Cardiff City were held to a goalless draw against Preston North End to add to their frustrations in front of goal.
Here's how the Bluebirds rated:
Ryan Allsop 6
Had very little to do all afternoon, but was solid enough when called upon. Did just about enough to keep Kipre's near own goal out, although he perhaps knew very little about it.
Mahlon Romeo 7
Ran the lines brilliantly and linked up nicely with Sawyers and Philogene. Had a couple of shaky moments in defence, but recovered well and made some really intelligent runs.
Perry Ng 6
Read the game nicely at the back on the occasions Preston threatened. Clearly felt unlucky not to get a penalty after half-time. Not his most taxing afternoon, but solid enough.
Cedric Kipre 6
A combative presence in defence once more. Was perhaps lucky to escape a card for a couple of rough challenges, but his luck was clearly in today. The post came to his rescue late on after he tried to cut out a Brad Potts cross.
Callum O'Dowda 6
Was clearly targeted by Preston due to his status as a makeshift left-back. Certainly looked a little awkward defensively, but made some positive contributions going forward, producing a couple of promising cross-field balls. Subbed.
Ryan Wintle 7
Just so good working the ball out of those tight spaces, and marshalled the midfield really nicely when Preston tried to threaten. Confident on the ball as ever, but admittedly not as influential as usual.
Joe Ralls (c) 7
Looked a little rusty at first. Perhaps lucky not to be booked for a heavy challenge on Potts. Grew into the game, though. No Cardiff player had a better pass completion. Unlucky not to mark his return with a goal after hitting the woodwork. Subbed.
Romaine Sawyers 6
Felt like he was everywhere at times, such was his desire to get on the ball, but he was one of several who couldn't quite find the killer touch needed to break the defence down. Subbed.
Jaden Philogene 6
Made all the right runs, but couldn't find that final ball needed to make something happen. Subbed.
Max Watters 6
Did so well to create an opportunity for himself in the first half, but couldn't keep his shot down. Made some terrific runs, but struggled to really make an impact against Preston's two giant centre-halves.
Rubin Colwill 7
Looked lively early on and showed some really good touches throughout, but his final ball was often found wanting. Was also guilty of slowing things down too much in the final third at times. Having said all that, he was often at the heart of Cardiff's best moments. Subbed.
Subs:
Niels Nkounkou (on for O'Dowda '45) - Some really classy touches. Played some top passes, but wasn't always on the same wavelength as some of his team-mates. Should have scored at the end. Looks a good acquisition - 7 (star man)
Andy Rinomhota (on for Ralls '69) - Slotted in nicely into the midfield, but couldn't provide that attacking spark - 6
Mark Harris (on for Philogene '69) - Some bright runs, but couldn't make an impact - 6
Sheyi Ojo (on for Colwill '88) - N/A
Gavin Whyte (on for Sawyers '90+1) - N/A
