In a contest that demanded patience and precision, Cardiff City delivered a masterclass in composure when it mattered most. Callum Robinson’s breath-taking late strike in the 85th minute handed the Bluebirds a deserved 1-0 victory at the Lamex Stadium, extending their lead at the top of League One to four points.
An Evening of Defensive Masterclasses
Entering the fixture, both sides had showcased the qualities that have characterised their seasons so far. Cardiff boasts the division’s best attacking record, while Stevenage had established themselves as the division's best defence.
The first half belonged entirely to Cardiff’s creative ambitions, though they were frustratingly unable to convert their territorial advantage into a lead. Perry Ng burst down the right flank and pulled a dangerous ball across the face of goal, demanding a finishing touch that never arrived. More troublingly, Yousef Salech—the division’s leading scorer with nine goals—squandered the match’s cleanest opportunity, rising to meet Joel Bagan’s inviting cross but directing his header wide of the far post under pressure.
Joel Colwill’s attempts from distance added further evidence of Cardiff’s attacking intent, with a powerful strike from the edge of the box drifting off target, while another effort from close range crashed against the crossbar, sending the travelling Welsh support into momentary belief that the breakthrough had arrived.
Stevenage, managed by Alex Revell, offered little in attacking intent but executed their game plan with meticulous precision. Lewis Freestone’s attempt with a bouncing ball represented their only real moment of attacking promise, failing to replicate the feat that Robinson would later perfect. The home side’s third consecutive league clean sheet remained intact as the second half continued in a similar pattern.
They’ve settled for a point from the off and who can blame them? Real good defensive side, started to wear down last 5 and the HT whistle would’ve helped them a ton. We’ll see! Robertson superb
— Evan (@diffanalysis) December 9, 2025
A Tactical Switch That Changed Everything
As the match drifted towards what appeared to be an inevitable stalemate, Barry-Murphy turned to his bench for attacking reinforcements, with Omari Kellyman replacing Joel Colwill at the hour mark. However, in the 80th minute, Callum Robinson, David Turnbull, and Isaak Davies entered the fray, with just ten minutes remaining. It proved to be decisive.
The moment came suddenly, almost improbably. Robinson, who had barely troubled the Stevenage defence before his introduction, received a deflected pass and demonstrated precisely why he commands such respect throughout the Cardiff fanbase. With 20 yards to navigate and limited space, the substitute pulled the ball down with a deft touch, allowed it to bounce, and executed a volley of such excellence that it curled beyond Filip Marschall’s reach and into the far corner, sending the travelling Bluebirds faithful into frenzy.
A big win on the road for @CardiffCityFC!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/YLbrtC4f5g
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) December 10, 2025
The Context of Victory
This was no fortunate escape for Cardiff. Barry-Murphy’s men had dominated possession and created the clearer opportunities throughout, while Stevenage, despite their defensive solidity, had contributed little beyond organisation and structure. Barry-Murphy acknowledged the challenge his side had faced against Revell’s unit:
“It was a very pleasing victory for us”, he stated post-match. “To give them the victory that they all wanted, so late in the game, was very fitting for us."
For Stevenage, the defeat represented a setback, particularly given their unbeaten home record in the league before this fixture. Alex Revell acknowledged the quality of the Bluebirds:
“We're so disappointed that we've lost the game, because let me say - these (Cardiff) are a good side. You can see their quality throughout the squad.”
Yet he remained positive about his team’s defensive contribution: “We worked so hard - the effort that the players put in today to work as a group, protect, defend, I can never fault that."
What's Next?
Cardiff's immediate focus turns to Doncaster Rovers at home on December 13th, a fixture that offers Barry-Murphy an opportunity to extend the Bluebirds' winning momentum.
Just three days later comes the standout fixture of the festive period: a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Chelsea on December 16th. Facing elite Premier League opposition represents a significant moment for the club - a genuine opportunity to mark an unforgettable cup run and create memories for years to come. How Barry-Murphy manages squad rotation in the cup, whilst maintaining Cardiff's League One promotion push, will prove crucial to navigating Cardiff's festive fixture list successfully.
