Post 19 - An England call up for Jay Bothroyd

Early Saturday evening, just hours after scoring his 14th and 15th goals of the season helping Cardiff to another 3 points and back to the top of the Championship it was announced Jay Bothroyd was selected for the England squad to face France in Wednesday night’s friendly at Wembley.

Later that evening Bothroyd, a regular ‘tweeter’ on social website Twitter, tweeted (sorry for the tongue twister – totally unintentional) that Saturday had been the best day of his career and rightly so.

Until he came to Cardiff just two seasons ago Bothroyd’s career seemed to be going nowhere. He had played at various clubs in England as well as having a short spell at Perugia in Italy and although he had showed the public glimpses of his talent he possesses his career had so far been a series of false starts and disappointments.

Fast forward 2 and a half years and in getting a call up to the England squad Bothroyd has achieved what had looked impossible when Dave Jones brought him to South Wales from Wolves for £350k. That price seems a snip now but when Jones signed him there were question marks surrounding it, was this too much to pay for petulant 26 year old who had played for 6 clubs in the 8 years that followed his acrimonious split from Arsenal, his boyhood club?

Over the last 2 and a half years Bothroyd has answered that question and with interest.  He has improved every season and this season has showed he can be prolific in front of goal, to go with his pace, strength, skill and general build up play.  In a team that includes Craig Bellamy he is the most complete player in the Cardiff team.

If Bothroyd does make an appearance on Wednesday night he will become the first player in the Championship since David Nugent in 2007 to play for England and remarkably the first ever current Cardiff City player to be capped by them.

So where does this leave Cardiff?  It is well known that Bothroyd’s contract runs out at the end of the season.  Even before the call up there - due to his form - there was always a chance that when the transfer window re-opens in January there would be interest from clubs in the Premier League.  If he does get an England cap - and impress in doing so - it will only attract interest from other clubs, but an England cap will also mean Cardiff would demand more money for him.  However Cardiff will want to do as much as they can to keep their star man, for the price of him helping the club get to the Premier League is more than any club will offer for him in January.

The other option - and the more likely one - is for him to wait until the summer and assess his options.  If he was to stay for the remainder of the season and Cardiff were to gain promotion there would be a good chance he would sign a contract with Cardiff.  He has often stated in recent months he is happy in his surroundings and has also gone as far to say he feels like a Cardiff boy, okay I know footballers are prone to making such outrageous statements, but he does appear to be happy.  As previously mentioned he has also settled at this club like no other.

However if Cardiff fail to reach the Premier League then there will be no doubt he would leave for nothing - and who can blame him?  At 28 he is hardly an elder statesman of the game but he's no spring chicken either.  Bothroyd is probably capable of playing at the top level of the English League for the next 4 or 5 years and will be keen not to waste any more time.

Of course I would love Bothroyd to stay and although my heart is saying he will, my head is telling me Cardiff will either accept a bid in the summer or he will be offered the kind of contract in the summer from another club that he won't be able to refuse.  If he does go I won't begrudge him one bit, he has been a fantastic player to watch over the past few seasons and his all round play will be remembered by Cardiff fans for years to come.  Let's hope he does stay though.

Post 18 - Championship match day 17 - Scunthorpe United v Cardiff City

Cardiff returned to the top of the Championship as they convincingly unconvincingly beat Scunthorpe by four goals to two at Glandord park yesterday afternoon.

Cardiff made 2 changes from the team that drew with Reading mid-week, fit again Bellamy came in for McPhail, with Whittingham slotting into the centre and Kevin McNaughton came in for Adam Matthews.  Gabor Gypes also made a return to the squad but could only make the bench, with Darcy Blake keeping his place in the team for the second consecutive game.

Pre-match I felt confident Cardiff would put a difficult week behind them and take the 3 points back to South Wales and knew that - with league leaders QPR playing Nottingham Forest away - there was a fair chance it would be enough to take us back to top spot.

The game itself was preceded with an immaculately observed minute silence in memory of those who have lost their life and suffered injury in war, something that always manages to put the game of football into perspective.

Cardiff got off to the start that justified my pre match confidence and by the 10th minute they had taken a 2 goal lead.  The first came in the 2nd minute after Scunny keeper Murphy could only manage to parry a right footed Chopra shot to the feet of Bothroyd, who tapped in from 2 yards to put Cardiff ahead after a flowing move.

