Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Cardiff City: 10-man Bluebirds battle bravely to cling on to point in crucial clash with Pilgrims
Cardiff City had two points snatched away from them in the relegation six-pointer with Plymouth Argyle after a Dimitrios Goutas red card changed the entirely complexion of the game.
Yousef Salech put Cardiff in front early on as Cardiff dominated the first half of the match. But the flashpoint came after the break when Goutas was sent off for hauling down Bali Mumba, who was clean through on goal, and the Bluebirds were forced into a defensive rear-guard for the final 50 minutes of the match 0 if you include stoppage time.
Muhamed Tijani netted the leveller for the hosts, who looked certain to go on and win it. But a robust defensive display saw Cardiff hold on for a point - Omer Riza, however, will feel his side needed, and for so much of the game deserved, much more.
Cardiff looked menacing from the off at Home Park, with goalscorer Salech testing the glove of Conor Hazard inside the first three minutes. An Aaron Ramsey free-kick found the tricky Will Alves, who fashioned himself some room before sending in a cross to the big striker, who headed on goal from close range only to be denied by a top save from the Pilgrims 'keeper. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
The visitors really settled into the game thereafter and took control of proceedings early on. Their formation helped, with Alves and Rubin Colwill providing the trickery and guile in behind Salech, with Ramsey pulling the strings that little bit deeper.
Alves in particular looked a livewire and caused the hosts' defence a number of issues during the early exchanges - and it was no surprise he turned provider for the opener.
The Leicester loanee benefitted from a show of real strength from Colwill, who barged through two challenges before