July Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Key player tonight will be Danny Hill. The guy was outstanding against Wrexham and Oxford and is in his best form ever for Cardiff.

Cardiff will need to be at their best. We go into the game 2 - 1 down and will have to score at least twice to stand a chance of winning the tie. We are massive underdogs but the football we are playing is worthy of Div 1 and I think we will go into the game with more than a slim chance.

Dont forget that the chatroom will be open as ever this evening. As they happen updates from the fans listening to the game on local radio.

Full site update tonight. The result will be uploaded as the final whistle goes. Goal video's should also be uploaded tonight.

Preview from TotalWales.
GERRY FRANCIS has backed Welshman Karl Ready to prevent Cardiff getting a Legg-up into the next round of the Worthington Cup.

Cardiff start firm outsiders against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road tonight (7.45pm) as they seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg a fortnight ago.

But Rangers manager Francis has warned his First Division troops to be wary of the long-throw threat posed by Cardiff’s Andy Legg.

“They’ve got a left-back (Legg) who can probably throw it further than he kicks it,” said the former England captain.

“I know that tactic helped Wimbledon a great deal because I was there for some time.

“It’s so hard to defend against because you can’t hold a line. The opposition can’t be offside and they can take advantage of that.

“When you’ve got a 6ft 2in lad (Kevin Nugent) in there winning knock-downs and flick-ons it’s very dangerous.”

Port Talbot-born Ready missed out on a South Wales return through suspension but he was back at the heart of the Rangers defence last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Francis said, “It’s nice to have Karl back. His presence should help us combat Cardiff’s long throws.”

City’s desperate search for an equaliser at Ninian Park almost paid dividends - and Frank Burrows’s Second Division side impressed Francis.

“They played some good stuff. The centre-backs try to come out and pass it, and the midfield men look to change the play.

“It’s only half-time - as I’m sure Frank is aware of - and it’s not going to be easy in the second leg.

“We’re going to have to make sure that we’re right at our best to progress.

“If we sit back and expect to go through we may end up completely disappointed.

“We’ve had a decent start to the season and it would be a big boost to get into the next round of the Worthington Cup.”

Rangers goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko was forced off at half-time two weeks ago with a dead leg but the Czech Republic international has made a full recovery and plays.

Cardiff have had to make changes as Willie Boland and Jason Fowler are both unavailable. Boland damaged a hip during the draw with Wrexham and is very doubtful for Saturday’s league trip to Luton.

Burrows could solve the problem by switching Legg to the left side of his three-man midfield and playing former Rangers man Matthew Brazier at wing-back.

Fowler serves a one-match ban following his opening day dismissal against Millwall and Scott Young, recovered from a groin strain, stands by for his first start of the season.

Young, who played 90 minutes in a friendly last week, has the edge over Russell Perrett (bruised foot). Perrett and Richard Carpenter (broken toe) did not resume training until this week.

Cardiff assistant manager Billy Ayre said, “The tie is not beyond our reach. If we play well we can win and go through.” Cardiff City (from): Hallworth; Faerber, Brazier, Eckhardt Young, Ford, Legg, Bonner, Hill, Bowen, Nugent, Thomas, Jarman, Cornforth, Middleton, Kelly (gk).