Cardiff came close to doubling their lead just seconds later when McNaughton shot just wide from 12 yards after a mazy run, but the travelling Cardiff fans only had a wait few more minutes to celebrate again.  It was Chopra's turn to tap in this time, finishing from Bothroyds cross after a move to surpass the quality of the build up to the first goal.

It was the perfect start, spoiled only by the sight of Chris Burke hobbling off with the injured winger being replaced by Jason Koumas.  As well as Koumas had done the previous Wednesday at Reading he doesn't offer the same natural width as Burke and Cardiff's shape was slightly affected by this forced change.

Cardiff continued to dominate for much of the first half and although Scunthorpe had their chances through some slack Cardiff defending it was they who increased their lead 11 minutes before the break when Bothroyd scored his 2nd of the day and 15th of the season with a glanced header from a Bellamy free kick.

Cardiff were cruising and the game looked as good as over and in all honestly probably would have been had Kevin McDonald not given Scunthorpe a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half time with a well placed volley on the edge of the area.  Although conceding that goal was disappointing, Cardiff fans still had a lot to be happy with going into the break, however Scunthorpe thoroughly deserved that goal and in reality should have scored 10 minutes earlier when Sears somehow put wide from 8 yards with just Heaton to beat.

Had Scunthorpe not got one back when they did Cardiff - attacking in front of their fans in the second half - would almost certainly have increased their lead.  But that goal gave the home side renewed belief and they started the second half looking to put the Bluebirds on the back foot.

With 10 minutes gone of the second half, most of which Cardiff were under pressure, Bothroyd was denied his first ever hat-trick when Irons keeper Murphy made a fantastic close range double save, firstly from the head and then from the left foot of the Cardiff striker.

Scunthorpe, seeing most of the ball and by now winning the battle in the centre of the park, piled the pressure on and in the 73rd minute were rewarded when N'Guessan headed home a Forte cross.  It wasn't as if the goal wasn't coming and I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was thinking back to Peterborough last season.  Could this happen again? Probably.

It seemed inevitable that Scunthorpe would get an equaliser, however Cardiff seem to be made of sterner stuff this season and proved this with a decisive, albeit lucky,goal with 12 minutes remaining when Olofinjana deflected in a long distance Koumas strike for his 3rd of the season.

This 4th goal seemed to knock the wind out of the home side, they had done brilliantly to get within one of goal of their visitors and to see the deficit go back to 2 in such fashion must've knocked the stuffing out of them.  Cardiff held on to take all 3 points and with it re-gained top spot in the league as QPR could, yet again, only manage a draw.  It was a long but happy journey home for the 700 plus travelling Cardiff fans, 4 goals, 3 points and what more a call-up to the England squad for their star striker Bothroyd.  Worth the trip? definitely.


Result - Scunthorpe United 2 Cardiff City 4

Scorers - City:  Bothroyd (2,34), Chopra (9), Olofinjana (79), Scunthorpe: McDonald (45) N'Guessan (73)

Attendance - 5,333

My man of the match:  Heaton! Had Bothroyd got that hat-trick then I probably would've given it to him, but Heaton was superb for the second consecutive game, had he not been on top form then Cardiff may not have come away with the 3 points.

Post 17 - Championship match day 15 - Cardiff City v Swansea City

Cardiff City lost their first home game of the season as they were humbled at the hands of their bitter rivals Swansea City in front of a Cardiff City Stadium record crowd.

Jones got it wrong. I know it's easy to say that in hindsight, but he did, there are no 2 ways about it, he cocked up big style. As soon as the team was named it baffled the Cardiff faithful and I would expect both the Caridff and Swansea players too. Why was Burke on the bench? With your top goalscorer injured surely you want the rest of your attacking unit playing and Burke has unquestionably been a key part of this.

It wasn't a surprise that Keogh was selected and I don't think it was necessarily a bad selection had we stuck with the 4-4-2 formation. But to play him on his own up from was, again, wrong. Chopra is an out and out striker, he thrives on playing on the shoulder of the last man, he is by no means a wide player and it was obvious from the start he didn't want to be in that position. Finally, Drinkwater's inclusion was a bit of a shock, okay I half expected it, but is this really the kind of game a young central midfielder should be playing in his first game after a 10 week lay off from injury? Evidently not.

That's my rant over, Jones obviously got it wrong, but it doesn't necessarily make him a bad manager. I still believe he is the man to take us to the Premier League, I just hope that he has learnt something from the defeat.

