Click the below link for various shots of tonight's encounter.
200801_Cardiff City 0 Ajax 0
(Apologies for poor quality of some but it was pouring down and affected the lens ... that's my excuse anyway!)
If above link doesn't work, copy/paste the following into your browser.
http://s337.photobucket.com/albums/n379/NigelBlues/200801_Cardiff%20City%200%20%20Ajax%200/?albumview=slideshow
Showing posts with label AJAX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AJAX. Show all posts
Friday, August 01, 2008
Report: CARDIFF CITY 0 AJAX 0
The Mighty Mighty Cardiff City ended their first team pre-season friendlies unbeaten in 7 games signing off with an encouraging and comfortable 0-0 home draw with Dutch Masters Ajax managed by Marco Van Basten to land their second piece of silverware with the Vans Direct Trophy joining the Algarve Cup at the bottom of the trophy cabinet
City and Ajax are supposed to share the trophy - Ajax must have thought "Vans Direct" was an unknown Dutch player! - but I think you can safely say they didn't leave Ninian Park with the trophy and won't be in touch with Cardiff City for their share of it either.
Getting into Cardiff, it was a lovely evening with temperatures around 70 degrees but the first shock of several came when we popped to Ninian Park early to buy tickets and found all the Grandstand (upper and lower) were sold other than restricted views. All match tickets were £10 so we decided to opt for the Bob Bank terrace as it's the final season we can do that.
Shock number 2 came when we were there and rumours were circulating that Jay Bothroyd had signed and was at the ground. He hasn't yet but he was sat next to Peter Ridsdale. Hopefully he's not our main man - maybe a useful squad addition - but he won't get us many goals and, as this game proved, we need more menace up front.
Another shock (number 3) came when drinking in Canton, those hazy skies turned to heavy grey and then a winter-like downpour. Not good when all I've got on is a short sleeved shirt ... but I accessorised myself with a Tesco carrier bag over the head which made little difference as I was soaked through long before reaching the ground.
The fourth shock came as we headed back up Sloper Road and saw literally hundreds walking away from the ground either turned away with no more seating available (yet they kept the Bob Bank seating shut!) or they were punters who just couldn't be arsed getting soaked in queues to the ticket office which snaked outside the stadium and this while the game was already underway. Not a great way to start any season.
The fifth shock was seeing City's new kit. The club made a real fuss about Ambassador's choosing the final season's kit for Ninian Park and its badge in various competitions. So, to nobody's surprise, fans voted in droves for the classic late 70's shirt with the vertical parallel yellow and white stripes on the chest which the official website acknowledged. So why did they then ignore what the fans wanted and sent City out in a bastardised version which looked more like the Gilesports shirt from a few years ago with stripes on the shoulders and a yellow/white panel added on the kit's side. Worse than that, the shirts aren't even Cardiff City Blue ... they're dark blue of the type Sam Hammam once wanted and more like his old Wimbledon colours. The club only just had the shirts in time to put players squad numbers, but not their names, on them and they won't be on sale to fans until after the season has started anyway ... I got a funny feeling I won't bother with it.
As for the game, City put out what it likely to be the side to face Southampton in the league opener next weekend, notwithstanding injuries and any late signings. In goals, Tom Heaton has clearly won the nod ahead of the increasingly error strewn Peter Enckleman. Mark Kennedy deputised for Capaldi while he recuperates from minor cartilage surgery and the front two were the Scots duo of Thommo and McCormack. The side were therefore Heaton, McNaughton-Loovens-Johnson-Kennedy, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, Thompson-McCormack.
Managed by Van Basten coached by Dennis Bergkamp and with a leading Ajax player (Dennis Rommedahl) promising that technical prowess would be too much for Cardiff City, I think it took them all 5 minutes to realise that while City are a strong unit and a force ... if only we had more presence up front.
While the club will get some stick, did anyone really expect such a big crowd? Pre -season games usually get 5-6,000 crowds, the much hyped debut of Robbie Fowler only pulled in 8,500 last year so it was some sight to see the Canton Stand, Grandstand and Grange End (City side) packed. Common sense prevailed when the Bob Bank seating opened, some spilling over from the Grange End and I could literally wring my shirt out. The crowd was later officially announced as 11,402.
The football on display was pleasing on the eye and City were more than matching their counter-parts, frequently earning applause for some delightful touches and movement plus commitment to win a few big tackles, there was a good atmosphere in the ground even if goalmouth action was sparse.
