Alex Smithies 6 (star man)
Made two top-class saves in the first half to keep Cardiff in the game. None of the goals particularly his fault.
Sean Morrison 5
Was bombarded with a number of aerial balls which were sent his way at Sixfields. Playing the high line just didn't suit him. Not his usual, composed self.
Sol Bamba 4
Looked off the pace. Really struggled to impose himself on any of the opposition attackers. A tough afternoon for a very experienced defender.
Curtis Nelson 4
Caught out a couple of times with balls over the top. Didn't enjoy the physical battle.
Jordi Osei-Tutu 4
Defended well up until conceding that penalty. Missed a gilt-edged one-on-one chance in the first half.
Leandro Bacuna 4
Was harassed and harried in the middle of the park and found it difficult to deal with at times. Couldn't impact the game at either end, really. Booked for petulance.
Marlon Pack 4
Northampton enjoyed so much time in the space in and around where he should have been marshalling. Couldn't get a hold on proceedings.
Joe Bennett 5
Despite playing wing back he stuck to his defensive duties well. Was shoved off the ball too easily for one Northampton chance in the second half.
Josh Murphy 6
City's most dangerous player, for the most part. But just couldn't produce that final moment of quality to make it count.
Robert Glatzel 5
Largely anonymous, really. Struggled against the physical Northampton defence. Missed a sitter from yards out when he headed over the bar but toiled in the second half.
Junior Hoilett 4
Another who really struggled to have an effect on the game in the areas where it really mattered. Had little space to manoeuvre and work his magic.
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Subs
Tom Sang (on for Bamba 67) 6
Actually looked pretty bright when he came on. Tried his best to get forward and fizzed in a couple of decent crosses.
Greg Cunningham (on for Bennett 67) 5
DIdn't do a lot to impact the game, but good to see him on the field again.
