Friendly: MERTHYR 0 CARDIFF CITY 3 - triallists impress

Photo: Courtesy of Mike Morris of CardiffCity.com

In a training exercise come match all in the cause of helping Merthyr in a critical state with their survival at stake, Cardiff City agreed to a run out at Penydarren Park and came away with a comfortable 3-0 win, all the goals coming in the first half when first team squad members and triallists played.


The triallists were Czech striker Daniel Kolar (as reported on this blog yesterday) but also Scottish attacking defender Stephen Smith, a Rangers man and close friend of Chris Burke who has suffered injury troubles and is likely to need a new club this summer.


A reasonable crowd attended and bucket collections were also taken but one of the main income earners at Penydarren when Cardiff are in town, its Strikers Club bar, was closed on police advice. How very helpful.



With a number of players away on international duty, some rested and others being treated, Dave Jones sent a strong side to The Valleys which also featured Dimi The Drop, Whitts, Comminges, Darren Purse, Capaldi, Quincy, Burke, Scimeca and McPhail.


The goals were netted by Peter Whittingham, Chris Burke and Kolar but the 2nd period lost all interest as change after change was made by City and numerous Academy players were given a run out.


City fans were impressed by both triallists, Smith said to be up and down the pitch and sending over some first rate crosses while Kolar looked fast and sharp. Quincy, despite his goal, again did not match the sparkle City badly hope he can provide.