In a game where we went in hoping to take homr at least a point from Ashtip Gate, it was a dynamic start from the Bluebirds that made us think momentarily at least, that we could go two points better
City were on top for a while and deservedly took the lead through James Collins, who scored from a great ball in from debutant Tommy Doyle
The Bluebird faithful were in raptures and still celebrating when the real Cardiff City put in an appearance and conceded another self-inflicted goal from the restart; on this occasion Curtis Nelso being the biggest culprit
Bristol siezed their opportunity and for a while at least, we were second best
HALF-TIME SCORE: BRISTOL CITY 1 - 1 CARDIFF CITY
City scorer: James Collins
The second half started pretty much as the first, with the Bluebirds taking the game to the Robins but once again without really threatening the second goal we probably deserved to that point
Bristol grew back into the game and the Bluebirds were pressed back largely of their own making, as once again they conspired to give ball after ball away to 'gift' Bristol the opportunity to break at pace
Sadly, the Bluebirds paid the price twice and Bristol should/coukd have had more, as the Bluebirds visibly tired and the game drifted away from them
Max Watter late goal on his return from a loan spell was very welcome but puts a flattering tint on to the scoreline
FINAL SCORE: BRISTOL CITY 3 - 2 CARDIFF CITY
City scorer: James Collins
The Verdict
Without jumping on the inevitable (for some) bandwagon, this was a hugely disappointing result on a number of fronts...
Bristol City are a side wight might reasonably have expected to take something from and for a while that is how it looked
For a change, we went ahead with a well worked goal but all our hard work was immediately undone with sloppy, indisciplined defending, which spurred Bristol on and they were able to build on it, too
GrangeEndStar was at the game and commented that we just keep shooting ourselves in the foot time after time and it's going to cost us dearly at the current rate
Those who know me will tell you I tend to look at the positives in all things Bluebird; but today I am at a loss as to what we can do in the short term to halt the seeming inability to collect points
Improved performances or a simple change of style?
Let's be honest here; most of us (supporters and players) wanted Steve Morison as interim manager and early signs werevgood, as they were with Mick McCarthy and Neil Harris before him
But I am beginning to think the (slight) changes in style are not working and for the first time, I am beginning to question the wisdom of giving Steve Morison the job and increasing intrigued as to 'who?' is the mystery man we are reported to have lined up to take the helm for next season?
In the meantime, we now have one heck of a battle on our hands and both new players and consideration of an experienced 'firefighting' manager are topics to be debated by those at the top of the club
In precis, a very disappointing day only made marginally better by Derby County's loss; ironically to a Forest side led by the very man we could/should have gonecall out to get, i.e. Steve Cooper