A close first half saw City marginally having the better of things and encouraging the home support throughout but chances were at an absolute premium. There were just three as McCormack almost forced his way through, Peter Whittingham missed connecting with a superb McPhail ball over the Dutch defence by a whisker and Thommo went close with a shot on the turn that narrowly cleared the bar. Ajax however could point out that Tom Heaton made one superb save from Rommedahl given a free 25 yard hit on goal as Loovens stuck out a leg and diverted a ball into his path while they somehow missed a free header at the back post, nodding wide when it was easier to score. Heaton also showed lightning reflexes getting down smartly to block one shot when it didn't matter as offside had already been blown.
The only other first half incident of note was the Ajax fans - about 200 only - try to run to the Lower Grandstand, even climbing over seats but they soon turned tail when police and stewards met them. Later in the 2nd half, they did this several more times, running for the exits, the front of the stand and towards City fans in the Grange End as some sort of gesture but turning and running back twice as fast as they charged forward when challenged by police!
Half-time: City 0 Ajax 0
The 2nd period started with Darren Purse replacing Glenn Loovens who was either sold during the interval or drained from two weeks of transfer rumours which got nowhere. Purse also took the Captain's armband off McPhail but, surely, McPhail should keep it if he starts the game as skipper and is still on the pitch?
However this was now a game, entertaining though it was, with 0-0 written all over it and which gave us 90 minutes that summed up Cardiff City at present. A very solid team, well organised and disciplined, some quality and flair but just not enough bite and magic up front to get us over the finish line. It should have convinced Dave Jones that he needs to magnify his efforts to bring a good striker here and fast please ... and please don't tell me Bothroyd is that man!
City tried to change things with Parry replacing Thommo but for all our efforts, we never gave the Ajax keeper a single save to make although McCormack should have done better when he brilliantly turned to get behind the Dutch defence but blazed over from an angle.
The game had drifted so I guess we were grateful for the sideshow entertainment of one of the worst pieces of streaking ever - a City fan who ran on the pitch fully clothed then tried to undress. He dropped his trousers and pants, baring his arse to the Bob Bank until he saw stewards run towards him. Trying to get away, he fell over his trousers which were around his ankles ... and then seem to be trying to continue stripping as the stewards piled on him. All the while, the game was continuing elsewhere on the pitch. By my reckoning, there were at least half a dozen stewards and they were soon joined by 8 or more coppers - 14 people minimum to tackle one streaker!?!? The police did look heavy-handed but the would-be streaker was hauled away to an ovation.
Ajax has some late efforts but all were fired narrowly wide while Heaton nearly messed up with an awkward bouncing ball but we never looked like winning, we never looked like losing which included our final attacking action as a corner was almost turned on goal while McNaughton tried to repeat his Hereford F.A. Cup wonder goal with the game's last kick but was nearer the corner flag.
Overall, we look no better and no worse than last season. Crucially, we haven't yet added that attacking edge and quality that could make the difference between us being also-rans again or a side who can really push on. On the other hand, City should be pleased with their work in only conceding 4 goals pre-season and none to Celtic or Ajax in our key games. There's something to be built on but unless City get in a goals man, we may just have to watch these tight games with no or few goals as the 'norm'.
City and Ajax are supposed to share the trophy - Ajax must have thought "Vans Direct" was an unknown Dutch player! - but I think you can safely say they didn't leave Ninian Park with the trophy and won't be in touch with Cardiff City for their share of it either.
Getting into Cardiff, it was a lovely evening with temperatures around 70 degrees but the first shock of several came when we popped to Ninian Park early to buy tickets and found all the Grandstand (upper and lower) were sold other than restricted views. All match tickets were £10 so we decided to opt for the Bob Bank terrace as it's the final season we can do that.
Shock number 2 came when we were there and rumours were circulating that Jay Bothroyd had signed and was at the ground. He hasn't yet but he was sat next to Peter Ridsdale. Hopefully he's not our main man - maybe a useful squad addition - but he won't get us many goals and, as this game proved, we need more menace up front.
Another shock (number 3) came when drinking in Canton, those hazy skies turned to heavy grey and then a winter-like downpour. Not good when all I've got on is a short sleeved shirt ... but I accessorised myself with a Tesco carrier bag over the head which made little difference as I was soaked through long before reaching the ground.
The fourth shock came as we headed back up Sloper Road and saw literally hundreds walking away from the ground either turned away with no more seating available (yet they kept the Bob Bank seating shut!) or they were punters who just couldn't be arsed getting soaked in queues to the ticket office which snaked outside the stadium and this while the game was already underway. Not a great way to start any season.