The atmosphere before the game was fantastic as the Welsh Guards marched around the stadium, led by a goat to the sound of 'Men of Harlech'. It was well applauded by both sets of fans, who embraced a rare moment of togetherness in showing their Welsh pride. However, that brief moment of solidarity was soon over as the players took to the pitch. The name of each Bluebird -announced by Ali - was greeted with huge cheers whilst the Jacks were booed in equal measure - nothing wrong with that.

The game itself started evenly enough with Swansea seeing a fair bit of possession, albeit largely in their own half. Cardiff could have easily been awarded a penalty in the 14th minute when Swansea keeper de Vries looked to have held back Chopra, however a free kick was bizarrely awarded against the Cardiff striker when the keeper fumbled the ball, highlighting just how much keepers are 'protected' in the modern game. Heaton then saved comfortably at the near post from Dyer 5 minutes later before Whittingham's cleanly hit shot from 25 yards just went over with De Vries rooted.

The next 20 minutes went by with little incident until Cardiff had another penalty appeal turned down with 5 minutes left of the first half, however it was turned down by the referee, who got this decision correct. The sides went into the break level after a half which neither team really showed its potential apart from the odd semi flowing move.

After the break I was hoping Cardiff would play more positively and maybe even revert back to their usual 4-4-2, something they could have done without changing personnel. But it wasn't too be and Cardiff continued to look uncomfortable on the ball, particularly in the centre of the park. Just 3 minutes after the re-start the Swans came within a few inches of breaking the deadlock when Sinclair - kept quiet by McNaughton for long periods in the first half - struck the post after a shot just outside the 18 yard box. Heaton got a touch, but it didn't look the most comfortable of saves.

This seemed to inspire the away team and they started to get a grip on the game, Dyer was a constant live wire and Cardiff seemed a pace behind the Swansea midfield in particular Joe Allen, who forced a decent save out of Heaton from long range.

With more than 30 minutes remaining Keogh was replaced with Burke. Keogh had actually done ok, but the main problem is that he isn't Bothroyd and it is unfair to compare him to one of the stand out players of the Championship so far this season, someone who's form has lead for calls for them to be included in the next England squad.

For all their possession, Swansea never really created any clear cut chances but did look much more likely to make a break throug, however as they were beginning to stamp their authority on the game Cardiff had a great chance to take the lead. With 65 minutes on the clock Heaton cleared the ball down the field, a Swansea defender slipped and Bellamy was gifted with a glorious chance to give his side the lead, but scuffed his shot and his lines as his left footed shot was easily saved by De Vries.

The next talking point came 5 minutes later when Chopra went in high against Allen, luckily for Allen his momentum made sure he rode the challenge, but had Chopra caught him a serious injury could have been caused. Chopra somehow survived without a booking but in reality he could easily have been shown a red card.

Despite Bellamy's earlier chance it was Swansea who were to deservedley take the lead. With 72 minutes on the clock Emnes shrugged off the challenge of Gypes to fire home from outside the box. Having seen it again keeper Heaton could and probably should have made a better attempt to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net. Although Gypes was easily beaten in the lead up to the goal he and Hudson had been solid for most of the match and kept Swansea to shooting from long range.

Cardiff never really looked like getting an equaliser, but in the very last minute of injury time Bellamy was again given the perfect chance to score in his first South Wales derby. Substitute Blake crossed from the right and Bellamy had the goal at his mercy, but he mis-timed his header and the ball came off his left shoulder with the ball trickled wide. Had he put it away it would've earned a point Cardiff's performance didn't deserve. Swansea were good value for their win and with it moved to within 3 points of Cardiff in 2nd spot. From the perspective of the home team it will be a day the fans will like to forget about as soon as possible, but one the Jacks will embrace.

But all is not bad, Cardiff are still in a very enviable situation and as I write this have a chance to regain top spot tomorrow night at Reading with QPR only managing a draw away to Portsmouth. There's expected to be changes, but whoever plays, it is important Cardiff put in a good performance and get their season back on track and there is no reason why they can't do just that.


Result - Cardiff City 0 Swansea City 1
Scorers - Swansea: Emnes 75
Attendance - 26,049

Fans man of the match - Didn't hear one announced.

My man of the match - Not many contenders here. Hudson was solid at the back and McNaughton was decent until he went off injured but erm, that's it.  Hudson.

