Bruce's View: Cardiif City

Last updated : 27 August 2006 By Brian Cartlidge

The home side completely dominated the opening 45 minutes and deservedly went in at the break 1-0 to the good.

Blues performance improved in the second half but against the run of play the home side doubled their advantage.

"The simple fact is that we were just not good enough, particularly in the first half," the Blues boss said after the game at Ninian Park.

"I spoke to Bryan Robson during the week and he told me that playing Cardiff had been West Brom's toughest game of the season so I knew exactly what to expect.

"I am just disappointed that only three or four of our players performed to their full potential.

"Ninian Park is a fantastic place to play. There are not many left like it in the league but most of my players are used to the Premiership and World Cups so they should not have been affected by the atmosphere or surroundings.''

Bruce also explained the reasoning behind goalkeeper Maik Taylor's ommision from the squad which saw Colin Doyle making his league debut against the Bluebirds.

"Maik picked up a hip injury during the game against Crystal Palace last week and it was still too sore for him to play," Bruce said.