Cardiff City

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Cardiff City kicked off their EFL Trophy campaign with a 1-0 win at League One rivals Exeter City.

Callum Robinson broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, meeting Cian Ashford's cross to head home.

The Bluebirds ended the night with 10 men as it proved a bittersweet night for Ashford as the academy graduate was sent off for a second yellow card in the fifth minute of added time.

Cardiff and Exeter's Southern Group A rivals Newport County and Arsenal Under-21s kick off their campaigns at Rodney Parade on Tuesday, 23 September.

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Brian Barry-Murphy says he will make changes to his Cardiff City side for their opening EFL Trophy group stage fixture at Exeter City tonight (19:00 BST).

The Bluebirds remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and sit top of the League One table having collected 17 of the 21 points on offer so far under Barry-Murphy.

But they take a break from league action as they lock horns with an Exeter side who have won three and lost five of their first eight league matches in the third tier this season.

"It's a competition that we value and there are certain players who have played a lot of games for us in a short period of time," Barry-Murphy told BBC Sport Wales.

"I'm conscious that they can't play them all and we'll definitely make changes."

Wales internationals Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio were left out of the starting 11 for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stockport County but were introduced off the bench as Yousef Salech netted an equaliser in added time to preserve his side's unbeaten run.

And Barry-Murphy says he will continue to rotate his squad throughout the season if players impress on the training ground and in matches.

"We'll definitely make changes based on how well the players are training and playing," added the head coach.

"I don't think that should change, not for the sake of it. I don't want to be known as the Tinkerman or anything like that.

"We have a small squad and we believe that we have real competition in almost every area of the team.

"I think Ronan and Dylan have had a lot of games in a short period of time and will benefit from the rest [against Stockport]."

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After Cardiff City's last-gasp draw at Stockport County kept them top of the League One table, we asked you what's impressed you the most about the transformation under Brian Barry-Murphy so far this season.

Here is a selection of your thoughts.

Ollie: "We are playing football again! It's great to see the young lads stepping up and being competitive in a very physical league. BBM has been very smart in his signings over the summer and has got the city smiling again."

Jon: "Enjoying the football being played and delighted that we are blooding our talented youngsters! Long may it continue."

Danny: "Overall, BBM has given them an aggressive edge this season and the team look hungry. The midfield are operating as a unit and this is dictating the tempo of the games we've played so far. Relegation was heartbreaking but we should go back up with some momentum and belief."

Alun: "BBM and his management team deserve recognition for such a good start, but I think our success is due largely to the poor quality of League One finishing. Teams like Port Vale, Wimbledon, Luton and Stockport are able to create loads of goalscoring opportunities against us which would have, at Championship level, been punished and placed us at the wrong end of the table. The standard of play in League One so far has been shockingly bad as, indeed, has the standard of refereeing.

On the plus side, it's been fantastic to see our youngsters breaking through and making such an impact. I would also be interested to see how BBM reacts to our first loss - which is surely just around the corner? Guarded optimism tinged with a pinch of realism from me, but so far so good."

Michael: "Obviously he has found a way for commitment for the whole game. The team will fight to the end - long may it continue."

Andrew: "The way the young players have blended into the squad, the team spirit and the never say die attitude."

Harry: "The clarity the team seem to have is significant progress. I've not seen a Cardiff side have such a solid understanding of how they should play for a very long time."

Dan: "I love the fact he's giving the youngsters their chance to shine and they are! The likes of Lawlor and Colwill being one of the leaders is immense to see! Up the Bluebirds!"

Image source, Rex Features

Cardiff City striker Yousef Salech says no-one can afford to relax if the Bluebirds are to continue their promising start to their League One promotion bid.

Salech, 23, scored deep in injury time at Stockport at the weekend to earn Brian Barry-Murphy's side a draw and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

It kept them top of the table on goal difference with a game in hand over second-placed Bradford City, who Cardiff welcome this weekend.

Although the point came after a disappointing team performance and ended a four-game winning streak in the league, Salech says the comeback underlined the mentality Cardiff will need if they are to return to the Championship at the first attempt.

"Everyone knows we're aiming for promotion and every game is going to play a big part in that," said Salech. "Even the 3-0 or 4-0 wins we have had never felt easy from the start, every game has felt as if there is so much at stake. We have to be prepared for that and make sure we can't relax.

"It's not enough to be a good team or perform well, we have to be mentally aware."

That includes accepting the former Premier League club will be seen as a scalp by many, with the Danish frontman adding: "These teams are looking forward to the game all season and want to beat us, especially at home.

"It's not going be easy, they will try everything to beat us and we should realise that. It's almost like a final to play against us right now."

Cup involvement is next up for Cardiff who travel to Exeter City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday (19:00 BST), with three-goal Salech hoping the unbeaten run under new boss Barry-Murphy stretches even further.

