MONTHLY NEWSFILE
DECEMBER 1998

Monday 28th December 1998

BRENTFORD 1 - 0 CARDIFF CITY. Match report.

After five successive victories Cardiff's storming run was ended at Griffin Park by main Championship rivals Brentford. The only goal of the game came on 53 minutes from Hermann Hreidarsson. Cardiff are still four points clear of second placed Brentford but the Bees have two games in hand. City still have a 5 point cushion from third placed Mansfield who could only draw today. Reports are that 1500 - 2000 fans were locked out of todays game,  3000 - 4000 actually got in. The build up to this game has been going on for weeks. The kick off had to be delayed due to the amount of fans trying to get in. Its a poor show by Brentford to 1, not make the game all ticket and then 2, not allow for the massive support that was building for the game. The issue has been raised on 606 and I'm sure it will run for days. All attention now turns to the FA Cup 3rd round. After which we will still be top of the league, regardless of the other Div 3 games going on next Saturday.

Saturday 26th December 1998

CARDIFF CITY 3 - 0 SHREWSBURY TOWN. Match report.

Cardiff extened their lead at the top of the third division with a well earned 3 - 0 win over Shrewsbury. This was cardiff's first double of the season and matches the scoreline at Gay Meadow last August. Goals from John Williams in the first half and Kevin Nugent and Danny Hill (his first professional goal) in the second half.

Tuesday 22nd December 1998

The following fixtures have now been arranged.

Nationwide League Div 3. Rotherham v Cardiff City. Tues 26/1/99 @ 7:45pm

FAW Premier Cup. Rhyl v Cardiff City. Tuesday 5/1/99 @ 7:15pm

FAW Premier Cup. Cardiff City v Rhyl. Tuesday 19/1/99 @ 7:15pm.

Ticket information - New hotline from 23/12/98 - 01222 666699.
The game on Boxing Day v Shrewsbury is a 12 midday kick off. The match is not all ticket but it is advisable to purchase tickets beforehand. If you cannot then please come early. Turnstiles open at 10:45am. Prices are as follows:-

The away game on the 28th at Brentford is not all ticket. Again though it is advisable to try and buy tickets direct from Brentford. The game kicks off at 3:00pm.

City's next match is the home FA Cup tie v Yeovil at Ninian Park on January 2nd. Kick off at 3:00pm. Tickets are available to buy but you can pay on the gate. For away fans it is all ticket only.

Webmasters holiday.
I will be away from late Wednesday 23rd December until December 29th or 30th. I will not be able to update the site until I get back. Please continue to use the facilities on the site, guestbook, chat room etc, and I will do a full update when I return.

The competition closes on Wednesday 23rd at 1800 hrs. January's competition will be announced before Jan 1st 1999. I will post all entries to the December competition on the site on Wednesday evening, then you can see who the winner is after the crowd has been annouced on Saturday. Don't forget there are two prizes.

Sunday 20th December 1998

Christmas on the Grange End.
The club are hoping to annouce early this week that the Grange End will be open for home fans next Saturday for the visit of Shrewsbury. With City top of the league and after yesterdays 9,013 crowd watching a classic game of football the directors believe that next week could be a capacity crowd.

Saturday 19th December 1998

CARDIFF CITY 4 - 2 MANSFIELD TOWN. Match report.

Kevin Nugent after the Mansfield game

This was one of the most entertaining games I've seen for a long time. City were 1 up after 12 mins when John Williams bundled the ball into the goal while in the six yard box. The score stayed the same until half time. City came out for the second half and within a minute had doubled the lead. It was Williams again who had his first effort blocked but made no mistake when he got his foot to the ball a second time. 2- 0 to Cardiff all was lovely until Mansfield scored twice in the space of 5 - 6 minutes. Cardiff though came back and our mailing list sponsor Kevin Nugent came up trumps with two clinical headers to finish off the Stags. A crowd of 9,013 saw a thoroughly entertaining game with the right result at the end of it.

CARDIFF CITY youth 3 - 3 BATH youth.
City's youngsters came from being to earn a 3 - 3 draw at home to Bath yesterday. Cardiff's goals came from Adrian Harris, Guy Jacobs and Warren Givans.

