Azkals' Etheridge solid in his Premier League debut but Cardiff beaten at Bournemouth

Neil Etheridge finally made his Premier League debut for Cardiff City. Glen Lopez/PFF

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA -- Neil Etheridge made a solid account for his Premier League debut for Cardiff City, but the Bluebirds were beaten by a more experienced Bournemouth for a 2-0 result Saturday afternoon (evening Manila time) at the Cherries' Dean Court.

Etheridge played the entire 90 as he became the first Filipino footballer in the world's most popular league, but it was his defence who let him down to spoil his first ever appearance in the top flight after leading the Bluebirds to promotion from the Championship last season.

The former Fulham third-stringer had his frame breached at the 24th minute when Callum Wilson picked out Scottish winger Ryan Fraser who made no mistake at the edge of the six-yard box.

Bournemouth had the chance to double their advantage 10 minutes later, but the country's top shot-stopper palmed away Wilson's spot kick after the latter was tripped by defender Bruno Manga inside the box.

It was a first penalty save by a PL debutante since Hull's Alan McGregor stopped Chelsea great Frank Lampard at the Bridge five seasons ago.

1 - Neil Etheridge is the first goalkeeper to save a penalty on his Premier League debut since Allan McGregor did so for Hull against Chelsea in August 2013. Stopped. pic.twitter.com/MBmqEBk7hN

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 11, 2018

However, Wilson made amends in second-half stoppage time, scoring with his right foot after being picked out by right-back Simon Francis following a corner.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada