Report by NigelBlues.
Cardiff City (2) 4 Hartlepool (0) 1
O' Sullivan 4 mins Clark 70 mins
Nugent 12 mins
Eckhardt 66 mins
Middleton 68 mins
Crowd: 7,766
Hartlepool fans: 60-70
Pitch: Superb as ever
Weather: Dry, sunny but very cold |
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Hallworth Delaney O'Sullivan
Mitchell Eckhardt Ford © Middleton Carpenter Hill
Nugent Williams
Subs: Thomas Legg Fowler
Legg replaced Hill 72 mins
If Big Daddy the wrestler was at Ninian today (and still alive), he would
surely have started chants of "easy, easy, easy, easy" as City enjoyed their
easiest win of the season. The game was virtually over as a contest within 12
minutes as, despite Cardiff losing their way for half of the game after this
blistering start, City powered their way to 4 goals, all scored by different
players, and could have scored at least 6.
All goals scored were high quality as City, who won an award before the game
for the highest Nationwide League scorers during December, indicated they may
try to keep the title (if only Swansea knew how to defend against poor, West
Country teams, that is!)
It has to be starnge that many fans felt the attendance was disappointing. The
official crowd was 7,766 and is probably in the top 10 best crowds for
Division 3 games this season. Regulars felt the attendance was 8,500+
especially as the Bob Bank and Family Enclosures were near full and the
Grandstand was 3/5 full (the empty areas being where the sparse Hartlepool
fans were sectioned and the "no man's land" between home and away fans). The
Grange End looked 1/3 full whilst the Canton Stand turn out was disappointing
but overall, 7,766 suggests the ground was little over half-full in terms of
its current capacity. It didn't appear that way.
Team wise, there were few surprises. Andy Legg remained as substitute despite
hints that he would have a full start. Wayne O'Sullivan's form has been far
too good to merit being dropped. Craig "nice, new shorter haircut but girly
bob at the back" Middleton replaced Jason Fowler who has suffered with flu and
hardly trained all week and had to sit on the bench.
I made an ironic comment at the start when I noticed Craig Middleton warming
up with shooting practise against Jon Hallworth. He always looks so
impressive shooting from outside the area during these moments that I said,
"why doesn't he do it more during matches?".
Any thoughts that Hartlepool, with Peter Beardsley included, may be an awkward
proposition were forgotten as City went full throttle from kick-off and were 2
ahead within 12 minutes.
The first effort was from Peter Beardsley from 30 yards but it presented no
problem. From Hallworth's goal-kick, City made it one-nil with Beardsley again
involved in the action. This time, his header was intercepted by Danny Hill
who showed his true class by surging forward from the halfway line, slipping a
couple of tackles and then hitting a beautiful pass to Kevin Nugent. Nugent,
outstanding touches of real quality all afternoon, then passed the ball into
the middle of the area where Wayne O'Sullivan moved in undetected and swept a
powerful, low shot into the net.
It did appear that the shot could/should have been saved but who cares?
Certainly not O'Sullivan, who celebrated wildly in front of the Grange End and
deserves a goal for his efforts in recent months. It was a quality move.
Within a minute, City and O'Sullivan were in a whisker of making it 2-0. Mark
Delaney who had a quieter game this afternoon but he rarely need to up his
tempo, had one of his runs. His cross found Middleton and then John Williams
who passed to O'Sullivan but his shot was well saved for a fruitless corner.
The game developed a look of men against boys as Hartlepool could not get out
of their half despite Beardsley showing his undoubted class trying to bring
their players forward and into the match with intelligent play and passes.
However Jeff Eckhardt was shackling him superbly. Wayne O'Sullivan also
frequently nipped the ball away from him and set City going forward again.
Before City made it two-nil, there was nearly a bizarre goal as panic play saw
an attempted clearance by Hartlepool's keeper strike Kevin Nugent. He must
have been relieved to saw the ball bounce wide.
The second goal arrived after Beardsley fouled O'Sullivan near the half-way
line. He must have fouled more today than his whole career and was very
fortunate not to have at least a booking. Many fans thought only his name and
reputation that saved him.
