February
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

A last gasp Rob Earnshaw goal maintained Cardiff's unbeaten home run. Orient scored a great goal on 73 minutes but it was completely against the run of play.

The first half was fairly even with the continous rain making the pitch cut up badly. David Hughes probably having City's best chance with a rising 25 yard shot that flew just wide.

In the second half though it was one way traffic, City bombared the Orient goal. They hit the post, has several shots go just inches wide, Earnie had one dis-allowed for offside and it looked as though City were going to have one of those nights.

City had a scare on 70 mins. Orient broke and Mark Walton pulled off a superb block when faced with the on coming attacker, the rebound was fired in and Matt Brazier cleared. The goal came just after that. City allowed Sasha Opinel too much time and his 30 yard shot was placed to perfection. Walton was well beaten and Orient totally against the run of play had taken the lead.

But City do not give up. An unbeaten home record needed protecting, a run of 4 wins out of four did not deserve to be abruptly ended with defeat and there 9,000 plus fans, who had braved the rain, to be satisfied.

On 89 mins Rob Earnshaw broke clear in the box after a great run to latch onto a through ball and he was able to prod the ball towards goal past Bayes and then knock it into the unguarded goal.

Mass hysteria at Ninian Park as the fans wanted the winner. It nearly came, City attacked again and came close but a mis kick in the box meant the final shot was lacking.

Orient had the last chance, a free kick that was dealt with by City.

City stay second after Brighton lost at Scunthorpe. While it was disappointing not to win this was great entertainment and a point gained as promotion come a little closer.

I was also impressed with Paul Durkin, the Premiership referee did well tonight and managed to go 90 mins without booking anyone. Common sence played a major part in the way he handled the game, there was some superb tackles on a wet slippery pitch and Durkin called them all correctly.