CARDIFF CITY 0 - 2 DERBY COUNTY [FL Championship]

At long last, after four months of a rigid and outdated 442 formation, Manager Slade opted for a far more flexible 4231. Though the formation was positive the will to go through brick walls in the cause was still lacking. Newcomers, Peltier (rb) and O'Keefe (defensive midfield) started and, even at this early stage, look to have added a bit of bite. Malone, an own goal and out of position for the cross for the second goal on h/t, seems to have a lot to do to hold down the lb position at this level when Fabio and John are available. Of the other newcomer, striker Revell, will run all day but for very little end result.

Defensively, Moore (who made an excellent penalty save) and Connolly (when played at cb) are up to scratch but strangely Morrison (who was a fixture at Reading) still could impose himself more.

Of the midfield five, the Gunnarsson/O'Keefe defensive pairing offers a basis to build on. O'Keefe, has that little bit extra and gave the white-haired Hughes a toughish afternoon. Without him Hughes would have had a field-day. The three runners in front (Harris, Whittingham and Noone) rarely managed to link up with Revell. Noone was strangely anonymous, Harris had some nice touches on the flanks but sadly, 'Dick,' for once in a free-role, and with the security of two players behind him, failed to link up with his striker or make positive runs forward.

Striker, Revell, will run until the cows come home but was isolated throughout the 96 minutes of action and never looked like scoring. How Jones (6 goals in his last 8 games) remained on the bench until the latter stages was mystifying.

What of the future? Clearly off field constraints have greatly impinged on on field matters but does the present Manager possess the ability to prevent a second successive relegation? Judging by comments heard today, increasing numbers of the jury are voting, 'No.' Slade, needing to win over players and fans alike, will be able to suffix, 'Harry Houdini,' to his name in his cv if Cardiff City start the 2015-2016 in the FL Championship. Slade's mention, in his post match interview, of still seeking a play-off place this season seems surreal in the extreme.