By Jake Maddaford
Cian Ashford scored the kind of goal his Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut reckons the teenager will never forget.
“It’s a moment he’ll remember for the rest of his life,” said Bulut after Ashford’s 96th minute winner, on his first start, gave the Bluebirds a dramatic 2-1 win against play-off chasing Southampton on Saturday.
The 19-year-old had only made six substitute appearances this season – four of them in cup competitions – before Saturday’s full Championship debut.
But Ashford – an academy product from Rhondda – made his first start for the first team one to remember.
“I’m so happy for him,” added Bulut, for whom the goal could prove critical in his quest for a new contract..
“He’s still a bit nervous on the ball. If he’s a bit calmer, he can be a really good player.
“I think what he showed today, is that he can definitely play a part next season.”
Cian Ashford puts Cardiff into the lead on his first start for the club!
Cardiff 2-1 Southampton #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/8LPJb85IpQ
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) April 20, 2024
Famara Diedhiou – who came off the bench to score the Bluebirds’ equaliser – went further.
“He’s the future of the club,” said the experienced striker.
This result for Cardiff massively dented the visitors’ automatic promotion hope.
Saints manager Russell Martin – who had won all his previous five matches against Cardiff – was not happy with the result, especially given how dominant his side were..
“It’s unacceptable to lose that game,” Martin insisted.
“We should’ve been out of sight at half time.
“We played some amazing football, but it doesn’t matter because we lost.
“I played our most attacking team, but the subs didn’t impact anywhere near as much as they should have done.”
The Saints started off the brighter of the two sides and Stuart Armstrong had his effort rattle the post inside the opening eight minutes.
Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut remained tight-lipped on his future after the Bluebirds’ 2-1 win over Southampton #BBCFootball #CardiffCity pic.twitter.com/TbvJcW14TG
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) April 21, 2024
Southampton didn’t have to wait much longer to take the lead after captain Adam Armstrong’s shot was saved by Ethan Horvath. Midfielder Joe Aribo prodded home on the rebound to give the visitors a deserved lead.
But they failed to capitalise, despite having plenty of chances. Che Adams had two glorious opportunities, one saved by Horvath and one put wide of the post.
David Brooks rounded Horvath after a poor headed back pass by Ollie Tanner, but he was unable to find the back of the net despite his good work.
Early in the second half, Horvath produced a magnificent save to deny Adam Armstrong at the back post, clawing his header away from goal.
Cardiff failed to muster any chances in the opening hour of the game, so Bulut turned to the bench that was mostly made up of youngsters from the academy.
Diedhiou was one of the few senior players on the bench, but he made an impact as soon as he came on.
After good work from fellow substitute Raheem Conte down the right hand side, Diedhiou prodded home from close range after a scuffed Yakou Meite shot.
‘We should have…’: Russell Martin rues ‘unacceptable’ aspect of Southampton defeat vs Cardiff https://t.co/W3ApCPK6wA
— Fraser Spinney (@FraserSpinney21) April 21, 2024
Having got a foothold in the game, City struggled to create many more clear cut chances. But they managed one of note when Yakou Meite’s cross-shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Then, in the 96th minute, Ashford picked up the ball just inside his own half, drove inside onto his right foot, and fired a shot that deflected into the bottom left hand corner to give his side the three points.
“I think the club is on the right trajectory to make good things happen,” Bulut added when asked about the future of himself and the club.
“I hope the best for the future of Cardiff City.
“The board have their own opinions and are thinking for the future of the club.
“I think they will make the right decision for the club. For my side, I hope to make the right decision for myself and my future.”