Friday 18th December 1998

Brentford close gap on Cardiff.
Brentford beat Cambridge tonight by 1 goal to nil to close the gap on Cardiff to one point. City can extend the lead to four points by beating now third placed Mansfield at Ninian park tomorrow.

Preview of tomorrows top of the table clash.
Cardiff are likely to remain unchanged for the 6th league game in a row. This consistency has paid dividends with the team winning the last three games without conceeding a goal. Cardiff will only be removed from the top of the table is they lose to Mansfield, a draw will keep City top irrespective of other results. There is another big game tonight with 3rd placed Brentford playing at home to 4th placed Cambridge. A draw is the most favourable result for City fans in that game, if that is the case and Cardiff were to beat Mansfield, we would then be six points clear at the top. But thats speculation, we could find ourselves second if we lose tomorrow.
Cardiff did the double over Mansfield last season, The game at Ninian Park was Frank Burrows first game in charge. City won 4 - 1 with probably their best performance of last season. The match at Mansfield finished 2 - 1 to City. In their last 8 games Mansfield have lost only twice, compared to Cardiff losing only once in the last 8 games. Both teams are in form and it should be a cracking game. The confidence in the Cardiff side at the moment means we fear no one. Lets hope we can celebrate Christmas 6 points clear. Our next game is against struggling Shrewsbury on Dec 26th, 3 points in the bank?? lets hope so.
The competition for the subs bench is also hotting up. New signing Andy Legg, Dai Thomas, Jeff Eckhardt, Danny Hill, Mark Bonner, Christian Roberts, Rob Earnshaw, Lee Jarman, Lee Phillips and Nathan Cadette are all fit and are desparate to play a part.
Legg will possibly get a start on the bench. It would be unfair to drop Wayne O'Sullivan from the team as he has been in good form. O'Sullivan is in the left wing back slot that Legg will be contesting, Wayne is not a natural left footer but he has adapted well.
Gareth Stoker made his return last week in the friendly game so he will be trying to get into contention as well over the next few weeks.

Snipits from Ninian Park.
Mark Delaney is being watched by Bobby Gould with a view to a possible Wales B call up for the match against Northern Ireland in Wrexham in February....

Chris Allen returns to Notts Forest on Monday after his unsuccessful loan period at Ninain Park.......

Former City skipper Jason "Psycho" Perry has signed for Hull Coty today from Lincoln. The deal is subject to a medical later today......

Andy Saville is still on the verge of leaving Ninian Park. After his failed transfer to Scarborougfh it was likely he would go to Hull City but now Scunthorpe have shown an interest. Saville lives in the North East and although still a professional at Cardiff City he is training with Hull City. They will not go ahead and sign him until he can prove his fitness......

Wednesday 16th December 1998

	Andy Legg signs for Cardiff. Left winger Andy Legg has finally signed for Cardiff City. He has joined the Bluebirds on a free transfer. Legg has come from Reading where he was out of favour with boss Tommy Burns. He had spent a month with Peterboro but has now become a Bluebird. Legg factfile. Andrew Legg, born Neath 28th July 1966. Height 5'8, weight 10st 7. Andy has 4 Welsh caps.
Playing career (up to the end of 97-98 season) Swansea City signed from Britton Ferry on 12/8/88. 195 + 12 subs appearances. 38 goals. Notts County signed for £275,000 on 23/7/93. 116 + 10 subs appearances. 15 goals. Birmingham City signed on 29/2/96. 36 + 16 subs appearances. 5 goals. Ipswich Town on loan 3/11/97. 7 appearances. 1 goal. Reading signed for £75,000 on 20/2/98. 10 appearances.

Tuesday 15th December 1998

Cardiff City res 1 - 1 Swansea City res.
Dai Thomas scored at Ninian Park for the first time to give Cardiff a 70th minute lead. Swansea equalised in the 90th minute.

NIGHTMARE RETURN FOR STOKER!

