Four goals, two sent off, a penalty, controversial moments - dramatic would be an understatement of the first South Wales league derby for 9 years and first at this level for almost quarter of a century.
From the debris of this explosive encounter, Cardiff City emerged with a 2-2 but will be kicking themselves after skipper Steve McPhail got himself needlessly sent off at the Liberty Stadium for the second time this season when City were leading 2-1 and in complete control. It cost Cardiff 2 points and nearly all 3 as they hung on desparately for their draw.
City made a change in midfield with Gavin Rae dropped as Dave Jones at last looked at his under-performing central midfield, Joe Ledley was drafted in with his fingers in a cast. Paul Parry and Riccy Scimeca were on the bench but club captain Darren Purse found himself out of the 16 altogether with some speculation that he has fallen out with the gaffer for words in private as well as those expressed on his personal website.
Cardiff fell behind on 19 minutes, moments after Chops missed a cracking chance and in controversial style as Jason Scotland, clearly offside, was allowed to square a ball for PRATLEY to place home and celebrate with the swim away style.
However back came Cardiff and levelled on half-time with a screamer from JOE LEDLEY, a minute after he missed a far easier chance, it was no more than City deserved.
Boiling point came within 5 minutes of the restart as Chops won a dubious penalty - that cancelled the offisde Swans goal - which McCORMACK coolly despatched. City were now bossing the game until McPhail stupidly kicked the ball away after already having a yellow card leaving City with 10 men.
When Swansea equalised on the hour, PINTADO superbly converting a corner kick, I feared the worst but City held out despite Swansea having 80% possession and thanks to two superb saves from Enkleman.
Cardiff remain 7th, Swansea 8th, McPhail will face the wrath of City fans. Gutted though I am, that was a cracker-JACK of a derby that had just about everything.
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