READY TO FLY!
Slade says players and fans can feel the noise
tipped onto the bar by Richard O’Donnell only for the alert O’Keefe to head home the rebound from close range.
Bristol head coach Lee Johnson had few complaints, other than the first-half spot-kick claim.
“I thought it was a penalty at the time and having seen the incident again I am doubly sure,” he said.
“It was a big decision that went against us at an important time in the game, but I don’t want to make a big thing of it because officials have a tough job.
“My biggest criticism of my players is that we turned down too many chances to get crosses in. Our decision-making on the day was poor at times.
“Our one-on-one defending is also not good enough at times and that is something we have to work on.
“But we have to maintain positives. There are things we have to improve on, but our fans are behind us and we need to brush ourselves down and bounce back quickly.”
With Bruno Ecuele Manga outstanding at the back, Cardiff repelled most of Bristol’s attacks and emerged worthy winners, with David Marshall having only been forced into three testing saves. One blot on the day for Slade was that right-back Lee Peltier suffered a potentially serious foot injury and had to be withdrawn at half-time.
The home side’s frustration was demonstrated when Lee Tomlin collected a booking for dissent as the players left the field at the break.
Tomlin was the biggest threat for Bristol and his deflected 55thminute shot brought a save from Marshall.
The Cardiff keeper was in action again on 70 minutes, diving to his right to palm away Tomlin’s freekick from 30 yards.