CITY PLAYER RATINGS (V FULHAM)

The mixed Cardiff City player ratings as Alex Smithies and substitutes dazzle but others frustrate as Wembley dream is over
By Glen Williams


Here is how each Bluebirds player fared against Fulham at Craven Cottage


Alex Smithies 8 (star man)

Made a terrific save to paw away a couple of efforts from Anthony Knockaert. In the second half he also parried away a dangerous Aboubakar Kamara shot. Excellent display.


Leandro Bacuna 4

A poor evening for the right back. Allowed Kebano in front of him for the Fulham goal and struggled against the tricky Joe Bryan running at him.


Sean Morrison 7

Made an incredible, goal-saving tackle to deny Bobby Decordova-Reid. Also proved a real threat from the City set piece.


Curtis Nelson 7

Powered the Bluebirds ahead with an excellent header early on. Did a decent job in the air defensively, too. One of the finds of the season.


Joe Bennett 6

Couldn't really get the better of his opposite number Cyrus Christie in attack, but thwarted a few Anthony Knockart efforts.


Marlon Pack 5

A better showing than the other night at Cardiff City Stadium, but the Bluebirds needed far more attacking endeavour from midfield.


Will Vaulks 7

Was extremely combative in the middle of the park and was one of the loudest on the pitch. Provided much-needed energy. Had an incredible volley tipped over, too.


Josh Murphy 4

Barely got a foot on the ball in the first half. Missed a gilt-edged chance in the second half when he was found by Mendez-Laing at the far post. Needed more from him.


Joe Ralls 7

A relatively quiet start to the evening for him, but grew into the game after the break and they needed his legs in midfield.


Junior Hoilett 6

Looked Cardiff's most dangerous player in the first half and created a number of crossing opportunities. Hooked at half-time.


Danny Ward 6

The early City game plan didn't really suit him and was left to feed off scraps for the most part. Had one effort on goal but lashed it over the bar.


Lee Tomlin (on for Pack 46) 7

Hammered City back in front with an emphatic volley, just provided that spark when City needed it. Heart-wrenching he had to come off late on due to injury.


Mendez-Laing (on for Hoilett) 7

Powered the header at goal which forced Rodak to parry it into the path of Tomlin. Added a real threat to the Bluebirds attack down the right, carving out a number of chances.


Callum Paterson (on for Ward 81) 6

Did what he does best, tried to unsettle the defence and win the ball in the air.


Gavin Whyte (on for Tomlin 84) N/A

Wasn't on long enough to give him a fair rating.

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tbh there were mistakes as there are in all games.. and some played better than others.. but the team performance was a 9 out of 10 and is reflected in almost zero negativity from fans after a play off defeat.....i dont remember any other play off defeat where everyone was relatively happy and looking forward to the nxt campaign... those marks are too low Glen..

Very harsh on Bacuna. There were three players around bobby who could have stopped the cross and Morrison didnt even attempt to put a foot on it. Bacuna also put a superb ball in at the end that nearly ended up as a goal. I would say he was more of 6 or 7 out of 10.

Murphy got a 6 from me ...improved one second half...Bacuna had a poor game and should have prevented the goal...Smithies and Nelson have improved immensely as season went on.

Murphy needs to be off the wage book asap. Id be shocked if we got 5m for him. Flashes of brilliance but overall awful.

Murphy got a 6 from me ...improved one second half...Bacuna had a poor game and should have prevented the goal...Smithies and Nelson have improved immensely as season went on.

i dont think the ball should have got anywhere near Bacuna.. the ball dissected our centre halves who were switched off. shouldnt have allowed their player to steal in ahead of him but really think he had a bum rap for being the only player actually trying to stop them scoring..