This article is part of Football FanCast’s Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC’s microscope.

Cardiff City extended their impressive home form at the expense of Garry Monk’s Sheffield Wednesday after a 1-1 stalemate in the Welsh capital on Friday evening.

Owls centre-back Julian Borner had opened the scoring in the first half with a volley fit for an attacker after he met Kadeem Harris’ cross in the 19th minute.

The visiting boss was denied a fourth win in six league games late on as Lee Tomlin rescued a point for the Bluebirds – he fired an accurate yet controversial free-kick over the wall past stand-in goalkeeper Cameron Dawson.

Cardiff defender Aden Flint had obstructed the shot-stopper’s view in the build-up, which left Monk fuming with the decision.

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Snapshot

But the former Swansea City man should direct his anger elsewhere after a different call potentially cost them the match.

In the 73rd minute, the 40-year-old decided to introduce Atdhe Nuhiu for skipper Barry Bannan, resulting in a change of system with two players going up top.

The colossus 6 foot 6 striker was in the wall for the point-salvaging freekick as it glanced past him and into the goal.

Off the Bench

Now, Bannan didn’t have his best game in the blue and white stripes after being dispossessed twice, but he did notch up his highest passing success rate since August with 87% and also contributed with one tackle, per WhoScored.

But it is the experience of the £2.7m-rated man that would have proved useful in seeing this game out – he’s won 27 caps for Scotland and made 85 appearances in the top-flight.

After his substitution, Cardiff were well on top, recording 53.2% possession and five shots compared to Wednesday’s zero.

Sam Hutchinson and Massimo Luongo struggled to cope with the home team’s three-man midfield as they looked seriously overrun – neither player managed better than a 78% passing success rate from Bannan’s withdrawal onwards.

The 29-year-old is one of Wednesday’s most vital creative sources, as he is joint-top amongst the squad for assists with three this season – so by taking him off, Monk was also removing a key attacking outlet and thus diminishing their chance of nabbing a second.

Ultimately, Monk made a major mistake and one that potentially cost them an extra two points.