Cardiff City 1-0 Derby County: Supersub Uche Ikpeazu the hero as Bluebirds all but secure safety

By Connor Green

UCHE Ikpeazu came off the bench to net the Cardiff City winner which piled more misery on Wayne Rooney and Derby County.

The striker, on loan from Middlesbrough, struck from close range five minutes from the end of normal time for a victory that takes the Bluebirds 16 points clear of the drop zone – surely enough to secure their Championship status for another season.

At the same time the Rams, led by former Manchester United legend Rooney, remain deep in the mire following their points deduction.

After a touching round of applause for the people of Ukraine it was Cardiff who started the better, winning a corner and attacking Derby.

Derby had their first sight of goal after five minutes as Festy Ebosele had the ball in the box, but Cardiff left back Joel Bagan recovered in time to clear the ball.

Cardiff had their best chance of the first half when Tommy Doyle cannoned a shot off the bar, but other opportunities did arrive for the hosts. Striker Jordan Hugill went close with a header which bounced on top of the net after a fine whipped cross from Joel Bagan.

Derby closed out the half with a shot from former Cardiff player Ravel Morrison which was wide after Cardiff defender Mark McGuinness lost possession.

Cardiff started the second half brightly as Bagan crossed the ball into the six-yard area forcing Derby to scramble a Hugill effort clear.

Derby continued to create chances in the second half as a header from Morrison made Alex Smithies pull off a remarkable save which still saw the ball hit the post.

With the game still goalless 10 minutes from time, Cardiff hit the bar for the second time as Joe Ralls saw a shot from inside the box stay out.

But enter Ikpeazu, who is fast becoming a real fans’ favourite as he once again provided the crucial moment, came off the bench finishing Perry Ng’s cross to send City fans into raptures.