The three points were enough to put Bulut’s team in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Terriers’ six-point lead above the relegation zone was not extended.
Callum Robinson, Dimitrios Goutas, and Yakou Meite scored in the first half, and Perry Ng added a free kick in the second half to send the Bluebirds home with all three points.
Following the game, Cardiff manager Neil Warnock commented on the playoff positions [quotes via Wales Online]:
“It’s too early to talk about that; anything can happen at this point in the season, everything can change, and we still have a long way to go this season.”
We had some extremely good performances earlier in the season but didn’t get the results we deserved. We played incredibly well against Swansea and Ipswich, but last week against Blackburn was exactly what I didn’t want to see.”
The Turkish coach then discussed the triumph over Huddersfield, conceding that his team could have scored more:
“Tonight was much more of what I was expecting. We were so much better both against and with the ball, and to be honest, we should have won by more than four goals.
Of course, I’m pleased, but we could have scored more if we had been more composed in front of the goal. In the locker room, confidence is essential. We were also excellent defensively, and a clean sheet away from home is always welcome. We’ve been effective offensively, so we need to keep this momentum going.”Robinson began his first game of the season against Darren Moore’s team, scoring his first goal of the season before being substituted in the 66th minute.
Meite, who joined for free from League One team Reading in the summer, also scored his first goal of the season.
The Bluebirds will host Bristol City at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday. The Severnside derby will provide Bulut’s men with an opportunity to consolidate their playoff position, with a win pushing them as high as third depending on other results.
Cardiff have looked impressive at times this season, picking up some good results and putting in strong performances, most notably their derby win over Swansea City. However, they haven’t been consistent enough this season and will need to find a way to pick up points on a more regular basis if they are to continue to challenge at the top of the table.
With just three points separating 14th and fifth, this next game vs Bristol City is a must-win for their promotion hopes.
