Rubin Colwill's stunning stoppage-time free-kick rescued a point for Cardiff City as Jack Moylan impressed on his Championship debut
Cardiff City were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Wrexham after Rubin Colwill's stunning stoppage-time free-kick rescued a point in a dramatic Championship opener.
Jack Moylan was the standout performer for the Bluebirds on his league debut, while Colwill made a huge impact from the bench with his late intervention.
There were encouraging signs for Cardiff, but several players struggled to make a significant impact as Wrexham looked set to leave the capital with all three points. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Nathan Trott 7
Could have come for more crosses and commanded his box more. Made some important interventions, including a save with his legs from Callum Doyle, and did well to tip another effort over his bar.
Perry Ng 6
A steady presence without ever really imposing himself on the game. Helped Cardiff build from the back and delivered some useful moments, including the pass into Moylan before Cardiff's first corner.
Gabriel Osho 5
Played Moore onside for the opening goal after failing to step out with the rest of the defence and was booked later in the first half. Did produce some important recovery defending, though.
Joel Bagan 6
Worked hard defensively and was particularly important in blocking Nathan Broadhead's effort before half-time. Had to deal with plenty of pressure but stood up reasonably well.
Calum Scanlon 7
One of Cardiff's better performers. Imray caused him problems early on with his pace, but Scanlon repeatedly recovered well and made some important tackles. A solid return to the club.
Alex Robertson 6
Ticked things over well enough without ever completely taking control of the midfield. Was neat in possession and worked hard before being replaced late on.
Jack Moylan 8 â Star man
The brightest Cardiff player on the pitch. Moylan grew into the game after a quiet opening, showing some excellent touches and driving forward from midfield. He created opportunities, linked well with his team-mates and forced a save from Anthony Patterson after cutting inside. A very encouraging Championship debut.
Cian Ashford 5
In a crucial No.10 position and just didn't affect the game enough. There were flashes of his ability, but Cardiff needed more creativity and influence from that central attacking role.
Ollie Tanner 5
Worked hard but struggled to make his delivery count. Too many of his crosses hit the first defender, although he did well to create Moylan's big first-half chance with a clever cutback.
Yousef Salech 6
Worked tirelessly up front but was given little to feed on for long spells. Had a couple of opportunities but couldn't find the finish Cardiff needed.
Chris Willock 5
Showed glimpses of his quality but was unable to consistently influence proceedings. Offered an outlet when Cardiff broke forward and helped stretch the Wrexham defence.
Subs
Rubin Colwill (Tanner, 63) 8
What an impact. Came on and helped Cardiff look more dangerous before producing the moment of the night with a sensational free-kick into the top corner in the eighth minute of stoppage time. A match-saving contribution.
Joel Colwill (Willock, 63) 7
Added energy and creativity after coming on and helped Cardiff build pressure in the final stages. Played his part in the late revival.
Callum Robinson (Robertson, 80) 6
Thrown into the action for the final stages as Cardiff pushed for an equaliser. Helped maintain the pressure but had limited time to make a major impact.
Isaak Davies (Ashford, 80) 6
Provided fresh legs late on and won a corner before seeing a header fail to trouble Wrexham. Contributed to Cardiff's late push.
Ronan Kpakio (Scanlon, 80) 6
Energetic introduction and involved in the frantic finish. His ball towards the back post ultimately led to Dom Hyam's recovering header crashing against the crossbar in the sequence before Colwill's equaliser.
Cardiff City were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Wrexham after Rubin Colwill's stunning stoppage-time free-kick rescued a point in a dramatic Championship opener.
Jack Moylan was the standout performer for the Bluebirds on his league debut, while Colwill made a huge impact from the bench with his late intervention.
There were encouraging signs for Cardiff, but several players struggled to make a significant impact as Wrexham looked set to leave the capital with all three points. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
Nathan Trott 7
Could have come for more crosses and commanded his box more. Made some important interventions, including a save with his legs from Callum Doyle, and did well to tip another effort over his bar.
Perry Ng 6
A steady presence without ever really imposing himself on the game. Helped Cardiff build from the back and delivered some useful moments, including the pass into Moylan before Cardiff's first corner.
Gabriel Osho 5
Played Moore onside for the opening goal after failing to step out with the rest of the defence and was booked later in the first half. Did produce some important recovery defending, though.
Joel Bagan 6
Worked hard defensively and was particularly important in blocking Nathan Broadhead's effort before half-time. Had to deal with plenty of pressure but stood up reasonably well.
Calum Scanlon 7
One of Cardiff's better performers. Imray caused him problems early on with his pace, but Scanlon repeatedly recovered well and made some important tackles. A solid return to the club.
Alex Robertson 6
Ticked things over well enough without ever completely taking control of the midfield. Was neat in possession and worked hard before being replaced late on.
Jack Moylan 8 â Star man
The brightest Cardiff player on the pitch. Moylan grew into the game after a quiet opening, showing some excellent touches and driving forward from midfield. He created opportunities, linked well with his team-mates and forced a save from Anthony Patterson after cutting inside. A very encouraging Championship debut.
Cian Ashford 5
In a crucial No.10 position and just didn't affect the game enough. There were flashes of his ability, but Cardiff needed more creativity and influence from that central attacking role.
Ollie Tanner 5
Worked hard but struggled to make his delivery count. Too many of his crosses hit the first defender, although he did well to create Moylan's big first-half chance with a clever cutback.
Yousef Salech 6
Worked tirelessly up front but was given little to feed on for long spells. Had a couple of opportunities but couldn't find the finish Cardiff needed.
Chris Willock 5
Showed glimpses of his quality but was unable to consistently influence proceedings. Offered an outlet when Cardiff broke forward and helped stretch the Wrexham defence.
Subs
Rubin Colwill (Tanner, 63) 8
What an impact. Came on and helped Cardiff look more dangerous before producing the moment of the night with a sensational free-kick into the top corner in the eighth minute of stoppage time. A match-saving contribution.
Joel Colwill (Willock, 63) 7
Added energy and creativity after coming on and helped Cardiff build pressure in the final stages. Played his part in the late revival.
Callum Robinson (Robertson, 80) 6
Thrown into the action for the final stages as Cardiff pushed for an equaliser. Helped maintain the pressure but had limited time to make a major impact.
Isaak Davies (Ashford, 80) 6
Provided fresh legs late on and won a corner before seeing a header fail to trouble Wrexham. Contributed to Cardiff's late push.
Ronan Kpakio (Scanlon, 80) 6
Energetic introduction and involved in the frantic finish. His ball towards the back post ultimately led to Dom Hyam's recovering header crashing against the crossbar in the sequence before Colwill's equaliser.
Related Coverage
- Cardiff City: Brian Barry-Murphy toasts Rubin Colwill after Wrexham draw â BBCWrexham's Premier League bid: How ready are the Hollywood-owned club from Wales for a Championship promotion race?
- BBCWrexham's Premier League bid: How ready are the Hollywood-owned club from Wales for a Championship promotion race? â Sky Sports
- Wrexham Association Football Club â Wrexham AFCCardiff City vs Wrexham: Championship stats & head-to-head
- Wrexham AFCCardiff City vs Wrexham: Championship stats & head-to-head â BBC