"Everyone can feel that the club is on the rise and on the way to improving," Salech added. "We need to keep building and we can reach great things in the future, long term as well."

Image source, BBC Sport

Cardiff City maintained their unbeaten run with a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Stockport County following the international break.

It means the Bluebirds remain at the top of the League One table, but what has impressed you most about the club's transformation under Brian Barry-Murphy?

Have your say here!

Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy reflects on his side's 1-1 draw with Stockport County in League One.

Match report: Salech steals a point for Cardiff away at Stockport

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Gabriel Osho and Omari Kellyman are in line to make their debuts when Cardiff City take on Stockport County at Edgeley Park on Saturday in League One (15:00 BST).

Defender Osho sealed a switch to the Cardiff City Stadium on a permanent deal from Auxerre late on in the summer transfer window - with versatile attacker Kellyman joining on loan from Chelsea on deadline day.

While Brian Barry-Murphy admits both players need time to reach peak fitness levels, having only been with the club for a short period of time, the head coach said both will be in contention to feature against Dave Challinor's side.

"They'll both be available, I think they've settled in well," said Barry-Murphy.

"Gabriel's been playing in France with Auxerre so he's had some game action, whereas Omari's had no game action.

"They're both getting used to our way of working and building up their volume of training.

"In Omari's case in particular, it's been a long time since he played competitively and he's had a pretty complex injury.

"So we have to be patient in terms of how hard we push and how early, because we want him to be really successful over the course of the season and not just in the immediate days based on what we need.

"I think they're both acquitting themselves really well but I think they need some time."

Cardiff remain top of League One having collected 16 of the 18 points on offer so far this season.

Stockport go into the weekend in ninth position having claimed three wins, two draws and two defeats from their seven league outings so far.

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Veteran striker Sam Vokes believes the international break may have come at a good time for Cardiff City.

The Bluebirds have made a spectacular start to the new season, banking 16 points from six League One games.

After relegation from the Championship last term, the mood has transformed at the Cardiff City Stadium thanks to the form of new boss Brian Barry-Murphy's youthful team.

But despite Cardiff's early season success, Wales international Vokes says Barry-Murphy's youngsters could benefit from the breather as they prepare to return to action at Stockport County on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"I think it was quite a nice break for them," Vokes, who joined Gillingham from Wycombe Wanderers in the summer, told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"They had eight games in August. That is a lot of games to start the season with a young squad, with some of the players not used to the physicality of a 46-game League One season."

Cardiff are yet to lose a game this campaign, and are chasing a third successive away win this weekend after triumphs at AFC Wimbledon and Luton Town.

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Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has won the League One manager of the month award for August, while defender Dylan Lawlor has been named EFL young player of the month.

Barry-Murphy's side won five of their six league games in August and drew 0-0 at Port Vale.

The Bluebirds are the only unbeaten team in the division and they lead the table, level on 16 points with Doncaster Rovers but with a game in hand.

Cardiff have also kept four consecutive clean sheets and rounded off the month with a 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Barry-Murphy was appointed in June following Cardiff's relegation from the Championship.

The 47-year-old Irishman left a coaching role at Leicester City to take charge at Cardiff, having previously worked at Rochdale and as a Manchester City academy coach.

Graham Alexander (Bradford City), Grant McCann (Doncaster Rovers) and Alex Revell (Stevenage) were also nominated for the award.

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Lawlor has started all six of his side's league matches this season having made his first ever appearance in senior football as recently as February.

Having impressed in Cardiff's unbeaten start to the season the 19-year-old from Caerphilly has since delivered a man-of-the-match performance on his international debut in Wales' 1-0 win over Kazakhstan last week.

And as CIty prepare to return to league action this weekend at Stockport County Lawlor has shown his confidence stating Cardiff's players want to "annihilate" League One this season.

Cardiff goalkeeeper Nathan Trott was nominated for the League One player of the month award which went to Doncaster midfielder Owen Bailey.

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Top scorer Rubin Colwill is an injury doubt for Cardiff City's League One match at Stockport County on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has scored four goals in all competitions for Cardiff and picked up a knee injury in the win over Plymouth Argyle before the international break.

It was an injury which ruled him out of a late call-up to Craig Bellamy's Wales squad for the games against Kazakhstan and Canada.

"Rubin had an issue with his knee after a pretty heavy challenge in the lead up to the first goal for Ryan Wintle in the box [against Plymouth]," said Bluebirds head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

"His knee was pretty sore, so he's only just come back in to training. He did some parts on Tuesday.

"We're hopeful he can be available on Saturday. I think he's a doubt."

David Turnbull will be available for the game at Edgeley Park after recovering from a groin injury but fellow midfielder Alex Robertson is unlikely to feature as he recovers from a hamstring issue.

New signings Gabriel Osho and Omari Kellyman could make their debuts.

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Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy and goalkeeper Nathan Trott have been nominated for the League One Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards respectively for August.

