Here is how the Bluebirds players rated at Plough Lane in the clash with AFC Wimbledon

22:06, 19 Aug 2025Updated 22:18, 19 Aug 2025

Cardiff City beat Wimbledon 1-0(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Isaak Davies struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to hand Cardiff City and Brian Barry-Murphy their first away victory of the season against AFC Wimbledon.

The Bluebirds looked set for more frustration on the road following last weekend’s stalemate at Port Vale, with the game drifting towards another goalless draw despite their control of proceedings.

But Davies, introduced from the bench in the second half, reacted quickest in the 92nd minute to divert David Turnbull’s wayward effort into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling support.

It wasn’t all positive for City, with Ollie Tanner forced off before the interval with what appeared to be a serious injury. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.

Even so, Barry-Murphy’s men leave south London with another clean sheet, 10 points on the board and, crucially, their first away win of the campaign. Here’s how the players rated at Plough Lane…

Nathan Trott 8

Produced a heart-stopping Cruyff turn early on to get both sets of fans off their seats. Distribution so good again – no saves of any real note to make until the final minute when he produced a world-class stop to deny Antwoine Hackford.

Ronan Kpakio 8

Was emboldened to get forward on a number of occasions and link up with Ashford and Joel Colwill in front of him. Set up a good chance for Salech. Swapped to the left late on and did well there, too.

Will Fish 8 (star man)

Another very solid outing from the centre-back, who is starting to lead this defensive line with a little more confidence. Granted, he’ll have tougher tests than this, but he was pretty unflappable and great with the ball.

Dylan Lawlor 8

A pretty straightforward evening for the teenager. Had very little to do defensively and was a cool customer with the ball. Growing into it. Booked.

Joel Bagan 7

Hit a few lovely passes down the channel for Tanner early on. Still feel there’s more he could give in attack when City are so dominant. But you rarely have to worry about him.

Ryan Wintle 6

Didn’t have to do too much mopping up, such was City’s dominance. Could just keep play ticking over nicely from that quarter-back position he picks up. One or two loose ones, nothing much.

Joel Colwill 7

The pick of the bunch in midfield. Drove strongly with the ball at his feet from the base of midfield and kept the right-hand side ticking. Incredible he wasn’t awarded a penalty in the first couple of minutes. Added much-needed industry in there.

Rubin Colwill 6

Wimbledon did a good job in not affording him too much space to work his magic, but still proved to be an important link player in City’s attack.

Cian Ashford 6

Again showed flashes of promise, but that final shot or cross just didn’t have the desired result at Plough Lane.

Yousef Salech 6

Had a really physical ding-dong with the Dons centre-halves and got cautioned as a result. Latched on to a Kpakio cross in the first half and sent a diving header just wide.

Ollie Tanner 6

Busted his lungs chasing the ball down the left and sent in one or two dangerous-looking crosses, even if they didn’t quite find their intended targets. Hooked before the break after a really nasty-looking injury. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

Subs

Chris Willock (Tanner 45) 6 – His crossing was hit and miss again, but it was his delivery that led to the winner.

Isaak Davies (Ashford 64) 7 – Made one strong run before pulling a shot wide. Then was alert and showed a poacher’s instinct to nick the winner.

Callum Robinson (Salech 64) 6 – Got himself in good positions on two occasions, smashing one shot at a defender and then heading over a glorious opportunity – both from close range.

David Turnbull (J. Colwill 64) 7 – His well-struck effort was turned home by Davies. A good person to turn to if he doesn’t start.

Calum Chambers (Bagan 82) NA – Put a cross right on Robinson’s head late in the piece.

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