Post 16 - Championship match day 14, Cardiff City v Norwich City

Cardiff City leapfrogged QPR to move to the top of the Championship with a 3-1 victory over fellow promotion rivals Norwich City at the Cardiff City Stadium.  Norwich, who came into the game unbeaten in their last 3 away games and hadn't conceded in those matches were looking to put pressure on the team just two places above them in table and a win for them would close the gap between the teams to 3 points.

Cardiff, unchanged from the side that hammered Leeds 4-0 last Monday night, started where they had left off and were in the lead after just 9 minutes when Bothroyd headed in from inside the 6 yard box after Gypes had won the initial header from a Whttingham corner.

That lead was doubled just three minutes later when goalscorer Bothroyd turned provider as he flicked on a Heaton goal kick into the path of Chopra, who neatly finished with his right foot from 12 yards for his second in as many games.  For all the intricate football Cardiff have played in recent weeks it's good to see they can also score in the old fashioned route one style.

It looked as though Cardiff would dish out their second consecutive stuffing, but after the early set backs Norwich seemed to galvanise rather than crumble away.  And it was the visitors who had the better of the next 20 minutes and deservedly got their reward when Wes Hoolahan met Steven Smiths left footed cross with a diving header, beating Heaton and delighting the travelling support in the process.

A quick word for the travelling fans who were tremendous in their support, with well over 1000 making the 5 hour trip from Norfolk.  They also gave ex player Bellamy a decent round of applause, something the Cardiff and Wales captain didn't quite get away at Coventry 2 weeks ago.

In the time leading up to the Norwich goal, there was a large part of the City crowd who were getting agitated at the lack of possession the Bluebirds were having and started to get on the teams back.  I honestly can't understand this frustration, if the score was 0-0 and we were mid table under performers then I could understand, but we were 2-0 up and went into the match second in the league only on goal difference.  Do these fans really think Norwich were going to lay down and let us score 5 or more past them?  True, there may be times when City do score 5 this season, but there will also be times when teams will show resolve and make it hard for us and the fans - like the players - will need to show their patience.  Mini rant over.

Back to the game and it didn't take long for the home side to re-gain their 2 goal advantage when they were awarded a penalty.  Although slightly fortuitous - the ball seemed to just hit the hand of the Norwich defender from a clearance - Whittingham took full advantage and coolly slotted home for his 4th in as many matches and City went into the break 3-1 ahead.

Unlike large parts of the first half, Cardiff controlled most of the 2nd period, keeping the ball a lot better and looking more likely to score than their opponents.  Bothroyd had a shot well saved by keeper Ruddy and was later denied by the woodwork when a thunderous 20 yard volley crashed against the bar, which later denied Seyi Olofinjana from close range.  

With a 2 goal cushion the win never really looked in doubt and Jones was able to give Bellamy and Chopra a rest, with Koumas and McPhail their respective replacements.  Bellamy wasn't firing on all cylinders today, but his sheer presence is enough to strike fear into his opponents and boost the confidence of his team mates.  Cardiff have won all 6 games he has featured in this season and although he hasn't been the sole star performer, this 100% record isn't a coincidence and shows evidence of the effect he has had on the rest of the players.

Despite not being Cardiff's best performance of the season, it was professional and convincing enough after the 3rd goal went in.  None of Cardiff's attacking players excelled, but it was as good a defensive performance as I have seen from the centre back pairing of Hudson and Gypes, making many vital blocks and clearances particularly during Norwich's spell on top in the first half.

The only disappointment of the game was the inevitable booking of Jay Bothroyd in the second half after an innocuous looking challenge on the Norwich left back, meaning the the leagues top scorer will miss the South Wales derby next Sunday.  Bothroyd was visibly disappointment and undoubtedly be missed against our most rivalled opponents, a fixture he has admitted himself he looks forward to more than any, but in the grand scheme of things it is just one game and he was going to pick up another booking sooner or later.  

It will be interesting to see who manager David Jones will pick to replace Bothroyd next week, but with Keogh, Koumas and McPhail all waiting to fill in, he isn't short of options in both replacements and formations.  But that's for Jones to decide and until that game I'm sure Cardiff fans will enjoy the current league position, for as much as we hope to stay in that position for the rest of the season we know only too well from past experiences how quickly things can change, just ask Caldicot Bluebirds 'Evo' and 'Tarquin'.

