Cardiff City exit FA Cup to Sheffield Wednesday after two missed penalties and rotations aplenty

A heavily rotated Cardiff City side bowed out of the FA Cup in the third round on Saturday following a heavy away defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Erol Bulut decided not to risk a number of key players at Hillbrorough, prioritising the Championship playoff push, which could prove a wise move given Cardiff’s lack of quality in depth.

Wednesday took the lead within two minutes thanks to a stunning Josh Windass strike from long range. The Bluebirds actually dominated for a spell after that, and Ryan Wintle was denied from the spot. Cardiff then won another penalty, and this time Callum Robinson was denied by Cameron Dawson.

Romaine Sawyers then headed the ball over his own keeper following a corner, and the damn burst from that point. Liam Palmer rifled home a superb half-volley from outside the box before the break, and Mallik Wilks scored his side’s fourth in second half stoppage time after he was allowed to break free down Cardiff’s left.

An afternoon to forget for City at Hillsborough, but the Championship campaign has clearly been prioritised by Bulut, who made six changes here. While this won’t have been a nice feeling, the Bluebirds may be thankful for the exit later in the campaign, given some of the depth-rich squads they will – hopefully – be competing with for a top six spot.

Featured image: Arne Müseler // Flickr