By Will Taylor
A spirited first half display from Cardiff City saw them come from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Goals from Tommy Doyle and Jordan Hugill turned the tide for Steve Morrisons men after Lewis Baker had opened the scoring for the visitors.
There was a minute’s applause before the match, as Friday marks two years since the passing of Cardiff City legend Peter Wittingham and it was an performance he would’ve thoroughly enjoyed.
Joel Baggan had the first big opportunity after 21 minutes when the ball fell to his feet in the box, only an unbelievable close range save from Stoke keeper Jack Bonham keeping the game level.
Cardiff were punished for failing to capitalise on their early pressure finding themselves a goal down on 23 minutes, when a Baker’s curler on the edge of the box found its way past Alex Smithies.
The home side had a golden chance to equalise with 25 minutes gone, after Mark Harris was played in behind, however the striker fired his chance wide.
Finally Cardiff took advantage of their domination on 38 minutes and levelled the game up, when a slipped ball into the box found the on loan Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle, who placed the ball past Bonham.
Almost straight from the restart he away side should’ve retaken the lead, but were denied by an impressive double save by Smithies.
However, it was Cardiff who were ahead just before half time, as a Cody Drameh interception fell to the feet of Jordan Hugill, who’s strike gave the Bluebirds a deserved lead going into half time.
It was almost three just after half time, when Drameh completed a lung-busting run from well inside his own half, before crossing to the feet of Doyle who’s shot was blocked.
The second half was incomparable to the first, Cardiff looked content with their 2-1 lead, and Martin O’Neill’s men couldn’t manage to break down a resilient Bluebird defence.
The home side had opportunities on the break to finish the game off but couldn’t find their way past Bonham and by the final whistle thoroughly deserved their win, which moved them level on points with their visitors.