November
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

If ever there was a typical cup tie then today was it. We had

1. A sending off
2. A penalty
3. A big passionate crowd
4. Plenty of goals
5. Hard crunching tackles
6. Crowd banter
7. Returning heroes

The game itself was not a classic but the occasion was immense. We have unearthed gems in Earnie, McCulloch, Evans, Weston, in fact we have players now who want to play for the shirt. Earnie is on such a roll, two goals again, whats that nine in the last five games. The club has won the last TEN on the trot at Ninian Park. 5 league, 3 FAW and 2 FA Cup. Outstanding.

Scott McCulloch was man of the match. Never shirked a challenge and distributed well. Rhys Weston is a class above any other defender in this division and the big surprise was seeing Andy Legg back as Sweeper. It took him a while to settle but he steadied the ship for sure.

Cheltenham, took an early lead when an unstoppable volley beat Walton. But Earnie capitalised on a defensive mix up on 30 mins and raced around the keeper to equalise. Kevin Evans charged into the box on 36 mins to fire home a deflected shot and put City ahead.

Then ex Swan Julian Alsop floored Scott McCulloch and was despatched to the dressing room for violent conduct. Over 9,000 fans thought it nice to wave to him as he left the field.

It was no easy ride for City as Cheltenham made a game of it but it was finished off when Paul Brayson, on as a sub for Bowen was felled in the box and Mr Cool, Earnshaw, sidefooted the penalty into the net to complete a wonderful day.

A superb effort by the fans who sang for 90 minutes, the crowd was 9,910 less than 100 short of 10,000. A brilliant atmosphere, a brilliant result and a brilliant day.

Just the small matter now of the 3rd round draw on Sunday eveing. Man Utd at Ninian Park or would it have to be the Millenium Stadium? Lets have another day to remember.

To finish off welcome back Andy Thompson, Willie Boland and Andy Legg, all played a part in todays game, Legg for 90 mins.

To finish off Sam Hammam came on the pitch at the end with City and Welsh flags. Top man, top occasion, top day.