Preston North End's two second-half goals meant Cardiff City were resigned to a 2-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon which saw a Bluebirds goalkeeper sent off for a second consecutive game.
Here's how the Bluebirds rated:
Jak Alnwick 3
Was a clear ploy to drop set-pieces on his head and he had a difficult time dealing with them, flapping at a couple. Also put the ball straight out of play once or twice early on. Made a fantastic save to deny Tom Cannon then hacked him down and got a red card. Had a chance to stake a claim in Ryan Allsop's absence, but failed.
Perry Ng 7
A defensively astute display from the defender. Dealt with any threat with consummate ease, including aerially. Hit a lovely free-kick which looked bound for the back of the net, however Freddie Woodman saved it.
Cedric Kipre 5
Hard to ignore his part in Preston's goal. Outmuscled by Cannon before the striker smashed it past Alnwick. Was doing well up until that point, too.
Mark McGuinness 6
His positional awareness was generally on the money. Only blot on his copybook was a yellow card for stopping a counter attack.
Jaden Philogene 8 (star man)
Was Cardiff's most likely source of creativity. Burst upfield a number of times from wing-back. Had a fascinating battle with Man United loanee Alvaro Fernandez and probably came out on top. Smashed a good effort whistling over the bar after the break and had a late effort saved, too.
Romaine Sawyers 7
Another decent performance. Mopped up, spread the play and led the team from midfield. Got a little sloppy later on.
Ryan Wintle 6
Another who put in a solid display. Was always the player dropping in to ensure the defence wasn't outnumbered. Became more influential in attack after the break, setting up Kaba for his volleyed effort.
Andy Rinomhota 6
Saw a little less of him than the other two in midfield, but stuck to his task well and added energy when things got scrappy.
Callum O'Dowda 6
Didn't have as many opportunities to open up his legs as he would have liked early on, but did so more often after the break. Had a lovely opportunity after a link-up with Wintle, but his effort was blocked.
Sory Kaba 7
Can look really ungainly at times, but he is very effective in this system. Can do something brilliant then the next minute overhit a pass by 30 yards. Had a stunning volley saved by Freddie Woodman before coming off.
Kion Etete 6
Looks like he is going to snap his ankle sometimes, when he cuts back against the grain, but he, too, is effective. Helped give City a platform.
Subs
Sheyi Ojo (Kaba '64) 5 - Didn't make the desired impact after his introduction.
Mark Harris (Rinomhota '72) 5 - Same as above, really.
Rohan Luthra (Harris '90+2) NA - Made a decent save on debut but Ched Evans tapped in the follow-up.
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