The fifth shock was seeing City's new kit. The club made a real fuss about Ambassador's choosing the final season's kit for Ninian Park and its badge in various competitions. So, to nobody's surprise, fans voted in droves for the classic late 70's shirt with the vertical parallel yellow and white stripes on the chest which the official website acknowledged. So why did they then ignore what the fans wanted and sent City out in a bastardised version which looked more like the Gilesports shirt from a few years ago with stripes on the shoulders and a yellow/white panel added on the kit's side. Worse than that, the shirts aren't even Cardiff City Blue ... they're dark blue of the type Sam Hammam once wanted and more like his old Wimbledon colours. The club only just had the shirts in time to put players squad numbers, but not their names, on them and they won't be on sale to fans until after the season has started anyway ... I got a funny feeling I won't bother with it.
As for the game, City put out what it likely to be the side to face Southampton in the league opener next weekend, notwithstanding injuries and any late signings. In goals, Tom Heaton has clearly won the nod ahead of the increasingly error strewn Peter Enckleman. Mark Kennedy deputised for Capaldi while he recuperates from minor cartilage surgery and the front two were the Scots duo of Thommo and McCormack. The side were therefore Heaton, McNaughton-Loovens-Johnson-Kennedy, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, Thompson-McCormack.
Managed by Van Basten coached by Dennis Bergkamp and with a leading Ajax player (Dennis Rommedahl) promising that technical prowess would be too much for Cardiff City, I think it took them all 5 minutes to realise that while City are a strong unit and a force ... if only we had more presence up front.
While the club will get some stick, did anyone really expect such a big crowd? Pre -season games usually get 5-6,000 crowds, the much hyped debut of Robbie Fowler only pulled in 8,500 last year so it was some sight to see the Canton Stand, Grandstand and Grange End (City side) packed. Common sense prevailed when the Bob Bank seating opened, some spilling over from the Grange End and I could literally wring my shirt out. The crowd was later officially announced as 11,402.
The football on display was pleasing on the eye and City were more than matching their counter-parts, frequently earning applause for some delightful touches and movement plus commitment to win a few big tackles, there was a good atmosphere in the ground even if goalmouth action was sparse.
A close first half saw City marginally having the better of things and encouraging the home support throughout but chances were at an absolute premium. There were just three as McCormack almost forced his way through, Peter Whittingham missed connecting with a superb McPhail ball over the Dutch defence by a whisker and Thommo went close with a shot on the turn that narrowly cleared the bar. Ajax however could point out that Tom Heaton made one superb save from Rommedahl given a free 25 yard hit on goal as Loovens stuck out a leg and diverted a ball into his path while they somehow missed a free header at the back post, nodding wide when it was easier to score. Heaton also showed lightning reflexes getting down smartly to block one shot when it didn't matter as offside had already been blown.
The only other first half incident of note was the Ajax fans - about 200 only - try to run to the Lower Grandstand, even climbing over seats but they soon turned tail when police and stewards met them. Later in the 2nd half, they did this several more times, running for the exits, the front of the stand and towards City fans in the Grange End as some sort of gesture but turning and running back twice as fast as they charged forward when challenged by police!
Half-time: City 0 Ajax 0
The 2nd period started with Darren Purse replacing Glenn Loovens who was either sold during the interval or drained from two weeks of transfer rumours which got nowhere. Purse also took the Captain's armband off McPhail but, surely, McPhail should keep it if he starts the game as skipper and is still on the pitch?
However this was now a game, entertaining though it was, with 0-0 written all over it and which gave us 90 minutes that summed up Cardiff City at present. A very solid team, well organised and disciplined, some quality and flair but just not enough bite and magic up front to get us over the finish line. It should have convinced Dave Jones that he needs to magnify his efforts to bring a good striker here and fast please ... and please don't tell me Bothroyd is that man!
City tried to change things with Parry replacing Thommo but for all our efforts, we never gave the Ajax keeper a single save to make although McCormack should have done better when he brilliantly turned to get behind the Dutch defence but blazed over from an angle.
The game had drifted so I guess we were grateful for the sideshow entertainment of one of the worst pieces of streaking ever - a City fan who ran on the pitch fully clothed then tried to undress. He dropped his trousers and pants, baring his arse to the Bob Bank until he saw stewards run towards him. Trying to get away, he fell over his trousers which were around his ankles ... and then seem to be trying to continue stripping as the stewards piled on him. All the while, the game was continuing elsewhere on the pitch. By my reckoning, there were at least half a dozen stewards and they were soon joined by 8 or more coppers - 14 people minimum to tackle one streaker!?!? The police did look heavy-handed but the would-be streaker was hauled away to an ovation.
