August Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

A win at last. And against second placed Notts County makes it a brilliant result. Cardiff dominated the first half and were unlucky not to take the lead in the second minute whe Jason Bowen broke free put pulled his shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Kevin Nugent put a header just wide and Winston Faerber saw his lob drop just the wrong side of the bar. City were playing into a strong wind in the first half and I was relieved we made it to half time with our goal intact. The second half saw a deterioration in the weather and Cardiff played with a fierce wind and heavy rain at their backs. It was against the wind and run of play though that Notts County took the lead. A cracking cross from the right was met by Stallard at the back post, he managed to do what Nugent failed to do in the first half and steered the ball back across Hallworth into the corner of the net.

City got back into the game within 7 minutes. A high ball into the box was challenged by Nugent and the County keeper, Ward. The keeper fumbled and went down like the proverbial sack of spuds the ball bounced and Jason Bowen like Superman flew at the ball and headed home from 12 yards. The goal stood with the referee waving away the County players who were appealing for a foul on the keeper. Ward however stayed down and was stretchered off after a 5 - 6 minute delay. The County bench were livid and they continued to remonstrate with the referee who in the end had enough and condemned County boss Sam Alladyce to the Grandstand. (Much to the enjoyment of the City faithful).

Cardiff then had their tails up and started to play some good football despite the conditions. City won a free kick in centre field on 81 mins. Substitute Cornforth stood over the ball, Jeff Eckhardt started a run into the box but the ball was played to Faerber, but he very quickly despatched an inch perfect cross to the advancing Eckhardt who made 6,500 fans very happy when his header powered into the back of the net.

There was also some worrying points, the times the ball was given away a lot and a lack of communication at times, all that for now is forgotten. Tony Vaughan on loan was a quality player, very composed and a joy to watch, Carpenter had a far better game than he did v Wimbledon, Nugent was excellent again, Bowen and Legg as good as ever, Faerber was better, especially in the second half. Vaughan came in for Ford today, Ford did come on as a late sub for Young who in my view was diappointing today.

Jeff Eckhardt was without doubt man of the match. That guy is a machine.

Enjoy the euphoria of our first league win at Ninian park since last march. Roll on Wigan..