Alex Robertson’s first match as Cardiff captain ended in a 2-2 draw after a two-goal lead slipped away. Cristian Volpato returned from injury, while Ryan Strain added another assist.
Robertson’s first captaincy ends in a draw
Alex Robertson’s first match as a professional captain came in a game Cardiff City let slip. The 23-year-old led the side to a 2-2 Championship draw with Riley McGree’s Middlesbrough, after Cardiff’s two-goal lead disappeared in the second half. Coach Brian Barry-Murphy gave Robertson the armband with several senior players injured. From the base of midfield, he completed 42 of 49 passes, created a big chance and made three interceptions, four clearances, three blocked shots and five recoveries. He had 71 touches across the full 90 minutes. Jack Moylan and Ollie Tanner put Cardiff 2-0 ahead before Will Lankshear and Tommy Conway brought Middlesbrough level. McGree played 79 minutes before coming off.View this post on Instagram“I think that’s my first professional game as a captain, so it’s a really proud moment for me,” Robertson told Cardiff’s official website. He credited teammates, including “good leaders” Osh and Krystian, with making the responsibility easier, but said the priority was getting a result. That result was only a point. Robertson said Cardiff have dominated some matches this season without turning that control into wins, and pointed to recent games against Watford and Charlton as signs that better results may be coming. He also thanked supporters for sticking with the team through away defeats: “We really appreciate it, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.” Cardiff are 19th after 11 Championship matches; Middlesbrough sit third. The gap between the clubs makes the draw a useful point for Cardiff, though their early lead will leave them wondering what more they could have taken from it.
Volpato returns as Anastasio scores for Milan’s youth side
Cristian Volpato is back in action after an injury kept him out since early September and ruled him out of Australia’s two matches against Brazil last month. The Sassuolo winger came off the bench for 12 minutes in a 4-2 loss to Frosinone, completing two crosses and supplying a key pass in his return to Serie A.View this post on InstagramElsewhere in Italy, 18-year-old Max Anastasio scored his first goal for AC Milan’s Under-20 Futuro team. He opened the scoring in a 2-0 Primavera win over Cagliari, reacting to a scramble in the box after a free-kick. Anastasio wore the No. 10 and joined Milan from Bologna in July.
Strain’s assists keep coming as Hibs drop to last
Ryan Strain has made an immediate impact at Falkirk: the Australian right-back recorded his third assist in nine Scottish Premiership appearances, setting up Jacob Murrell’s opener in a 2-1 win over Hibernian. Murrell scored twice to seal the result. Strain played the full match. Martin Boyle also completed 90 minutes for Hibs, operating on the left; Ante Suto came on as a substitute, while Jack Iredale did not play. The 29-year-old Strain has not been in a Socceroos matchday squad since 2024, despite six caps, but his start at Falkirk has been strong. Only Hearts’ Josh McPake has more than Strain’s three assists in the league this season. For Hibs, the defeat has sharper consequences: after nine matches and only two wins, they are bottom of the table.View this post on Instagram
Herrington’s first half shows both promise and the challenge ahead
Lucas Herrington’s Premier League start for Hull City ended at half-time, with the Tigers trailing Fulham 1-0 after an Alex Iwobi goal. The 19-year-old had made a busy defensive contribution: three clearances, two blocked shots, two recoveries and an interception. He completed 12 of 14 passes.
A yellow card preceded his substitution, with Tim Iroegbunam coming on for the second half. The figures suggest Herrington was involved, but they don’t explain why Hull made the change; it’s unclear whether the booking, the scoreline or another factor drove the decision.
He had watched his brother play in the F3 Derby for Central Coast Mariners before taking the field for the Tigers. For a young Socceroo, the start itself matters. The half-time withdrawal is a reminder that a first Premier League appearance can be a test as much as an opportunity.
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