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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

The Swansea City vs Cardiff City player ratings as Joel Piroe dazzles and Ben Cabango turns hero in incredible fashion

ANDY FISHER 7

Can be pleased with his efforts on the ball and did the majority of the basics well. May be disappointed with Cardiff's first goal, although slightest of nicks on Jaden Philogene's shot didn't help. That aside, he played well.

HARRY DARLING 8

Quickly-taken throw-in led to Joel Piroe opening the scoring in the opening stages, and, while Darling's passing wasn't always at the levels of others in the first half, he performed admirably once again at right-back. Put his body on the line and was subbed through injury late on.

BEN CABANGO 8

Made stacks of clearances (10 in total) and got to grips with Sory Kaba throughout in what was a thoroughly enjoyable physical battle to watch. Oozed experience in the heat of a derby, despite still only being 22 years of age and won it in incredible fashion at the death.

READ MORE: Swansea City legend Lee Trundle leads bedlam at Cardiff City as hero lifted up in away end

NATHAN WOOD 8

Showed immense composure on the ball from the start, and while there were a few scary moments after Cardiff improved, Wood stood up to the task well. Won so many aerial duels as well in a magnificent showing, fresh from his England Under-21s debut.

RYAN MANNING 7

Started well and looked composed on the ball, but quickly got the run-around from Philogene who had plenty of joy on Swansea's left flank and was duly booked. Improved though and was vital in the second half.

MATT GRIMES 8

Dictated so much of the play from the middle of the park early on. Made plenty of tackles and clearances in a fine defensive shift and almost won it with a spectacular volley in the final stages, only to be denied by the crossbar. Thankfully for him, Cabango did what he did.

OLIVIER NTCHAM 7

Started well and got involved in most of Swansea's attacking play, but had to do more defending as the first half wore on. Got sloppier and tired, which was evident with his booking early on in the second half. Subbed minutes after that.

LUKE CUNDLE 7

Generally slick in possession and won Swansea a number of free-kicks in the first half due to his slickness on the ball. Withdrawn at half-time.

LIAM WALSH 8

Wonderfully productive on the ball and was a tackling machine at times, winning the ball back time and time again. Subbed.

JOEL PIROE - Star Man 8

Gave Mark McGuinness heaps of problems and rifled home his 15th goal of the campaign to put Swansea ahead inside three minutes. Did an incredible amount of defensive work and was unlucky not to net a second in the build-up to Liam Cullen's goal. Spurned a glorious chance on the hour-mark but was pivotal to his side's victory.

LIAM CULLEN 7

In the right place to head home his side's second of the afternoon but had to do a fair amount of defending after that, particularly on the left to assist Manning in his battle with Philogene. Should have had an assist for Piroe in the second half and was taken off soon after.

Subs

Jay Fulton (for Cundle) - Booked but produced some decent moments on the ball. Rifled against the post before Cabango's dramatic winner. 7

Ollie Cooper (for Ntcham) - Brought some bite and directness to play. Caused problems with the ball at his feet. 7

Joe Allen (for Walsh) - Helped to take the sting out of the match and his efforts went a long way to seeing Swansea regain control. 7

Joel Latibeaudiere (for Cullen) - Helped to shore up the backline as Swansea switched shape and duly regained control. 7

Jamie Paterson (for Darling) - A few good touches but didn't have much time to change things, although he won a vital free-kick that led to the winner. N/A

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