Here is how the Bluebirds players rated in the 1-0 win over Stevenage

22:17, 09 Dec 2025Updated 22:21, 09 Dec 2025

Calum Chambers of Cardiff celebrates at full time,(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Cardiff City extended their lead at the top of League One to four points after battling to a gritty 1-0 victory at Stevenage, sealed by a superb late strike from substitute Callum Robinson.

On a night hampered by severe weather and travel delays – with kick-off pushed back 15 minutes – the Bluebirds were dragged into a bruising, stop-start encounter that prevented them from finding any real fluency. But when the big moment arrived, Robinson stepped up with a moment of real class to snatch a vital three points and underline Cardiff’s promotion credentials.

Here is how the players rated at the Lamex Stadium…

Nathan Trott 6

Had very little to do aside from gathering a couple of routine crosses. Distribution couldn’t get Cardiff up the pitch in a scrappy match.

Perry Ng 7

Came closest to scoring with a clever chest-and-volley just wide. Saw plenty of the ball going forward and also defended manfully throughout.

Will Fish 8

Solid in his duels and cleared his lines well. Forced into a few awkward defensive moments but handled them calmly before going down injured on a couple of occasions. Was really in the wars.

Calum Chambers 8 (star man)

Dealt with Stevenage’s direct balls down the channels. Not overly stretched but had to be switched on throughout a bruising encounter. Skipper led well from the back.

Joel Bagan 7

One of Cardiff’s brighter outlets. Skinned his marker to win a dangerous free-kick and delivered a teasing cross or two, though end product was limited.

Ryan Wintle 7

Stevenage put bodies around him, but he produced one lovely ball in behind for Willock to spark an attack early on. Another solid outing from the midfielder.

Alex Robertson 8

His set-piece delivery was good and he looked composed in midfield. Always wanted the ball and was always careful with it under pressure. Links nicely with Wintle in there.

Joel Colwill 6

Had Cardiff’s best sight of goal before the winner, smashing the crossbar with a first-time effort just after the break. Worked hard off the ball in a scrappy contest, Cardiff do just lack that spark when he plays in the 10, though.

Cian Ashford 7

Showed terrific work-rate, pinching the ball high up at one stage, but that final action just wasn’t there tonight. Battled really well in a physical encounter.

Yousef Salech 6

Wrestled with Stevenage’s centre-backs all evening and won a few free-kicks. Starved of any meaningful chances, though.

Chris Willock 7

Offered some real creativity on the left. Won fouls, linked nicely in advanced areas and delivered some dangerous crosses. That left-hand side dovetailed nicely.

Subs

Omari Kellyman (Colwill 61) 6 – Showed a couple of nice touches. His deflected pass led to Robinson’s stunner.

David Turnbull (Robertson 81) 6 – Ticked play along nicely when he came on.

Isaak Davies (Willock 81) 6 – Ran hard without impacting much in the later stages.

Callum Robinson (Ashford 81) 8 – A match-winning contribution. Only needed one sight on goal and, bang, pulled the trigger to produce a stunning finish.

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