Cardiff City reserves 1 Swansea City reserves 1
Thomas (70)                 ?? (90)

A dreadful mistake by the eager Stoker, playing his first game for
months costs City dear in the last minute at Ninan Park this afternoon
in the SW Trophy Reserves game. Dai Thomas had slotted one in at the
Grange End for his first Ninian Park goal, but victory was denied
seconds from the end by a suicidal back pass from the just by the
dugouts by "Bizzy" Stoker had Eckhardt incensed and the rest of the
crowd, (both of us!) very disappointed!
Teams:
CITY: 1. Seamus Kelly 2. Nathan Cadette 3. Phil Kelly 4. Jeff Eckhardt
5. Lee Jarman 6. Lee Philips 7. Mark Bonner 8. Dai Thomas
9. Danny Hill 10. Christian Roberts 11. Robert Earnshaw
Subs: 12. Gareth Stoker 13. Ian Loveless 14. C. Davis 15. Blake
Parnell
JACKS: jones,phillips,clode,lacey,o'leary,munroe,roberts,davies,newhouse
,coates casey Sub-jacks: keegan(son of..really!!)
cleverley,barwood,mounty.

Attendance: A few anoraks, The Rev, Kenny Hibbitt, some directors, Eddie May
and a small goblin, Mike Ford, Mark Delaney, Willo & Scott Young,
Hollins, Curtis and assorted Swans plenipotentiaries!

REPORT: As you can see, two fairly strong line ups: City now have every
player in the squad fit which is really encouraging!
After hours of lashing rain, and Brian not overjoyed at the pitch being
used, the Swans who had a tongue lashing from Frank for parking their bus
in his space, began brightly and Coates broke free on 6 mins, but missed
when it would have been easier to score: Jarman & Philips still swinging
it down town it would seem! Chris Roberts then sent in a shot from wide
on the right where he played as support midfielder for Earnie & Dai the
Pie. The Swans keeper scambled it wide. Karl "Marilyn" Munroe was carried
off with what looked like a serious knee injury after 13 mins. replaced
by Barwood. Then Danny Hill sent in a superb through ball, and got on
its return to fire wide. Seamus Kelly dived full length to save from
Casey and had a great game, his kicking is seriously good! On 20 mins.
Jarman was booked for clattering the ginner Jack Newhouse and did the
same five minutes later but got away with it! Perhaps he spilled his
pint! Just before half time, Dai was put clear by Earnie but fired over
in to the empty Canton stand.

Half time 0-0

With the rain still hammering down, the teams troop out to not a sound,
and Earnie puts the ball into the net at the Grange end only to be ruled
offside which was patently wrong as the ball ricocheted back off a Swans player.
Two minutes later, Dai blazes over from 5 yards as City gain the upper
hand. A good low corner from Cadette was struck low and hard by
Eckhardt and produced a good save from the Swans keeper. Then on 65
minutes, on comes Bizzy Stoker for his first game since the clump of
grass at UWIC tore his leg to bits in March. After five minutes of
headless chicken impersonation, he slots a ball through for Dai who
earns an extra cream bun for tea by hammering in his debut goal (?)
Bizzy was so busy and frenetic that he hammered into the ref at one
point and Jimmy Goodfellow had to come on and adminster treatment!
Newhouse was given too much room on the edge of the area and Kelly made
a brilliant one-handed save, seconds after Earnie had taken on the whole
Swans defence but was a tad greedy at the end of his run (first Earnie
criticism ever??) Then came Bizzy's nemesis: involved in everything, he
scuttled to a ball in front of the dugouts and sent a suicidal 40 yd
back pass to Kelly that was never going to reach, a Swans player got hold of it
and although Seamus did great to drive him wide, he slotted it in to
square the game. Dai had a great run late on, but Earnie was put
through to no avail.
Men of the Match: Kelly & Eckhardt
Could do better: Jarman, Philips & Cadette.
Reporter would like to remain anonymous. (Does not want to be classed an anorak).

Monday 14th December 1998

Dates unknown.
Cardiff's fixture away at Rotherham on Jan 2nd has been postponed because Cardiff are in FA Cup action against Yeovil. No date has been arranged yet for the fixture.

Also unplanned are the two FAW games against Rhyl. Dates, times etc, when I have them.

Sunday 13th December 1998

Ipswich have eye on Delaney.
Ipswich are reported to be closing in on Cardiff right wing back Mark Delaney. Ipswich have money available ater selling Tarricco for 1.7m to Spurs. It's possible the deal could be the biggest transfer in Cardiff's history. Delaney only joined Cardiff last summer from the League of Wales. He has though been a brilliant asset. Frank Burrow's has resigned himself to losing Delaney saying he could not stand in his way. Wales on Sunday say that Cardiff could command 500K including appearances and spin offs. I would say that in these days if these teams are interested they should have to pay at least 500K cash plus sell on clauses etc. Cardiff have sold players too cheaply in the past.