Ajax has some late efforts but all were fired narrowly wide while Heaton nearly messed up with an awkward bouncing ball but we never looked like winning, we never looked like losing which included our final attacking action as a corner was almost turned on goal while McNaughton tried to repeat his Hereford F.A. Cup wonder goal with the game's last kick but was nearer the corner flag.
Overall, we look no better and no worse than last season. Crucially, we haven't yet added that attacking edge and quality that could make the difference between us being also-rans again or a side who can really push on. On the other hand, City should be pleased with their work in only conceding 4 goals pre-season and none to Celtic or Ajax in our key games. There's something to be built on but unless City get in a goals man, we may just have to watch these tight games with no or few goals as the 'norm'.
Report: CARDIFF CITY 0 AJAX 0
The Mighty Mighty Cardiff City ended their first team pre-season friendlies unbeaten in 7 games signing off with an encouraging and comfortable 0-0 home draw with Dutch Masters Ajax managed by Marco Van Basten to land their second piece of silverware with the Vans Direct Trophy joining the Algarve Cup at the bottom of the trophy cabinet
City and Ajax are supposed to share the trophy - Ajax must have thought "Vans Direct" was an unknown Dutch player! - but I think you can safely say they didn't leave Ninian Park with the trophy and won't be in touch with Cardiff City for their share of it either.
Getting into Cardiff, it was a lovely evening with temperatures around 70 degrees but the first shock of several came when we popped to Ninian Park early to buy tickets and found all the Grandstand (upper and lower) were sold other than restricted views. All match tickets were £10 so we decided to opt for the Bob Bank terrace as it's the final season we can do that.
Shock number 2 came when we were there and rumours were circulating that Jay Bothroyd had signed and was at the ground. He hasn't yet but he was sat next to Peter Ridsdale. Hopefully he's not our main man - maybe a useful squad addition - but he won't get us many goals and, as this game proved, we need more menace up front.
Another shock (number 3) came when drinking in Canton, those hazy skies turned to heavy grey and then a winter-like downpour. Not good when all I've got on is a short sleeved shirt ... but I accessorised myself with a Tesco carrier bag over the head which made little difference as I was soaked through long before reaching the ground.
The fourth shock came as we headed back up Sloper Road and saw literally hundreds walking away from the ground either turned away with no more seating available (yet they kept the Bob Bank seating shut!) or they were punters who just couldn't be arsed getting soaked in queues to the ticket office which snaked outside the stadium and this while the game was already underway. Not a great way to start any season.
The fifth shock was seeing City's new kit. The club made a real fuss about Ambassador's choosing the final season's kit for Ninian Park and its badge in various competitions. So, to nobody's surprise, fans voted in droves for the classic late 70's shirt with the vertical parallel yellow and white stripes on the chest which the official website acknowledged. So why did they then ignore what the fans wanted and sent City out in a bastardised version which looked more like the Gilesports shirt from a few years ago with stripes on the shoulders and a yellow/white panel added on the kit's side. Worse than that, the shirts aren't even Cardiff City Blue ... they're dark blue of the type Sam Hammam once wanted and more like his old Wimbledon colours. The club only just had the shirts in time to put players squad numbers, but not their names, on them and they won't be on sale to fans until after the season has started anyway ... I got a funny feeling I won't bother with it.
As for the game, City put out what it likely to be the side to face Southampton in the league opener next weekend, notwithstanding injuries and any late signings. In goals, Tom Heaton has clearly won the nod ahead of the increasingly error strewn Peter Enckleman. Mark Kennedy deputised for Capaldi while he recuperates from minor cartilage surgery and the front two were the Scots duo of Thommo and McCormack. The side were therefore Heaton, McNaughton-Loovens-Johnson-Kennedy, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, Thompson-McCormack.
Managed by Van Basten coached by Dennis Bergkamp and with a leading Ajax player (Dennis Rommedahl) promising that technical prowess would be too much for Cardiff City, I think it took them all 5 minutes to realise that while City are a strong unit and a force ... if only we had more presence up front.
While the club will get some stick, did anyone really expect such a big crowd? Pre -season games usually get 5-6,000 crowds, the much hyped debut of Robbie Fowler only pulled in 8,500 last year so it was some sight to see the Canton Stand, Grandstand and Grange End (City side) packed. Common sense prevailed when the Bob Bank seating opened, some spilling over from the Grange End and I could literally wring my shirt out. The crowd was later officially announced as 11,402.
