**Cardiff City Share the Spoils in Pre-Season Stalemate Against Notts County**
Cardiff City’s preparations for the forthcoming League One season concluded with a lively 2-2 draw at Notts County, marking an end to their pre-season fixtures. The encounter, played on Saturday afternoon, saw the Bluebirds twice take the lead only for the hosts to respond impressively each time.
The opening half was largely dictated by Cardiff, who showcased an attacking intent that their supporters will hope carries over into the competitive campaign. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute, when Yousef Salech capitalised on a delightful through ball from Eli King. Demonstrating composure, Salech rounded the advancing Notts County goalkeeper, Kelle Roos, and slotted into an unguarded net. That goal reflected Cardiff’s control, though they might well have extended their lead but for resilient home defending.
As the teams emerged for the second half, the dynamic of the match shifted notably, with Notts County displaying newfound energy and purpose. Just six minutes after the restart, Barry Cotter delivered a moment of inspiration for the hosts, cutting in from the flank before unleashing a spectacular effort from 25 yards that flew beyond Cardiff keeper Jak Alnwick. That equaliser brought the crowd to life and set the tone for a much more balanced contest.
Both managers took the opportunity in the second period to experiment with their squads, introducing a raft of substitutes as the hour mark approached. Among them was Callum Robinson, whose presence immediately lifted Cardiff’s attacking threat. With just 12 minutes remaining, Robinson duly restored Cardiff’s advantage, making the most of a defensive lapse from the home side to tuck the ball away and ignite hopes of a pre-season finale win.
The lead would prove short-lived, however. Notts County quickly responded, with Alassana Jatta making an immediate impact off the bench. Just minutes after Robinson’s strike, Jatta managed to beat Alnwick and level the contest once more, ensuring the match ended honours even.
Despite the lack of a win, Cardiff’s performance offered positives for supporters and new manager Brian Barry-Murphy alike. The team looked sharp in possession during the first half, and there were encouraging individual displays from both established names and younger prospects. The defensive lapses that allowed Notts County back into the game will serve as a timely reminder that further work is needed before the league campaign gets underway.
Attention now turns to a significant curtain-raiser next weekend, as Cardiff host Peterborough United in what will be Barry-Murphy’s first competitive outing at the helm. With ambitions of an immediate return to the Championship firmly in mind, the Bluebirds will be eager to translate their pre-season promise into points in front of a home crowd.
For Notts County, the result will add to growing optimism around Meadow Lane. Their spirited second-half showing, combined with moments of individual brilliance, suggested they are capable of matching quality opposition. The friendly’s competitive edge and flurry of late goals provided welcome entertainment for those in attendance.
Both squads utilised the occasion to provide valuable minutes to numerous players, rotating heavily as the match progressed. Cardiff’s substitutions included Kpakio, Spiers, Bagan, Davies, Giles, Turnbull, Wintle, Nyakuhwa, Tanner and, notably, Robinson. Notts County made similar changes, highlighted by Griffiths, Norburn, McDonald, Edwards, and Jatta entering the fray.
With pre-season now concluded, both clubs will hope the lessons learned can propel them to a successful start in their respective league campaigns. For Cardiff City and their fans, optimism remains, tempered by the recognition that the real tests are only just beginning.