Fantastic Cardiff City player ratings v Southampton as Ashford steals show and debutant shines off bench

Here is how we rated the Cardiff City players in the 2-1 win over Southampton

Ethan Horvath 8

Should have done better for Joe Aribo's first goal. But made a number of great saves, including ones from David Brooks and Che Adams. Then he produced the save of the match off Adam Armstrong's diving header.

Mahlon Romeo 7

Done too easily for the first goal, but also produced a couple of decent challenges. Was really growing into the game before he went off injured.

Dimitrios Goutas 8

One or two hiccups with the ball at his feet but generally pretty solid. Produced a block from the ages off Stuart Armstrong in the dying minutes of the game.

Nat Phillips 9

Probably the pick of the bunch along those in the back line. Good in the air, some big challenges and the most at ease with the ball at his feet. Top outing, as we've come to expect from him.

Ollie Tanner 7

Out of position at left-back and it looked like it at times early on. Having said that, he looked bright going forward. Hit a couple of really decent crosses and drilled one low shot on target.

Manolis Siopis 8

Needed his battling in midfield and got in the passing lanes a number of times. Late in the match he stuck some big tackles in. On the ball he still needs work.

Joe Ralls 8

Flew into a couple of tackles early on and showed leadership in the middle during a tough afternoon. Was absolutely everywhere when Cardiff needed him late in the tie.

Rubin Colwill 8

Some moments of class, but generally struggled to really get into the game early doors, due to Saints dominating the lion's share of it. Cardiff needed his ball control later in the match though and he ran himself into the ground.

David Turnbull 7

Threw his arms in the air on more than one occasion and cut a frustrated figure too often. Had one good chance from Tanner's cross which he headed at Alex McCarthy.

Cian Ashford 9 (star man)

Had a couple of really promising moves on his first league start. Beat Ryan Manning once or twice and sent in some good crosses. Had one piledriver of a shot blocked, too. Then, the winner. Deflected shot nestled into the bottom corner from 25 yards. Just lovely.

Yakou Meite 8

Did about as well as you could expect with zero support around him. Moved out to the wing and saw more of it, including sweeping the ball into Diedhiou's path for the goal. Hit the roof of the net with one effort.

Subs

Famara Diedhiou (Turnbull 61) 8 - Looked up for it when he came on and geed up the crowd. Was in the right place to poke home the equaliser. Had a late header saved and defensively top notch at the end, too.

Raheem Conte (Romeo 65) 9 - Another debutant! Did wonderfully to set up Diedhiou's goal. Defended well, too, in an unfamiliar right-back position. A really, really impressive showing.

Luey Giles (Tanner 77) 7 - Third debutant of the day. Produced a couple of clearances and will take heart from this