Cardiff saw off Manchester 4-2 in the Call Cup on Thursday evening. The hosts moved into second place after the result, while Manchester remain in fifth with no points from two matches. The final whistle brought three points and a boost for the home side's campaign.
The match unfolded with Cardiff taking control early. Goals came at regular intervals as the home side kept their composure. Manchester responded but could not find the consistency needed to stay in contention. The visitors worked the channels but the high line was picked apart when it mattered.
We had called a home victory at 66 per cent confidence, and that came through. The result was not a surprise given Cardiff's recent form, though Manchester showed enough to suggest they would not make it easy. The prediction held because the home side brought the intensity from the start.
Cardiff's recent results included a 2-3 defeat to Coventri and a 3-1 win over Gilmford. They have played three matches now with two victories and one loss. Manchester's record shows two defeats so far, including a 3-4 loss to Nottingham and a 5-6 encounter with Sheffield. Neither side has a point to their name yet.
The Call Cup table is still taking shape after these results. Cardiff hold second place with three games played, while Manchester sit fifth after two outings. The gap between them remains narrow, and both sides will be looking to build momentum. The standings will shift as more matches are completed.