The free-kick was hit forward flicked on by Nugent's head to John Williams and
he returned a pass to Nugent now showing why he is the best line leader in
Division 3 (in my opinion). He received the ball with his back to goal,
turned, flicked the ball past a defender, stayed up despite an attempt to
bring him down and powered the ball across goal from 20 yards into the
opposite corner. A superb strike for Nugent's 5th goal in 5 games (or 7 in
his past 10 matches). Where are those now who said that the man couldn't or
wouldn't score for City?
It was already a matter of how many City would score. The lead was nearly
extended with efforts by Middleton and then John Williams. Hartlepool were
outclassed and unable to compete or live with City. They appeared to accept
their fate when they substituted their striker after just 15 minutes for a
defensive midfielder. City however over-relaxed and it took a long time to
get back into top gear.
Hartlepool had chances as Hallworth produced 2 good saves but their best
opportunity mistake fell to Peter Beardsley who advanced to the edge of the
area, clear and central. However his effort form 20 yards was only a danger to
anyone holding coffee and which caused mass merriment. He should have hit the
target. Chants of "Quasi, Quasi", "You're not famous anymore" and one
punter
who just kept shouting "The Bells, The Bells" "rung" out. Beardsley
took it
well, giving Canton Standers a thumbs up before turning his back on us and
then blocking out the sun as a result!
City's only other real chance of the first half was more opportunism from
Kevin Nugent. Again, receiving the ball with his back to goal, he turned and
shot from 25 yards. It produced a wonderful, flying save from the Hartlepool
keeper.
The other moment of mention and mirth was Hartlepool's big no 9 attempt to
become a North Eastern astronaut. From a cross he ran in but decided to play
for a penalty. He jumped into the air shouting "aaaaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhh"
and literally flew past Eckardt,Mitchell and co to be lying on his own near
City's goal-line. This man should pack in professional football immediately
and start training for the long or triple jump. He must have a good chance
for a medal at that. He ran after the ref in a vain penalty appeal but was
waved away. He was last seen flying over Iraq in a surveillance mission
(allegedly).
City were cheered off but the game had gone flat and at times, it appeared
little more than a glorified training session as City, even in a low gear, did
not appear in any danger whatsoever.
Half-time City 2 Hartlepool 0
If City fans weren't already happy
enough at the prospect of staying at the
TOP OF THE LEAGUE, the cheering when the half-times were announced of The Jacks losing 2-0
at Exeter (everyone), Brentford losing at Mansfield (everyone), on-loan Mark Bonner
scoring for Hull (most), multi-million pound Bristol City still not leading a match (me
and a couple of others) all helped pass the time quickly and City were roared back out for
the second half. Fans were hoping they would raise their tempo again. Instead, the game
remained quiet with City comfortable at the back and not pushing forward often enough or
in sufficient numbers. |
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The players who stood out were
Wayne O'Sullivan (an immense game again even if he has to check inside every time on the
left and I am pleased he scored. He
won sponsors man of the match quite rightly.), Nugent (a star player), Richard
Carpenter (sorely missed against Yeovil and his return today makes you realise what an
excellent and important player he is), Danny Hill (way too good for Division 3, cannot
believe Oxford hardly played him) and Jeff Eckhardt (only slightly behind O'Sullivan as he
gave 200% again all afternoon).
Hartlepool had 2 decent players. Their no 3, Clark, who must be rated. He
seemed to be allowed a free role and although he is a total left-footer, he
was everywhere on the pitch and was one of the best opponents I have seen all
season. When City are still short on the left side, Frankie must have noted
his name. Also the evergreen Beardsley. Nowhere near the player he was but
you have to appreciate his skills. In fact, he could do a job for City, no
doubt and would be a real star in our current side.
Hartlepool wasted a couple of rare chances before City at last decided to put
their foot back on the pedal and scored 2 goals in 2 minutes midway through
the second half.
The first of these was from a free-kick towards the touchline, 20 yards out,
near the Family Enclosure. Danny Hill, looked up and hit a superb free kick.
It went to the far post but curled and dipped en route and found Jeff Eckhardt
who could not be stopped as he charged in and headed the ball powerfully back
across goal and inside the opposite post. Great free kick, great header. WE
ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE echoed everywhere apart from a small pocket of
Hartlepool fans (obviously).
