December
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Cardiff slipped out out the FA Cup (literally) at Gresty Rd. A frozen pitch, while being the same for both teams, was a potential danger and the game could have easily been called off or abandoned. But it was not not and credit to both teams for proiducing an exciting game of football which I think in fairness was won by the better side on the night. Crewe played good football and seemed to be able to stand up better on the frozen surface. Take nothing away from Cardiff though, after going behind to 10th minute penalty the Bluebirds did not give up and were level 8 minutes before the break when Andy Legg slipped and then hit a piledriver into the roof of the net from 25 yards when he was still in the process of either falling down or trying to get up. Rob Earnshaw caught a slight deflection and has claimed the goal. In time honoured fashion the marks for the goal for artictic impression were 6.0, 6.0, 6.0, it was that much like a skating rink. City were able to match Crewe but one slip allowed allowed Mark Rivers in one on one with Walton on 77 minutes and City were out of the cup. As I say Crewe played well and created many chances, good defending and some good saves from Walton kept City in the game but Cardiff themselves had chances. The stats show Crewe had 18 attempts on goal to Cardiff's 13, we were not overrun thats for sure.

Now its back to the league, Plymouth at Ninian Park on Saturday. Thats followed by two away games, Shrewsbury next Tuesday and Macclesfield the following Saturday. 3 games in 8 days and 9 valuable points on offer. All 9 points are achieveable and 6 / 7 is a must. Chesterfield are 12 points ahead at the top of the table but we have 3 games in hand. The Spirites only managed a goaless home draw with Hartlepool on Tuesday night and City must close the gap to pressure them even more.