Saturday 12th December 1998

SCUNTHORPE 0 - 2 CARDIFF CITY. Match report.

The result today must be classed as probably the best of the season. At start of play Scunthorpe were only 4 pts behind us and they are a definate promotion contender. Come 5.45pm this afternoon they are trailing 7 points behind us as we soar. Cardiff played the same XI as last Saturday and the previous 4 games before that, there was an early change though as Jason Fowler had to come off after 30 mins. He was replaced by Danny Hill.

The goals both came from John Williams, his first was scrambled in at the end of the first half and he added his and Cardiff's second on 54 mins. Other results went our way and we are now 3 points clear of Mansfield. Mansfield were top overnight on goal difference after winning last night. Halifax were beaten today so we are now in the clear. Next Saturday we play second placed Mansfield. Last season we beat them 4 - 1 in Frank Burrows' first match in charge. How we would wish for that next week.

Congratulations must go to Frank, Billy Ayre and the players. We've been waiting for this for years. Lets make the most of it.

ps, and of course we have a third round FA Cup tie against non league opposition to come.

Friday 11th December 1998

Scunthorpe preview.
Cardiff travel to Scunthorpe tomorrow hoping for a win that will keep them at the top of the table. It will be no easy task against the Irons who are 6th in the table and only four points behind Cardiff. City have a full strength squad to choose from and I would expect us to return to the same starting line up we fielded last Saturday and the previous four games before that. I don't think any of the fringe players who played on Wednesday at Millwall did enough to claim a starting place. City (probable) Hallworth, Delaney, Young, Mitchell, Ford, O'Sullivan, Carpenter, Fowler, Middleton, Nugent, Williams. The subs will be selected from Dai Thomas, Chris Roberts, Mark Bonner, Chris Allen, Jeff Eckhardt, Lee Jarman, Lee Phillips Nathan Cadette and Rob Earnshaw.

Scunthorpe view of Cardiff City.
Next at Glanford park we welcome sleeping Welsh giants Cardiff
City. It is quite amazing looking at the history of the Bluebird's and
shows what potential they have. Their crowning glory must be
their FA Cup Victory in 1927 but they had also been runners up in
the competition two years previously. They have also lifted the F.A
Charity Shield, which came in the same season as the FA Cup
victory. Their league titles also amount up, they were Division 1
and 2 runners up on several occasions, They have also been
crowned division three champions. Cardiff have also played in
Europe a number of times with the pinnacle coming in 1968 when
they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners Cup.
However in recent years times have not been so good. Many fans
have been disgruntled by the lack of ambition of the board and the
poor performances of the team. Last season they were jokingly
known as Cardiff Nil, mainly because they struggled to find the
back of the net. They didn't lose though, this fact being backed up
by the record 27 draws they partook in. Their attempt to bolster
their attack resulted in the big money purchase (under the nose of
United) of Veteran Striker Andy Saville. However this didn't pay off
and he was on his way this season. Cardiff's fortunes have turned
and are now flying high in Division Three. They have been the
stealth team, because they have come from nowhere. Their start
to the season was nothing special, but the Ninian park outfit have
gathered momentum and at going to press were sitting top of the
league. Leading their line is the ex Plymouth striker Kevin Nugent.
He has been on the mark for the welsh team a number of times this
season and is a certainty to cause our defense a few headaches.
The have currently the best defensive record in the division, so
chances will be at a premium, it is going to be a very difficult test
for the Iron and should really show us how good we are.

Thursday 10th December 1998

Andy Legg deal on or off?
Radio Wales today said that Frank Burrows has dropped his interest in Andy Legg, the Echo then go and say thats talks have gone well and Burrows is still keen on the Reading left winger. I have now given up on speculation and will only report again on this matter if either we sign him or he goes to somebody else.

Wednesday 9th December 1998

Autowindscreen Shield Rd 1.
MILLWALL 2 - 0 CARDIFF CITY. Match report.