Result - Cardiff City 3 Norwich City 1

Scorers - City:  Bothroyd (9), Chopra (12), Whittingham (pen 37), Norwich: Hoolahan (34)

Attendance - 24,634

Fans man of the match: Kevin McNaughton

My man of the match:  Super Kev for me too.  Played an absolute blinder at right back.  Sound defensively and threatening as ever going forward, again working magnificently with Burke ahead of him.  As quick a full back/wing partnership you are likely to see outside of the Premier League.

Post 15 - Past memories, Cardiff City v Maidstone United 01/01/92

Cardiff City 0 Maidstone United 5 - 1st January 1992

I don't have a particularly good memory when it comes to remembering football matches, I wish I did, but I don't.  I don't know why I haven't, perhaps it's because I've been going to watch Cardiff City now for over 20 years and having seen them hundreds of times a lot of the matches have gotten mixed up in my brain and are lost, they are there somewhere but will never be pieced back together.  I wish it was different, I wish I could remember each and every match, who scored in each game and who got sent off and how many corners there were etc.  It doesn't seem a problem for some people, I have friends who seem to be a walking 'soccerbase' who are seemingly able to remember almost anything from any match they have been to -and how I envy them.

But there are some matches that will stick with me forever and for different reasons, some stick due to a particularly good or bad City performance, some because of a memorable goal or sending off or some simply because I sat somewhere different in the ground, giving the game a unique feel.  Some, however are awful, so awful in fact that they just will not budge from my memory.  The particular match I'm referring to on this occasion is - as you already know from the title in bold above - Cardiff City v Maidstone United, a division 4 league match in 1992.  I had been a Cardiff fan for less than two years when I went to see this match on a cold (probably, it always seemed freezing as a kid didn't it?) New Years Day and as far as I can think back, it is my first memory of an actual match.

I don't remember it all, of course I don't, I was only 7 and more to the point I had been drinking cans of lager since 10am.  But I remember it being cold; I remember being sat in the Lower Grandstand family enclosure with my dad, granddad and uncle; I remember it being the home début for our new centre half hard man John Williams; I remember him hand balling on the line and giving away a penalty resulting in him being sent off and most of all I remembering them hammering us by 5 goals to 0.  Williams only ever played for us on two more occasions after this match and a total of six times in all, but at least he embedded himself in the memory of all who were there that day, well, in mine anyway.

I also remember leaving the game early that day, something that I had never done before and haven't done since at a home game.  In fact it was to be another 17 years until I would leave a game early again, when Cardiff got stuffed 6-0 away at Preston during the 2008-2009 season, another game that for all the wrong reasons, will stay in my memory as long as it is in tact.

This was to be the last time we were to ever play Maidstone United, for the Kent club were to go into liquidation before the start of the following season after being declared bankrupt, but every time I see or hear the place of Maidstone being mentioned I always think about that match.  Days after going into liquidation 'The Stones' reformed, however they were forced to start again not only financially but on the pitch too as they were forced to play at the bottom of the English football league pyramid system.  Despite the  goalscoring exploits of Carl Dale and Chris Pike that season Cardiff only managed to finish 9th, however they were promoted as champions the following season.

So there it is, my first memory of an actual match at Ninian Park, I have seen many more since, some I can remember, some I can't, but that one, for sure, will stick.

City team that day:

Gavin Ward, Neil Matthews, Damon Searle, Roger Gibbons (captain), John Williams, Jason Perry, Paul Ramsey, Cohen Griffiths, Chris Pike, Carl Dale, Nathan Blake

Attendance:  8,023

Post 14 - Championship match day 12, Coventry City v Cardiff City

Cardiff City cut the lead of league leaders QPR down to two points as they took advantage of the Londoners scoreless draw away to Swansea with a gritty win away to Coventry.

The Bluebirds travelled to Coventry in confident mood having won 3 out of 4 matches since first tasting defeat this season in mid September.  They also arrived with a good recent record at the Ricoh Stadium and would have quite rightly fancied their chances of coming back to South Wales with all 3 points.

Cardiff made just the one change to the side that prevailed victorious on the weekend, with Craig Bellamy coming in for Stephen McPhail.  Bellamy played on the left wing and Whittingham moving into the central role occupied by McPhail on Saturday.

