Cardiff will respond 'calmly' to Plymouth loss, says Barry-Murphy

Cardiff City will remain calm despite having their League One promotion push dented by a heavy defeat at Plymouth Argyle, says Bluebirds head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Cardiff were beaten 5-2 at Home Park on Saturday, their first loss of 2026 after a run of 12 games unbeaten.

It was an eventful game, with Argyle leading 3-2 at half-time before eventually making sure of victory after the break, despite having as little as 25% possession at times.

Cardiff remain top of the table, but could have their four-point lead at the summit cut when second-place Lincoln City visit Mansfield Town later on Saturday.

"It's a very disappointing result for us, naturally, but we have to take it on the chin," said Barry-Murphy.

"We controlled the game in the early exchanges, but we weren't at our best and, when Plymouth broke, they looked dangerous.

"We needed to be better. Our mindset was to push forward at all times but when the penalty came it was difficult for the players. No issue with the players' attitude whatsoever.

"Well done to Plymouth and good luck to them. They're a powerful team and put the ball into forward areas very quickly. They scored from two breakaways when we looked like scoring. We didn't deal with that well enough and that's ultimately what cost us the game."

Next up for Cardiff is a trip to Doncaster Rovers next Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Doncaster have struggled this season, but won at Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United this weekend.

"We'll work as we always do and try to bounce back. Our focus is always the next game and to remain consistent," Barry-Murphy added.

"The players have been very calm all season. They don't get carried away when we're doing well and they won't get carried away when it hasn't gone our way.

"The players have not been affected by doing well. They've remained very humble when we win and it will be the same after a loss."