrexham to reach EFL Cup Quarter-finals

Will Fish scored his first Cardiff City goal with a stunning first-time volley to seal a last 8 spot in the Carabao Cup for the Bluebirds.

This was a significant win for the capital city club as they bounced back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Bolton at the weekend, putting on a show for the 1,200+ fans who made the trip up north. 

Yousef Salech netted the opening goal of the contest, tapping in from close range following a saved Omari Kellyman effort. 

Just minutes earlier, Nathan Broadhead squandered the opening chance of the game, flashing a first-time effort wide of the near post. 

However, that was as good as it got in terms of chances in the first half for the home side. 

Cardiff were dominant in the opening 45 minutes, having 55% of ball possession and landing fifteen shots with five of those coming on target. 

Much to their frustration, the Bluebirds' overall play deserved a bigger lead going into half-time with efforts from Cian Ashford and Rubin Colwill both striking the crossbar, while Ronan Kpakio also had a tame effort saved, which could have extended their lead. 

With the hosts yet to register a single shot on target in the opening half, Phil Parkinson decided it was time to shuffle the pack.  

A triple substitution saw Ollie Rathbone replaced by Matty James, and strike partnership Nathan Broadhead and Sam Smith withdrawn for Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass. 

Meanwhile, Brian Barry-Murphy decided to switch Omari Kellyman out for Isaak Davies on the right wing at the interval, also. 

It was an instant impact from the substitutes bench with a deflected cross from Ryan Longman falling perfectly onto the head of Moore, who rose above Cardiff captain Calum Chambers to power home the equaliser for the Red Dragons. 

Moore, after scoring, gestured towards the away end with a shushing act as he nailed his sixth goal against his former club, the most goals he has scored against any opponent. 

This raised the noise levels considerably inside the STōK Racecourse for the home supporters who had something to cheer following booing their side off after a dreadful opening half. 

Wrexham failed to build on the momentum, and whilst having more possession of the ball in the second half, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. 

Barry-Murphy made further changes of his own as he introduced midfield duo Alex Robertson and David Turnbull into proceedings, replacing Ryan Wintle and Joel Colwill as they looked to push on once more and tighten up in possession. 

In the 71st minute, Cardiff regained control of the contest, a short free-kick played to Joel Bagan, who whipped in a delightful cross from 25 yards out, finding Fish at the back post who slotted home a smart finish to give the away side a 2-1 advantage.  

Moore may have got the equaliser for Wrexham, but crucially lost his man at the wrong moment and was ultimately punished for that error. 

Parkinson rolled the dice once more in the 77th minute, bringing on two more substitutions.  

Ryan Barnett was replaced by Man City loanee Issa Kabore in a straight swap, while Conor Coady was taken off for striker Ryan Hardie as the hosts looked to switch to a back four to try and push on for an equaliser. 

However, despite some tame efforts by Moore and Hardie, Nathan Trott in the Cardiff goal was largely untroubled.  

Cardiff’s game plan was evident throughout. For large periods, they were excellent in possession, and their press led by vice-captain Rubin Colwill was unwavering across the course of the game.  

Colwill simply exuded calmness and composure whilst the chaos of the game surrounded him, always picking the right pass and driving his boyhood club up the field. 

A special man of the match performance from a player who continues to truly come of age this season, right in front of Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who watched on from the stands. 

While Wrexham were unable to force an equaliser, it was a landmark victory for the young Bluebirds, led by Barry-Murphy, who secured their spot in the Quarter-Finals of the EFL Cup for the first time since their sensational run to the final in the 2011-2012 season.