Alex Smithies 8
Kept Cardiff in it with a number of impressive saves, including a smart one-on-one from Donovan Wilson. Made a top save late on with the game poised at 3-2. Solid as ever between the sticks.
Tom Sang 7
Good to see him back after a stop-start pre-season. Very few Sutton opportunities arose down his flank and looked confident going forward. Was a real threat in the second half.
Sean Morrison 6
One or two really uncharacteristic errors from the skipper. Gave the ball away sloppily once or twice and invited pressure. Was dispossessed once which led to that aforementioned Wilson chance. A bit of ring rust but came good in the second half.
Aden Flint 6
As you'd expect, really. No frills, no spills. Commanding in the air and hit his channels with a couple of lovely diagonal balls.
Curtis Nelson 6
Actually affected the game at the top end of the pitch more than you would expect. One or two nervy touches at the back but OK overall.
Tom Davies 6
Tough to be too harsh on him, but he did have a difficult start to his debut. The first goal came from his side and misplaced a few early passes. But noticeably grew in confidence as the game progressed. Lovely left foot.
Will Vaulks 7
City's best player in the middle of the park. Brought some sort of calm and poise to the early chaos which surrounded him. Showed an excellent passing range too.
Ryan Wintle 6
Will be disappointed to have conceded that first goal at the back post, where Wilson nicked in front of him. Would like to see him affect games more at the top end of the pitch, too. Early days for him, though.
Marley Watkins 8 (star man)
Barely had any impact until he sent home the equaliser, but took his chance rather nicely on his debut and it kickstarted his performance. That second strike was tremendous, curled home from 20 yards. Dream debut for the Welshman.
Kieffer Moore 6
Won all his headers and showed some nice feet to jink in and out of his markers from time to time. Working his way back to full fitness but never got the chance to break the shackles.
Mark Harris 7
A really bright outing for the forward. Chased lost causes and looked sharp in possession. His pinpoint cross led to Watkins' first goal. A good display.
SUBS
Rubin Colwill (on for Watkins 78) 6 - Looked lively when he came on. Confident, too, showcasing some flair and tricks late in the piece.
Josh Murphy (on for Harris 78) 7 - Took his goal excellently, it must be said. He drove at the defence and hammered home. Cardiff will need more of that this season.
James Collins (on for Moore 86) NA
