You can’t get better than a late Bamba blast.
That was the message from centre-half Sol and his Bluebirds pals after their 2-1 Premier League home win against Brighton at Cardiff City Stadium.
Neil Warnock’s team head into the international break on the back of a second Premier victory and goals ace Bamba, who fired home in the 90th minute, said: “It’s hard to get better than that feeling.
“We knew it was massive before the international break to earn a positive result, but this says everything about the character of our team.”
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Bamba pulled off his shirt to celebrate his winner and ran over to the fans, but escaped a booking and explained: “The referee asked me if I took my shirt off and I said no.”
His amazing escape from the yellow peril came after Demarai Gray was cautioned for removing his shirt after scoring the winner for Leicester against Cardiff, displaying a tribute to Foxes’ owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
This time, though, referee Martin Atkinson decided no booking was needed.
Brighton were reduced to 10 players when Dale Stephens was sent off just after the half hour mark. Lewis Dunk had already netted to give Brighton the lead after six minutes, while Callum Paterson scored his third goal of the season to equalise on 28 minutes.
Winger Kadeem Harris was voted man of the match by the Bluebirds and Bamba’s verdict was: “Kads has been in unbelievable form.”
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Warnock talked about the pride he has in his Bluebirds, saying: “When I look at the lads playing like that, I’m so proud of them, the effort they put in and their desire for the shirt.
“We’d no chance according to the bookies, but when the lads give me everything – and if we can bring two or three quality players into the squad in January – then we’ll have as good a chance as any.
“Kadeem deserved the start because he’s been the best player in training over the past six weeks. I’m delighted for Sol, too, he deserves it. A really whole-hearted character.
“The fans were our crucial element. The number of people that have commented about our fans – they are the difference between us staying up or not.”
Harris gave Brighton defenders major problems and said: “We have to capitalise on the fantastic fan factor.
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“Our workrate was outstanding and when it’s that good we’ll inevitably tire out defenders.”
Players, staff and fans from both clubs paid their respects and honoured the 100th anniversary of Armistice.
Warnock made three changes his starting line-up against Leicester. Joe Ralls returned in place of suspended Harry Arter, Greg Cunningham stepped in for Joe Bennett and Harris replaced Bobby Decordova-Reid in attack.
Dunk’s sixth minute strike gave the visitors a 1-0 lead, heading home from close range after a well placed free-kick taken by Solly March.
Paterson popped up with an equaliser after 28 minutes when Harris burst forward from the left, attacking the centre of the pitch before cutting into the penalty area.
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The cross took a deflection off Gaetan Bong, floating perfectly into the path of Paterson, who stooped to head his third goal of the season.
Stephens was shown a straight red card for a poorly-timed lunge on City’s Cunningham.
Aron Gunnarsson was outstanding in midfield for City and he picked out Harris with a pass that set up a shooting opportunity. Harris took it gleefully, producing a curling, dipping shot which hit the bar.
Josh Murphy was in on the rebound, but could not control his shot and the ball flew over.
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This was a five-star showing from Cardiff, backed by loud, vociferous support from locals in a near 30,000 attendance.
Warnock’s men will take massive heart from this win and are back in action after the international break with a trip to Everton on Saturday, November 24.