Two minutes later, City scored their 4th quality goal. This time, Richard
Carpenter gained possession in City's half and threaded the pull through the
middle. It found Craig Middleton bursting through with hardly a defender in
sight. Middleton, his hair bobbing wonderfully behind him, kept his calm and
advanced. Hartlepool defenders were closing in but, using his pre-match
shooting practise to perfection (now you know why I mentioned that at the
start!) , he fiercely fired the ball low and into the corner of the net to
give Hartlepool's keeper no chance at all with his despairing dive.
Just when it appeared City were ready to blitz Hartlepool again and rack up a
couple more goals, they countered with the best goal of the match. Clark, the
ginger left footed no 3, won the ball near the manager dug-outs on the right-
hand side! He advanced, shook off a couple of tackles and when he got near
City's area, he pushed the ball across the pitch and fired a hard left-footed
effort into the net from 25 yards. It was still curling and rising as it went
in. It must be the first time in ages that the whole ground applauded an away
goal but it was genuine quality even if the defending was questionable.
The final stages were quiet. Legg came on but did not look so impressive in
his brief show today. As injury time approached, Kevin Nugent should have
made it 5-1 when he met a high, curling cross from John Williams on 6 yards.
He met it powerfully but it flew over the bar and his mouthed words of
frustration are not repeatable here.
AND THAT WAS IT.
3 more points, an extended lead at the top, shiny, happy people everywhere
(shiny, happy people everywhere) and WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE AND WE ARE STAYING THERE!
Report from Matchfacts
MATCHfacts - Datafile
Saturday January 9 -
Division 3 Attendance: 7,766 |
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Cardiff (2) 4 - Hartlepool (0) 1
Strikes each side of the interval brought home the bacon for the table
topping Bluebirds as they made hay while their title rivals dismantled each
other. The clash was over as a contest after Wayne O'Sullivan and Kevin
Nugent had powered home. Cardiff scored two more inside a 60 second spell
as Eckhardt and Craig Middleton netted. Clarke's 70th minute strike was a
mere consolation for Hartlepool
GOALS
1-0 Cardiff 4 mins O'Sullivan
midfielder Danny Hill skated around Miller and McGuckin giving Wayne
O'Sullivan the chance to sweep home a right-footer from 12 yards
2-0 Cardiff 12 mins Nugent
controlling the ball some 20 yards out, former Plymouth target man Nugent
had time to set himself before blasting a left foot cracker past Simon
Miotto
3-0 Cardiff 67 mins Eckhardt
Hill's precise left-side free-kick found the loitering Jeff Eckhardt who
powered home a header at the left post
4-0 Cardiff 68 mins Middleton
Richard Carpenter's rapier-like pass ripped 'Pool open and midfielder
Middleton's 18-yard right foot finish was unstoppable
4-1 Hartlepool 70 mins Clark
Hartlepool's left wing-back Ian Clarke netted a consolation goal for the
visitor's when his left foot drive ripped past John Hallworth 20 minutes
from time
MATCH RATING
TEAMS and player ratings
MATCHfacts Rating
* MATCHfacts Star Rating
Cardiff
Hallworth 7
Delaney 7
Ford 7
Mitchell 7
Eckhardt 8
Carpenter 8
Hill 7 sub 75 mins by Legg -no rating-
O'Sullivan 9*
Williams 7
Nugent 8
Middleton 8
Subs not used: Thomas Fowler
Hartlepool
Miotto 6
Knowles 6 sub 66 mins by Midgley 6
Clark 7
Barron 6
McGuckin 6
Ingram 6
Beardsley 7
Miller 7
Howard 8*
Di Lella 6 sub 19 mins by Hutt 6
Stephenson 7
Subs not used: Brightwell
Referee R. Styles (Waterlooville) (Rating 7)
Yellow Cards
Cardiff Eckhardt 63 mins (foul)
Hartlepool Barron 29 mins (foul); Howard 81 mins (foul)
Shots On Target: Cardiff 9, Hartlepool 4
Corners: Cardiff 3, Hartlepool 5 |