After their dreadful start against Bristol City on Saturday the Bluebirds would've been keen to get off to a better one against Coventry and when they were awarded a penalty with less than 4 minutes on the clock, after Ben Turner was adjudged to have brought down Michael Chopra inside the 6 yard box, they had the perfect chance to do just that.  Turner escaped with a yellow card and Peter Whittingham stepped up to coolly slot home into the bottom right hand corner for his 3rd goal in two matches.  It was an important penalty for Whittingham, who had missed his previous two this season.  A third successive miss from the spot would have probably seen the role taken away from him, but his two goals on the weekend would have given him his confidence back in front of goal and he sent 'keeper Westwood the wrong way to give City the early lead.

Many of the 1300 or so Cardiff fans who made the trip to the Midlands (admittedly myself included) probably thought that a rout could well be on, but Coventry themselves have made a good start to the season and prior to the game were sitting just below the play off positions and unbeaten in their last three games.

But it was Cardiff who looked more threatening, Bothroyd had a decent looking penalty shout turned down and Gypes turned and shot from inside the area only to be denied by Westwood.  Meanwhile Heaton, when called into action was at the top of his game and made a decent save low to his left after a decent strike by Cranie from outside the area.

And so the half proceeded.  Cardiff were unable to find any real fluency, although in truth Coventry never really allowed them to play as they wished.  Bothroyd -booed by the home fans at every chance - didn't seem his usual self (turned out his foot had been stamped on) and Bellamy - also booed enthusiastically by his ex club's supporters - and Burke were being well marshalled by their respective markers.

It looked as though Cardiff would go into the break a goal to the good and it would have been a lead they'd deserved.  But with just 2 minutes remaining of the first 45, Hudson gave the ball away on the half way line, the ball was played forward to Gary McSheffrey, who cut inside easily evading McNaughton and Gypes and curled the ball into the right corner from 12 yards to level the score.  It was a decent enough goal, but one that could've been prevented nevertheless.

Coventry started the second half the brighter of the two and initially looked more likely to get a second goal, but City held firm and as the game grew older the more it looked as though one more goal could win it.  From a Cardiff point of view though, a draw would've been a respectable enough result, despite having had such a promising start.

Jones replaced the tiring Chopra with Koumas with 20 minutes remaining and then 10 minutes later Keough came on for Bellamy.  It was a good run out for the returning captain, but I'm sure the Cardiff fans will see more inspiring performances from him in the season to come, he is, after all, new to the team and probably still adjusting to the type of football being played in a division lower than he has become accustomed  to.

The defining moment of the game came with just 3 minutes of normal time remaining.  Burke, who had worked tirelessly all game but yet to any avail finally got past the Sky Blues left back and from the byline picked out Bothroyd with a low cross who neatly flicked the ball into the net from inside the 6 yard box in front of the Bluebirds fans.  Up until that moment it was hard to see where the goal may come from, but there are plenty of goals in this team, even when not playing to its full potential.

Moments later Burke again beat his man but instead of passing to the impressive Koumas kept going alone.  Although he should have passed to Koumas, who had the goal at his mercy, it was a fantastic run and if he had managed to finished it, it would have been a fine goal.  Cardiff held onto their slender lead for the remainder of the game and picked up all three points for the 3rd season in a row at this ground, no mean feat.

City travel to Leeds next Monday evening to face a team who although have had a solid start to their campaign, have leaked enough goals to suggest there is no reason the Bluebirds can't take as many points away from Elland Road as they did last night.

Result - Coventry City 1 Cardiff City 2

Scorers - City: Whittingham (pen 5) Bothroyd (87), Coventry: McSheffrey (44)

Attendance - 14,604

My man of the match:  Gypes was solid and Seyi was his usual robust self, but Burke gets my vote.  He didn't have his best game in a City shirt, but then again no one did. but he kept going, kept trying to beat his man and eventually wore him down, got past him and set up the winner.  His performance typified the type of never say die attitude City are showing so far this season.

Post 13 - Championship match day 11, Cardiff City v Bristol City

After another break for international football and another disastrous one for Wales (despite a more encouraging display in attack) it was back to league football this weekend as Cardiff played host to Severnside rivals Bristol City.

Bristol City haven't had it easy against Cardiff City of late, last season they were defeated both home and away in the league (including a 6-0 thrashing at Ashton gate) and were also defeated in an FA Cup replay, having taken the lead in the original tie on their own patch.

Before Saturday's game you could have forgiven Cardiff fans for expecting similar looking scoreline's this time around, a thought which could have been backed up by taking a quick look at the the two clubs current league positions.  The Bluebirds occupied the 2nd automatic promotions spot, six points behind leaders QPR, whilst the Robins found themselves at the very bottom of the league having won just one game out of their first ten.

