Mark Hudson was once again left frustrated by Cardiff City's lack of cutting edge in front of goal as Sheffield United nicked a 1-0 win in the Bluebirds' own back yard.
Cardiff head into the international break for the World Cup as the division's lowest-scoring team, however it was not for the lack of chances created. Indeed, the Bluebirds had 12 shots on goal, two more than the Blades, but, crucially, only two on target and none which seriously troubled Wes Foderingham in the visitors' net.
And Hudson was disappointed by how Cardiff relinquished control after a dominant first half.
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"The first half, we were as dominant as we could be. We created opportunities to score and I don't think we were ruthless enough. That's something we've spoken about," he said after the match.
"We didn't start the second half well, that's about managing moments in the game. It was a bit of a momentum swing, we have got to be better at that. We wrestled it back.
"But it was a poor goal to concede. It wasn't just the last bit, there was a passage of play within that where we should come out with the ball and we don't. It was a disappointing goal. Then we have passages of play where we should come out with a goal which we don't take."
Cardiff's lack of clinical edge in front of goal is not a new problem this season. Indeed, Callum Robinson aside, they don't have an abundance of goals in this Cardiff squad.
It's something Hudson knows his squad have to improve during the four-week break from competitive action. With Cardiff heading into the break just one point off the relegation spots, they need goals to fire them away from a scrap at the bottom when the season resumes.
"It's something we have to work on," he added. "The opportunities are there. It's about confidence in front of goal. It's something we can work on and we will work on. I have no doubt we will score goals.
"That's where we are at. We have looked back at it already. It's something we will work on while we are away, creating confidence in front of goal.
"The fact we are creating is good, but there is something to be said about being ruthless and cut throat at that point and taking our opportunities when they come."
Hudson was hopeful that he would be able to get his contract signed and sealed ahead of the Sheffield United match and confirmed after the defeat that is indeed the case and the word "interim" can now be taken out of his manager's title.
"It's all signed. It was done pre-game," he said of the contract.
"We spoke about it with the players. There is a bit of clarity going forward. We can concentrate on what we are doing with the players in training and in games. It clears it up for everyone."
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However he heads into the break with Cardiff having lost six of their last eight following an unbeaten three-game run when he took over as caretaker boss. He insisted, though, that he has a positive outlook for after the World Cup break.
"I'll always be positive. My team will always be positive with the way they play," he said.
"We have created good opportunities against a very good team. They put five past Burnley. I know we've created opportunities to take our chances today, unfortunately we didn't.
"Then we have given them an opportunity, which is the disappointing part."
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