**Cardiff City Surrender Two-Goal Lead in Pre-Season Draw Against QPR: Four Players Who Impressed**
Cardiff City saw their early dominance eroded as they drew 2-2 with Queens Park Rangers in a lively pre-season encounter held at Loftus Road. Despite moving into a commanding position thanks to first-half strikes from Callum Robinson and Rubin Colwill, the Bluebirds ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils after goals from Kader Dembele and substitute Jaylan Pearman pulled the hosts level. While the result might frustrate fans, several individual performances stood out, offering reasons for optimism ahead of the looming Championship campaign.
Under the watchful gaze of manager Brian Barry-Murphy, Cardiff displayed attacking intent early on, asserting control in the opening stages. The first breakthrough came when Callum Robinson, last season’s top scorer and pivotal attacking figure, clinically dispatched a low drive after being set up by Colwill. That goal seemed to signal Cardiff’s ambitions for the season and provided evidence that Robinson’s sharpness is returning as he works his way back from recent injury setbacks.
Rubin Colwill, who played a pivotal role in Robinson’s opener, added a spectacular goal of his own shortly afterwards. Picking up the ball from distance, the playmaker unleashed an unstoppable effort that left QPR goalkeeper Paul Nardi with no chance. Colwill’s contribution went beyond just his goal, as his relentless pressing and intelligent decision-making reflected a player transformed during pre-season. Colwill’s evolution as both a creator and finisher has not gone unnoticed, with many touting him as one of Cardiff’s brightest assets going into the new season.
However, familiar defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced before the half-time whistle, as Kader Dembele halved the deficit for QPR. The warning signs were there for Barry-Murphy’s side, who then saw their advantage completely erased in the second half when substitute Pearman capitalised on a swift counterattack to bring the hosts level. These lapses will undoubtedly be a cause for concern for the coaching staff, especially with the opener just days away.
Amidst the disappointment of letting a lead slip, several individual displays offered encouragement. Chief among them was teenage centre-back Dylan Lawlor. The 19-year-old Wales youth international, recently elevated to senior training under former star Craig Bellamy, exhibited composure and maturity beyond his years. Lawlor’s ball distribution, particularly his pinpoint crossfield passes, set him apart, while his ability to read the game and initiate counter-attacks drew vocal acclaim from Barry-Murphy on the touchline. Lawlor’s developing partnership with the experienced Calum Chambers could prove crucial in strengthening Cardiff’s notoriously leaky back line.
Equally impressive was left-back Joel Bagan, who quietly enjoyed a steady campaign last year and now appears poised to claim the starting role for himself. His assured defensive work, consistent decision-making, and improved physical presence throughout pre-season have given Barry-Murphy a reliable option on the left. With Bagan now the club’s longest-serving first-team member, the coming season feels like a pivotal opportunity for him to establish himself as a mainstay in the starting eleven.
While Cardiff’s attacking play in the first half was a notable highlight, the re-emergence of defensive fragility is an issue that has persisted across recent campaigns. With just ten days remaining before the league kicks off, Barry-Murphy faces the challenge of solidifying his side’s structure at the back while building on the creative fluency showcased in London.
Ultimately, though Cardiff left Loftus Road with a sense of what might have been, the pre-season contest provided valuable minutes and insights. Lawlor’s assuredness, Colwill’s creative spark, Robinson’s finishing, and Bagan’s reliability each signal the emergence of a more balanced Cardiff side—one Barry-Murphy hopes can mount a genuine promotion push.
Looking ahead, the Bluebirds’ manager will need to address the team’s recurring defensive issues, possibly seeking reinforcements before the window closes. However, there is a palpable sense that Cardiff possess the individual quality to be contenders, provided they can match their attacking prowess with greater resilience at the back.
Fans will now be counting down to the Championship opener against Peterborough United, eager to see whether these promising pre-season performances can translate into competitive results. For the likes of Lawlor and Colwill, a new campaign beckons with the promise of further progress—and, perhaps, a place amongst Cardiff’s future stars.