Cardiff City rescued a point from their season opener against ten-man Sheffield United at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Bluebirds were looking for an early eraser to their play-off final heartache loss to Blackpool in May however made the worst possible start when ex-Swansea midfielder Leon Britton teed up Welsh striker Ched Evans for the Blades’ opener on 24 minutes.

Cardiff toiled and troubled United without any cutting edge as the visitors showed steely reserve in defence and a superb performance from goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.

And the home side should have been handed the ultimate advantage when United went down to ten men after youngster Matthew Lowton was sent off ten minutes after their opening goal for a foul on Kevin McNaughton.

However despite playing against ten men for the best part of 50 minutes the hosts were unable to break down Kevin Blackwell’s visitors until in the final moments, Jay Bothroyd converted want-away striker Michael Chopra’s cross to save the Bluebirds’ blushes and a point at the start of the season.

Attendance: 20,573
Referee: Walton

Jon Osterland