Brian-Murphy has been nominated after an unbeaten start to the season.

The Bluebirds sit top of the league on 16 points after five wins and one draw from their opening six matches.

The 46-year-old left his coaching role at Leicester City to take over at Cardiff after their relegation from the Championship last season.

Barry-Murphy is up against Bradford City boss Graham Alexander, Doncaster Rovers head coach Grant McCann and Stevenage's Alex Revell for the award.

Goalkeeper Trott is yet to concede a league goal since joining on a season-long loan from Danish side Copenhagen.

A former England Under-20 international, Trott was Barry-Murphy's first signing after he joined the club.

He has kept five clean sheets in five League One games, which means the Bluebirds have gone almost nine hours without conceding a league goal.

Trott has been nominated alongside Wimbledon striker Matty Stevens, Stevenage frontman Jamie Reid and Doncaster midfielder Owen Bailey.

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Brian Barry-Murphy says he has only come to appreciate the size of Cardiff City since taking charge of the club in June.

Barry-Murphy has made a spectacular start to life as Cardiff boss, with his side top of League One having taken 16 points from six third-tier games and still in the EFL Cup.

The Irishman, who has previously worked at Rochdale, Manchester City and Leicester City, says he has been surprised by Cardiff's stature.

"I think sometimes you look like you are doing a bit of PR [when you say that], but this is a massive club," Barry-Murphy said.

"I was aware it was big, which is one of the reasons why I came here, but I had no idea it was this big."

Barry-Murphy, whose side return to action at Stockport on Saturday, 13 September, says a recent fans' forum in Maesteg made an impression on him.

"We train in the Vale [of Glamorgan Hotel] and it took me almost an hour to get to Maesteg," he added.

"That's quite far for the supporters' range to be.

"Then I came back a different way over the mountain tops and you start to see where these people who support the club are from. It gives you a great appreciation of why you are doing what you are doing."

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Brian Barry-Murphy says the postponement of Cardiff City's game against Burton Albion means a chance to prepare for a hectic spell in the Bluebirds' season.

Cardiff had been due to host Burton on Saturday, but the fixture was called off due to international call-ups.

That means a 14-day gap between Cardiff's win over Plymouth Argyle and their next outing, at Stockport County on Saturday, 13 September.

But Barry-Murphy says the break between fixtures means a chance to work on the strength of his players.

"We have a pretty select squad in terms of numbers," the Cardiff head coach said.

"For the players who have put so much into this [first] part of the season, [the break] is very important for them.

"We have a pretty serious gym programme, a lot of strengthening that helps preserve their fitness we hope and will make them stronger for the next part of the season.

"When you play Saturday, Tuesday, you are just doing recovery and very light training, but this break means a chance to do some strength sessions."

Cardiff's progress in the Carabao Cup means the Stockport game will be the first of nine Barry-Murphy's team play in just 28 days.

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After a slow start to their summer recruitment, Cardiff City's late additions kept the positivity going at the Bluebirds under Brian Barry-Murphy with the signings of Gabriel Osho and Omari Kellyman.

With the dust settled after deadline day, BBC Sport Wales' Carl Roberts and Chris Wathan discussed the transfer business at the Cardiff City Stadium Stadium - and you can listen to the chat here.

To get the latest Cardiff City news, interviews and analysis you can listen to the Cardiff feed on BBC Sounds. To find that just search Cardiff City on BBC Sounds, or head here.

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Cardiff City's Carabao Cup third-round tie at Premier League Burnley will be played on Tuesday, 23 September (19:45 BST).

The Bluebirds have reached round three courtesy of home victories over Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town.

They now face Scott Parker's Clarets, who overcame Derby County after entering at the second-round stage.

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Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan believes their excellent defensive record this season is down to Brian Barry-Murphy's attacking philosophy.

The Bluebirds are still unbeaten this season and sit top of the League One table on 16 points.

They are the league's joint top goal scorers with 11, and also boast the league's best defence with only one goal conceded.

They've gone almost nine hours without conceding a league goal - that came against Peterborough on the opening weekend of the season.

"We've had the ball a lot longer in games. If you look at the possession stats then the numbers are high. Brian has told me and Ronan (Kpakio) that the best way to defend is to attack - take their wingers backwards," said Bagan.

"You want to be in a team that's got the ball. I feel that I play better when I've got the ball and I'm involved in the game.

"I just want to keep working on that and get some assists and goals now as well."

Cardiff's back four for most of the season has consisted of three players who have come through the academy system - Bagan, Dylan Lawlor and Kpakio.

And Bagan believes that has also played a part in their strong start to the season.

"From the first game, and even in pre-season, we got used to working with each other," Bagan added.

"Me, Dylan, and Ronan have come through the academy, and I think that makes it easier because we know each other's strengths.

"When we're so close - like we are in the changing room - you want to push that extra yard for each other.

"Every week we're getting stronger and stronger and I think you can see that in the performances."