Cardiff City 1-1 Blackpool: Joel Bagan rescues Bluebirds in second half transformation

By James Morris

CARDIFF City were grateful to free-scoring left-back Joel Bagan for scoring in a third successive game as they grabbed a draw against in-form Blackpool.

Bagan slotted home in the 49th minute from a cross by on loan Leeds schemer Cody Drameh, after Blackpool had led from the 11th minute through a Marvin Ekpiteta header.

The equaliser followed on from Bagan goals against Peterborough, Millwall and Coventry this month – but boss Steve Morison won’t care about the unlikely source.

The Bluebirds were looking for their fourth successive home victory in the Championship, but never really did enough for all three points – particularly after a lethargic first-half in which they were largely dominated.

Drameh forced an early save from Daniel Grimshaw after a swinging cross which caught the Blackpool keeper off guard.

But aside from half-chances for striker Jordan Hugill, that was as good as it got for the hosts in the opening 45 minutes.

Blackpool opened the scoring when Charlie Kirk crossed to the head of captain Ekpitet who guided the ball home with a towering header.

Cardiff were far more positive in the second half and Bagan’s goal was just reward for their added purpose.

Temperatures threatened to boil over when Cardiff captain Aden Flint was booked in the 63rd minute after a foul on the edge of the penalty area.

Moments later Blackpool’s Josh Bowler was sent tumbling under a challenge by Ryan Wintle in the penalty area, but Bowler was booked for diving, despite vociferous appeals for a spot-kick.

It ended honours even, which neither side could complain about.