The Bluebirds won’t worry too much about losing against Gillingham in the Emirates FA Cup.
This defeat, just like the loss against Spurs on New Year’s Day, means nothing in terms of Cardiff City’s future.
Almost 700 Cardiff fans made the trip to Kent and hoped for a cup win, but they know victory against Huddersfield is key.
Manager Neil Warnock and his team must focus on beating Huddersfield at home next Saturday and then giving Newcastle United a massive scrap seven days later.
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Warnock made seven changes from the starting line-up that faced Spurs and created plenty of opportunities at Priestfield Stadium before Elliott Lists fired an 81st minute winner.
“We made a lot of changes, but played well,” said Warnock. “I have no complaints about the attitude.
“You need a bit of luck in the Cup and we had so many chances, but it looked as though nobody wanted to score. I’ve never seen so many chances.
“The rub of the green didn’t go with us today, but good luck to Gillingham.
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“The FA Cup is all about taking your opportunities. I’m just hoping we saved ours for the league games.”
Warnock has far bigger business to focus on, working to strengthen his squad for the rest of this season.
The crucial moment at Gillingham came 10 minutes from time when Morrison went down injured and the hosts took advantage. The ball fell to 21-year-old List who kept his composure and fired past goalkeeper Alex Smithies.
“Elliott had an excellent game alongside Tom Eaves,” said Gillingham manager Steve Lovell, who also thought his back three were ‘outstanding.’
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“The crowd were excellent. They were noisy and were right behind us.”
Cardiff have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions by sides from outside the top flight this season, with Norwich City knocking them out of the Carabao Cup.
Callum Paterson and substitute Danny Ward both went close in a frantic finish, but Gillingham, pride of Kent, hung on to their lead.
A key factor was Cardiff’s lack of finishing power in front of goal. That simply underlines how crucial it is that Warnock signs a goalscorer this month.
Finding the right man will be tough, perhaps impossible, but that is a crucial task for Warnock.
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Gillingham: Holy, O’Neill, Garmston, Lacey, Zakuani, Eaves, Reilly, Parker, List, Byrne, Ogilvie. Subs not used: Hadler, Hanlan, Cook, Nasseri, Simpson, Mbo, Rees.
Player Ratings
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Alex Smithies
Has scarcely had a chance to show what he can do this season with Neil Etheridge clearly first choice. Didn’t have a lot to do and was beaten by a single shot 6
Lee Peltier
Personally, I would prefer Peltier to be Cardiff’s regular right-back. Nothing against Manga, but he is a far bette centre-half than full-back. ‘Pelts’ worked to get forward, but he needs more game time 6
Sean Morrison (capt)
‘Mozza’ leads by example. Took on the physical challenge offered by Gillingham. City should not feel too depressed about this defeat – they have bigger challenges get in terms of Premier survival 6
Man of the Match – Bruno Manga
Has the quality to shine at centre-back. A defender who commands respect in terms of composure and sheer quality 7
Joe Bennett
Struggled to produce his best form. Has impressed at Premier level, but he conceded possession too often and will have to step up his levels 6
Joe Ralls
I feel for Rallsy, a player I have known since he first arrived in Cardiff eight years ago. He is an all-action, energetic, athletic midfield player. Right now he is lacking in confidence and that is a key part of his game. Work even harder to get back to your best mate 6
Loic Damour
The French midfield player could be won his way out of the club, but worked hard and would surely have impressed any watching suitors 6
Bobby Decordiova-Reid
Has the quality to succeed at Premier level, but this was far from his best performance. He has pace, skill, tricks and more. Come on Bobby – show Bluebirds fans how good you can be 6
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Powerful, hard-running attacking player who can make an impact for the Bluebirds. Has a vast amount of promise – time to take that ability to the next level 7
Kadeem Harris
Pace, ability and a player who can create. This wasn’t his day and the winger went off soon after half-time with an injury 6
Callum Paterson
I have the utmost respect for Paterson, who has given everything for the Bluebirds. He is not the complete answer in attack, but, boy, has he given everything possible 6
Subs used: Josh Murphy (for Kadeem Harris 54); Danny Ward (for Bobby Decordova-Reid 74); Junior Hoilett (Lic Damour 89).
Suns not used: Greg Cunningham, Lloyd Humphries, Cameron Coxe, Brian Murphy (gk).