By Joe Richards
Russell Slade was delighted with Cardiff’s performance despite a 2-0 defeat to Leeds United which dented their play-off hopes.
The Bluebirds dominated the game but were hit on the counter attack late on in both halves through Souleymane Doukara and Mirco Antenucci.
It was the first defeat suffered by Slade’s side at home for 14 games as they missed the chance to move into the top six.
Slade, 55, said: “Sometimes the game’s cruel. We’ve knocked on the door all evening. I was disappointed with the two goals especially the first one.
“They’ve broken on us from the corner but other than the two lapses, the attitude of the team was first class.”
Even when defender Fabio was dismissed for two bookable offences in the second period Cardiff still dominated.
And if it hadn’t been for Marco Silvestri, who made the most saves by a Championship keeper this season, and Lex Immers and Kenneth Zohore both hitting the woodwork it could have been a different story.
Slade added: “Their goalkeeper was in inspired form. We made substitutes, we went three at the back but it just wasn’t to be.
“We’ve had a lot of chances and I’m not just talking outside the box, in the end we’ve had one from three yards and one from five yards out but we’ve not had that ruthless streak to give us the victory I thought we deserved.
“We produced the performance but not the points for the fans. But I think it shows how much the side’s improved, how much it’s evolved. Everybody’s giving everything for the cause.”
The Bluebirds are still sixth after their play-off rivals endured mixed results.
But Slade knows they have to bounce back on Saturday when they entertain Ipswich who are only behind Cardiff on goal difference.
And he has urged the fans to show their support against the Tractor Boys after they gave Slade probably the best reception of his 17-months in charge despite the defeat.
He added: “The fans were special on Saturday and they were special again tonight.
“That can only help the team going forward in the remaining ten games, so let’s hope we can give them the result as well as the performance on Saturday against Ipswich.”