September
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

City eased through into round 2 of the FA Cup for the 7th season in a row (a new record I believe) in a game that was always going to be awkward. The important thing on the day was the result. For the City players they were on a hiding to nothing. As it was they did a professional job and avoided being on the wrong end of a giant killing, unlike Wigan Athletic who were put out of the Cup by non-league Canvey Island at the JJB.

Tiverton started and finished brightly. They played football and ran and chased and never let City settle. The Bluebirds offered full respect to Tivvy by fielding a full strength side, the only change was the late inclusion of Rhys Weston after Scott Young went home before the game with a stomach upset. Rhys went to right back and Gabbidon moved back into the middle to replace Young.

Tiverton, while busy and bustling never actually forced many shots on goal. The stats of the match show they had 5 efforts compared to 21 by Cardiff. It was only a matter of time before City scored. When they did it was Paul Brayson who slotted home after Earnie's cross cum shot (I think it was a mis kick, I was sat right in line with Earnie when he hit it) fell nicely to Brayson and he made no mistake. City could have been 3 up at half time after the Tivvy keeper made some good saves.

Again in the second half Tivvy battled but never really looked like scoring. Des Hamilton made the game safe when he fired home from outside the box on 55 mins and it was all over bar the shouting when Earnie raced into the box and clipped home a cross from Andy Legg on 73.

Tiverton got their reward of a goal in the last 10 mins when Nancekivell was allowed to twist and turn in the box and fired into the corner past Alexander. They deserved their goal for their efforts but they were never going to win the game and City's experience and quality was too much for them.

As I said above. It was the result that mattered. And we got it. City have a vital league game on Tuesday and were not running on full steam, Bonner, Maxwell and Collins all came on in the second half and City saw the game out with little fuss and still in winning form before Tuesday important league game.

One last point, well done to the Tivvy fans who came and supported their team. They sang and cheered and were over the moon when they scored. I hope you enjoyed your day in Cardiff and best wishes for the rest of the season.

Oh and one last other point, well done to Newport County who were within 12 mins of knocking out Blackpool. They ended up 2 - 2 and will replay in 10 days time.