But the opening 10 minutes was anything but what could have possibly been predicted.  By the time Cardiff had their first shot on goal (a Bothroyd header from a Burke cross) they found themselves a goal down and by the 8th minute their Severnside rivals had doubled their lead.  Both goals were as a result of sloppy defending by the home side, the first coming from defender Steven Chaulker, who headed home inside the 6 yard box from a free kick by the left hand touchline and the second by the recently Cardiff linked Jon Stead, who hooked in again inside the 6 yard box after a knock down from a corner from the right.

Aside from the noise from the travelling section, the rest of the ground was in complete silence and in a state of shock, but if you are going to go 2-0 down then sometimes it is good to do it early on for at least there is plenty of time to recover the deficit.  

And it didn't take long for the home side to go some way towards recovering from the awful start.  Just four minutes after the Robins second, Jay Bothroyd swivelled and fired home with his left foot from 8 yards after a pass from the returning Michael Chopra.  It was Jay Bothroyd's 8th goal of the season and he is now just 6 goals away from beating last season's tally of 13, a feat he is sure to accomplish providing he stays injury free.  

Bothroyd was again excellent on Saturday and it is imperative he stays fit if Cardiff are to mount a decent charge for promotion (I'm pretty sure it's not the first time I've typed these words this season).  His performances this term have prompted manager Dave Jones to call for England coach Fabio Capello to consider the striker for an England call and for most people who have seen him play on a regular basis over the past year or so it is hard to disagree with him.  

Cardiff proceeded to dominate the rest of the first half, with McNaughtan and Burke combining well on the right hand side and McPhail and Seyi linking well in midfield.  McPhail went close from 8 yards after a Burke cross and Bothroyd was again denied by James after combining well with Whittingham.  However Bristol City always looked dangerous from set pieces and looked likely to score every time the ball was put high in the box.

Half time came and there were no further goals, but after a discussion over a pint it was agreed the three points were still up for grabs providing the City got off to a good start in the second period.

And a good start they got.  Less than a minute after the re-start Cardiff were awarded a free kick on the right hand side after a foul on McPhail.  Peter Whittingham took the free kick, which evaded everyone, including keeper James and landed in the bottom left hand corner of the net.  After scoring 25 goals last season Whittingham's first goal this season was well overdue and although it wouldn't have been how he would have envisaged opening his account, it was graciously accepted by Whittingham and the team alike and was celebrated enthusiastically by the home supporters. 

Cardiff sniffed a win and although Bristol City still looked dangerous from set pieces it was the home side who appeared the more likely to snatch the victory.  Burke had a shot deflected onto the crossbar after a run from Bothroyd, who himself, as well as Chopra had attempts saved by James.

It was then Cardiff keeper Heaton who was called into action as he saved down to his left from a decent 35 yard drive from McAllister.  But it was Cardiff who were to score the deciding goal and take all 3 points.  Whittingham was taken down 7 yards outside the area in a central position and it was he who sublimely put the ball into the net past the despairing dive of James to score his 2nd of the match and season.

Cardiff had further chances to increase their lead as Burke was denied by James and substitute Koumas had an attempt blocked by a defender.  Bristol City searched for an equaliser but the Bluebirds, not for the first time this season held firm for the win, a win which would subsequently take them to within 4 points of the league leaders after they drew at home with Norwich.

All in all it was a fantastic last 84 minutes and as unhappy as Jones will be with the defending at the start he will be equally pleased with the fire power and resolve his side showed.  City travel to Coventry this Tuesday night, a place they have good memories of in recent times and with Bellamy set to come back things really are looking promising.

As for Bristol City, they have only one objective this season and that is to keep their place in the division.  It won't be easy, but it's far from being impossible, but if they are to avoid relegation you feel ex England keeper David James is going to need a lot more help from his team mates.

Result - Cardiff City 3 Bristol City 2

Scorers - City: Bothroyd (12), Whittingham (46, 78) Bristol City: Caulker (6), Stead (8)

Attendance - 22,244.

Fans man of the match - Seyi Olofinjana

My man of the Match - A few candidates, Seyi was worthy of his award and Bothroyd, as mentioned, put in another cracking performance.  But I will give it to Whits, he scored his first 2 goals of the season - the second a stunning free kick - as well as having a hand in the first and putting in a top all round performance.  Nice to have his name back on the score sheet.