Alex Smithies
Solid, safe and consistent. 20th Championship appearance this season and has established himself as number one goalie ahead of Etheridge. Made several big saves and distributed the ball well 7
Dion Sanderson
Pace, passion and a joy to watch on the right. Linked with Adomah for the first time and benefitted from having the experienced midfield player in front of him. Looks set for a long run in the first team 7
Sean Morrison (capt)
A big, strong leader who is crucial to Cardiff hopes of making the play-offs. The odds on that are growing longer, but Morrison’s men will go for it over the last 10 fixtures. ‘Mozza’ flicked on Will Vaulks’ long throw to set up the Joe Ralls equaliser during first half injury time 6
Curtis Nelson
Well worth his place in the first XI. Sol Bamba and Aden Flint must keep waiting patiently. The central defensive partnership with Morrison is, in the main, looking solid and is still developing. Fast, decisive defender 6
Joe Bennett
Could have won the match from an excellent chance, but his left-foot shot flew wide. Solid defensively, but for me didn’t get forward enough. Linked well with Hoilett 5
Will Vaulks
Back to his combative best. Loves the hurly-burly of a midfield battle. Vocal, physical battler who is developing into an outstanding force for the Bluebirds. His long throws caused problems for the Bees – and one just before half-time was flicked on by Morrison for Ralls to score at the far post. Can take things to the edge at times and Bees Danish manager Thomas Frank insisted Vaulks should have been sent off when he challenged Christian Norgaard and seemed to push the Brentford player’s head to the floor 7
Leandro Bacuna
Marlon Pack was on the bench and Bacuna moved into a deeper role. He has also been used at full-back this season, but is at his best playing an attacking role in midfield. Took time to adjust to his new position 5
Joe Ralls
‘It’s great to be back’ said Ralls, making his first Championship start since December. It was good to see the energetic, committed midfield player in action again following injuries. He marked a welcome return with a goal, losing his marker to score. Stepped in for Pack. Composed on the ball 7
Albert Adomah – Man of the Match
The loanee returned to the starting line-up having missed the home defeat against his parent club Nottingham Forest. Has been a shining light for City in five league appearances. His cross for Hoilett’s goal was outstanding – and he delivered dangerous balls into the box time and again 8
Junior Hoilett
Scored his fourth goal of the season and gave Adomah credit for creating the opportunity, saying ‘It was a great ball in from Albert. He told me to get on the back stick and I just had to get my head on it’. Hoilett was adamant the Bluebirds should have had a penalty when he was brought down during the second half. He said ‘I thought it was a clear penalty. I got there before him and there was definitely contact. On another day, I’m sure it would have been given.’ 6
Callum Paterson
Big, powerful and a major nuisance to Brentford. Good to see the Scot back to his best after struggling against Forest. Committed, determined and added menace to the attack. Hit a post from one header 8
Subs:
Neil Etheridge (gk)
Not used
Danny Ward
for Ralls 80
Aden Flint
Not used
Brad Smith
Not used
Marlon Pack
Not used
Josh Murphy
Not used
Robert Glatzel
Not used
Brentford: Raya, Dalsgaard, Pinnock, Racic, Henry, Nørgaard, Dasilva, Marcondes (Baptiste 84, Žambůrek 90+2), Mbuemo, Benrahma, Watkins. Subs not used: Daniels, Rasmussen, Fosu, Dervişoğlu, Valencia.
Referee: Simon Hooper
Attendance: 22,393
