Canada MNT - Hoilett Screamer Sends Cardiff on their Way

Canadian international Junior Hoilett became the first player in 6 matches to breach the Leeds United defence when he shot Cardiff City in front in the 35th minute of their Championship encounter at the Cardiff City Stadium against the run of play.

It was Hoilett’s 5th Championship goal in 33 matches (22 starts) this season.

The Canadian’s goal set the foundation for an important Cardiff victory which was sealed by Robert Glatzel in the 71st minute.

Leeds, who’ve rarely found games in Cardiff happy experiences, continued to press and held the ascendency for much of the game but The Bluebirds held on to collect the points.

It’s good news for Canada, Hoilett and Cardiff who now move up onto the periphery of the play-off places, level on points with sixth placed, Preston North End. The more Canadian internationals playing in Europe’s top-flight leagues the better for our national team. We know Hoilett can do it at the top-level, he’s scored Premier League goals for both Blackburn Rovers and Queen’s Park Rangers before. To see him resume goalscoring at the highest level in England (should Cardiff win promotion) can only be positive for Canada.

It wasn’t a good day for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. They entered the weekend top of the Championship, but this defeat along with West Bromwich’s point gleaned from the home derby against Birmingham City sees them drop behind the Baggies on goal difference.

Leeds still remain on course for automatic promotion in second, seven points ahead of third placed Fulham who lost at home to Brentford.

Hoilett and Cardiff have 8 games left in which to secure a play-off spot. Automatic promotion is beyond them.