City exited the Autowindscreen Cup at the first hurdle tonight. Two goals in two minutes were enough to see Millwall through. The first came from City old boy Paul Shaw on 26 minutes. Harris then extended the lead on 28 minutes. When all else fails fall back on the line "at least now we can concentrate on the League".

Millwall preview.
Cardiff travel to The New Den tonight to take on second division Millwall. This competition has fond memories for Frank Burrows as he took Swansea to the Trophy in 1994. Personally I hope Cardiff City are taking this competition seriously, any chance to get to Wembley is welcome and at the moment the team is on such a roll I cannot get enough of it. City will probably give starts to Chris Allen, Danny Hill and Dai Thomas, all three were on the bench last Saturday and should hopefully be up for it. Last night Swansea and Wrexham progressed into round 2 of the competition. Lets hope Cardiff can as well and make it a memorable week for Cup football in Wales after all three sides entered the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

There will be a chat session during the game tonight with updates on the match. All are welcome.

Tuesday 8th December 1998

Yeovil game is NOT all ticket.
The FA Cup third round tie against Yeovil will be pay at the gate for Cardiff fans. Cardiff have allocated 2,500 tickets to Yeovil. They will cost the away supporters £8.00 (£4.00) for standing  and £10.00 (£6.00) for seats. The figure in brackets is for consessions.

Andy Legg to decide his future.
Andy Legg was due in Cardiff today to finalise a possible move to Ninian Park. Ex Welsh international Legg is having talks with Cardiff along with Northampton and Lincoln City. He has been on loan with Peterboro who wanted to keep him but could not match his personal terms. Legg wants the matter sorted quickly and has said he will make his decision tomorrow (Wed 9/12/98). Legg is currently with Reading but is not wanted by Tommy Burns, he is available on a free transfer. Legg's other previous clubs have been Swansea, Notts County, Birmingham and Ipswich. It has also been mentioned that Cardiff are still interested in Jason Bowen. Bowen is also out of favour at Reading.

Monday 7th December 1998

Andy Legg saga next part.
I have reported several times about Andy Legg joining Cardiff City. ITV teletext today says that the ex Swansea left winger could be a Bluebird by Wednesday. I believe that the deal is almost done. We will see. Legg is 32? I am not an ageist and like any other player if he does come I will support him fully. I just think he may be a second rate Matt Brazier. I hope I am wrong.

Cardiff are Welsh favourites with the bookies.
Cardiff City have the most favourable odds for the 3 Welsh teams left in the FA Cup. City are rated as 500-1 chances, Wrexham are 600-1 and Swansea 800-1. Worth a £1 bet surely?

Sunday 6th December 1998

FA Cup Round 3 draw.
CARDIFF CITY v YEOVIL.

Cardiff must fancy their chances with a home tie against non league opposition. Yeovil knocked out Northampton yesterday and they have City old boy Carl Dale in their squad. Ties to be played w/e of 2nd January.

Sheff Wed v Norwich City
Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Sheff Utd v Notts County or Wigan
Southampton v Fulham
Tranmere v Ipswich
Swindon v Barnsley
Blackburn v Charlton
Notts Forest v Portsmouth
Bournemouth v West Brom
Wycombe or Plymouth v Derby
Leicester v Birmingham City
QPR v Huddersfield
Spurs v Watford
Doncaster or Rushden & Diamonds v Leeds
Oldham or Brentford v Chelsea
Southport v Kingstonian or Leyton Orient
Port Vale v Liverpool
Wimbledon v Darlington or Manchester City
Newcastle v Crystal Palace
Bradford City v Grimsby Town
Bristol City v Everton
Crewe v Oxford
Bolton v Wolves
Preston v Arsenal
Coventry v Macclesfield
Rochdale or Rotherham v Exeter or Bristol Rovers
West Ham v Swansea
Wrexham v Scunthorpe
Aston Villa v Hull City
Bury v Stockport
Lincoln v Sunderland
Cardiff City v Yeovil

Saturday 5th December 1998

FA Cup Round 2.
CARDIFF CITY 3 - 1 HEDNESFORD TOWN. Match report.

