Brian Barry-Murphy could not have asked for a more satisfying start to his Cardiff City reign as his young, fearless side came from behind to seal a 2-1 win over Peterborough United on the opening day of the League One season.
The new manager, who has yet to spend a penny in the transfer market or add a single signing, watched proudly as Rubin Colwill and Ronan Kpakio—two of the most exciting young talents in Welsh football—struck in the second half to overturn an early deficit and secure victory at Cardiff City Stadium.
It was a result that rewarded Barry-Murphy's bold decision to name the club’s youngest league starting XI in over two decades, with only Ryan Wintle over the age of 23.
“I thought it was a pretty dominant show but to have the game in the balance so late means it becomes even more stressful,” said Barry-Murphy.
“So, to see the players play with the style and personality they did was very pleasing for me.
“We all presume we're going to show up on the first day with loads of new things and win the game, but it's not that easy. To see us go behind and respond in the manner we did was pleasing.”
Cardiff’s early promise was almost undone when Will Fish was penalised for a challenge on Declan Frith inside the box.
Despite appearing to take the ball, the defender was judged to have fouled the Peterborough winger, and Bradley Ihionvien stepped up to convert from the spot.
It was a sucker punch after a high-energy start from the Bluebirds, who created several chances without capitalising.
Yousef Salech, Colwill, and Ollie Tanner all missed opportunities before Peterborough struck.
Yet there was no panic from Barry-Murphy's side, only persistence. They kept attacking with purpose, pressing higher and moving the ball quicker than Cardiff teams of recent memory.
Colwill, wearing the captain’s armband for the first time in a league match with Calum Chambers suspended, set the tone for the second-half turnaround.
Barry-Murphy was quick to underline the midfielder's importance and potential:
“We’re looking to just push him and make him fulfil that potential and do things he probably hasn't done before.
“As long as he has the mindset to improve like he's shown, then there's no issue for us.”
And Colwill delivered in style. The 23-year-old curled in a sensational free-kick from 25 yards, dipping and swerving beyond Nicholas Bilokapic in the Peterborough goal—an effort reminiscent of Ronaldo or Drogba in their pomp.
Then came the winning moment. Colwill turned provider, sliding the ball into the path of full-back Ronan Kpakio, who smashed in a first-time strike that rattled the crossbar on its way in.
The 18-year-old—already on the radar of Wales boss Craig Bellamy—was a constant outlet down the right and capped his impressive display with a goal that showcased composure beyond his years.
The match may have been tense in the final stages, as Peterborough rallied with chances of their own, but debutant Cardiff goalkeeper Matt Turner made crucial saves to preserve the lead.
The reaction on the final whistle told its own story—players, staff, and fans united in celebration after a performance that blended energy with execution, and promise with purpose.
For Barry-Murphy, a coach known for his belief in youth development, the outcome was vindication.
Without any big-name reinforcements, amid talk of a potential club sale and off-pitch uncertainty, Cardiff’s manager has put his faith in a crop of talented, hungry players—and been rewarded.
He’s not been drawn into speculation about new ownership, with chairman Mehmet Dalman calling reports of a Gareth Bale-fronted American consortium “pure friction.”
Nor has Barry-Murphy used that as an excuse. His message has been simple: develop what we have.
In Colwill and Kpakio, he has two players ready to carry the torch.
Colwill, once hailed as a prodigy when he burst into the Wales squad for Euro 2020, is still only 23 and entering a crucial phase of his career.
His confidence appears rejuvenated under Barry-Murphy’s leadership, while the faith shown in him—making him vice-captain and handing him the armband—has clearly resonated.
Kpakio, still a teenager, looks every bit the modern full-back—defensively solid, athletic, and a threat going forward.
His goal was not only technically excellent but a demonstration of his character in a big moment.
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson acknowledged the challenge of facing a resurgent Cardiff on day one.
“This was probably the hardest start to the season we could have had - Cardiff City away in their first game in League One,” said Ferguson.
“In saying that, we were poor on the ball. We were poor on the ball in the middle of the park, and the lads know that we weren't good enough.
Too many times we turned the ball over again and we gave it back to them.”
Ultimately, the result and performance will bring fresh optimism to Cardiff supporters after seasons of frustration.
Relegation from the Championship felt like a rock bottom, but the club’s League One debut after 22 years away from the third tier hinted at a brighter future under a manager with a clear philosophy.
Barry-Murphy, who previously worked at Manchester City’s academy and was assistant manager at Leicester, seems intent on building something lasting—not just winning games but shaping a new identity for Cardiff City.
“We all presume we're going to show up on the first day with loads of new things and win the game, but it's not that easy,” he said.
“To see us go behind and respond in the manner we did was pleasing.”
If this is what Barry-Murphy’s youth movement looks like on day one, Cardiff fans have plenty to be excited about for the weeks and months ahead.