Cardiff easily overcame plucky Hednesford in this afternoon's second round FA Cup tie. City had hit the post twice and peppered the Hednesford goal before Craig Middleton slotted the ball home on 45 mins. Hednesford had defended well enough to go in at half time 0 - 0 but Middleton's finish knocked the stuffing out of them. The second half was an entertaining cup game with both sides threatening. Cardiff put their chances away with goals from Jason Fowler and John Williams. Hednesford were denied by several fantastic saves from Jon Hallworth, they eventually got a consolation on 87 minutes. By then it was too late. Hednesford must thank their keeper who kept the score down in the second half, Cardiff failed to score from 3 one on one chances. Now its round three and we wait with baited breath for a draw against one of the big teams from the Premiership.

CARDIFF CITY youth 3 - 1 SWINDON youth.
The youth bounced back from last weeks 3 - 2 reverse at Swindon. The following report is by Peter Hurley.
A fairly entertaining game played on a somewhat difficult surface. Swindon
started the brighter and had the city defence streched early on. The game
became more even as city took control of the midfield. Mid way thrrough the
first half the city were awarded a free kick about 30 m out , after much
signalling .eg raising both arms and bouncing the ball several times the ball
was whipped into the box a towering header from one of the 3 centres gave the
Swindon keeper no chance. Sorry didnt get the scorresr number. The goal seemed to give the city more confidence and could possible have increased the lead a number of times before they were awarded a penalty no arguments a clear handball. The spot kick was dispatched easily and the city went in 2 up at
half time. The 2nd half was more Swindons as they pushed to get back into the
game they got a very well worked gaol after about 20 mins of the 2nd half. The
city were put under pressure and this was made worse when the center half
skully was sent off. He couldnt argue first he was booked for moaning at the
ref then he appeared to flatten someone of the ball the linesman saw it and
the ref duelly sent him off. The city battled hard with 10 men and got a
third goal on the break this was only a few minuetes from the end the game was
as good as over.
There were a few players worthy of note the 2 boys up front worked
tirlessly that was higginson and someone called gazza. The boy in midfield
they called Sticks is a dead ringer for Fowler looks a good one for the future
the other lads in midfield looked usefull. The defence were solid and the 3
center half played well only skullly ruined it by being sent off. Youth team
coach Colin Pascoe seemed fairly happy but was unimpressed with skullys
stupidity in getting sent off.

Friday 4th December 1998

Beware Hednesford.
I could go on with all the cliches that John Motson has used over the last 30 years but I won't. We are sensible enough to realise the threat a non league team can offer to a league team, especially one who is at the top of their league. Hednesford will be physical and thump the ball forward and hope for the best, we must remember Swansea and how that approach cost us 3 points in the second half at the Vetch. Cardiff must be aware, and the prospect of a big third tie is ours. City will probably start with the same XI as the last 4 games. Chris Allen is cup tied and Kevin (Mailing list hero) Nugent should recover after a toe injury. Maybe the bench will include Dai Thomas, Christian Roberts and Jeff Eckhardt. Hopefully we shall be in the hat with the big boys.

Celtic looking at City defenders.
Reports today say that Scottish Premier League champions Glasgow Celtic are closely watching Mark Delaney and Scott Young. Delaney has made a massive impact on the league after joing Cardiff last summer from Carmarthen and Scott Young is a Welsh U21 international.

Tuesday 1st December 1998

CARLISLE UTD 0 - 1 CARDIFF CITY. Match report.

CARDIFF CITY GO TOP OF DIVISION 3.
A second half penalty from Kevin Nugent was enough to put Cardiff top of Division 3. City used their game in hand to good effect in a tough battle at Brunton Park. This is what we've been looking for, hats off to Frank Burrows and the boys, well done to Kevin Nugent, remember he is sponsored by the mailing List. He's our man.

Andy Legg linked to Bluebirds.
Oxford Utd's Andy Legg has again been linked with Cardiff City. Legg currently on loan at Peterboro is not happy with the arrangements and Clubcall say that he is linked to Cardiff. Legg is a left winger with an incredibly long throw. We've heard this before. Let's wait and see.

Swindon youth 3 - 2 Cardiff youth
The youth team lost their first league match last Saturday away at Swindon. It was 0 - 0 at half time but then Swindon scored 3 goals. City hit back with goals from Lee Skelly and Phil Kelly but could not salvage a point.
Their next match is against Swindon again, this time at home at Treforest. Kick off 11:00am Saturday 5th December.