The football on display was pleasing on the eye and City were more than matching their counter-parts, frequently earning applause for some delightful touches and movement plus commitment to win a few big tackles, there was a good atmosphere in the ground even if goalmouth action was sparse.
A close first half saw City marginally having the better of things and encouraging the home support throughout but chances were at an absolute premium. There were just three as McCormack almost forced his way through, Peter Whittingham missed connecting with a superb McPhail ball over the Dutch defence by a whisker and Thommo went close with a shot on the turn that narrowly cleared the bar. Ajax however could point out that Tom Heaton made one superb save from Rommedahl given a free 25 yard hit on goal as Loovens stuck out a leg and diverted a ball into his path while they somehow missed a free header at the back post, nodding wide when it was easier to score. Heaton also showed lightning reflexes getting down smartly to block one shot when it didn't matter as offside had already been blown.
The only other first half incident of note was the Ajax fans - about 200 only - try to run to the Lower Grandstand, even climbing over seats but they soon turned tail when police and stewards met them. Later in the 2nd half, they did this several more times, running for the exits, the front of the stand and towards City fans in the Grange End as some sort of gesture but turning and running back twice as fast as they charged forward when challenged by police!
Half-time: City 0 Ajax 0
The 2nd period started with Darren Purse replacing Glenn Loovens who was either sold during the interval or drained from two weeks of transfer rumours which got nowhere. Purse also took the Captain's armband off McPhail but, surely, McPhail should keep it if he starts the game as skipper and is still on the pitch?
However this was now a game, entertaining though it was, with 0-0 written all over it and which gave us 90 minutes that summed up Cardiff City at present. A very solid team, well organised and disciplined, some quality and flair but just not enough bite and magic up front to get us over the finish line. It should have convinced Dave Jones that he needs to magnify his efforts to bring a good striker here and fast please ... and please don't tell me Bothroyd is that man!
City tried to change things with Parry replacing Thommo but for all our efforts, we never gave the Ajax keeper a single save to make although McCormack should have done better when he brilliantly turned to get behind the Dutch defence but blazed over from an angle.
The game had drifted so I guess we were grateful for the sideshow entertainment of one of the worst pieces of streaking ever - a City fan who ran on the pitch fully clothed then tried to undress. He dropped his trousers and pants, baring his arse to the Bob Bank until he saw stewards run towards him. Trying to get away, he fell over his trousers which were around his ankles ... and then seem to be trying to continue stripping as the stewards piled on him. All the while, the game was continuing elsewhere on the pitch. By my reckoning, there were at least half a dozen stewards and they were soon joined by 8 or more coppers - 14 people minimum to tackle one streaker!?!? The police did look heavy-handed but the would-be streaker was hauled away to an ovation.
Ajax has some late efforts but all were fired narrowly wide while Heaton nearly messed up with an awkward bouncing ball but we never looked like winning, we never looked like losing which included our final attacking action as a corner was almost turned on goal while McNaughton tried to repeat his Hereford F.A. Cup wonder goal with the game's last kick but was nearer the corner flag.
Overall, we look no better and no worse than last season. Crucially, we haven't yet added that attacking edge and quality that could make the difference between us being also-rans again or a side who can really push on. On the other hand, City should be pleased with their work in only conceding 4 goals pre-season and none to Celtic or Ajax in our key games. There's something to be built on but unless City get in a goals man, we may just have to watch these tight games with no or few goals as the 'norm'.
City and Ajax are supposed to share the trophy - Ajax must have thought "Vans Direct" was an unknown Dutch player! - but I think you can safely say they didn't leave Ninian Park with the trophy and won't be in touch with Cardiff City for their share of it either.
Getting into Cardiff, it was a lovely evening with temperatures around 70 degrees but the first shock of several came when we popped to Ninian Park early to buy tickets and found all the Grandstand (upper and lower) were sold other than restricted views. All match tickets were £10 so we decided to opt for the Bob Bank terrace as it's the final season we can do that.
Shock number 2 came when we were there and rumours were circulating that Jay Bothroyd had signed and was at the ground. He hasn't yet but he was sat next to Peter Ridsdale. Hopefully he's not our main man - maybe a useful squad addition - but he won't get us many goals and, as this game proved, we need more menace up front.
Another shock (number 3) came when drinking in Canton, those hazy skies turned to heavy grey and then a winter-like downpour. Not good when all I've got on is a short sleeved shirt ... but I accessorised myself with a Tesco carrier bag over the head which made little difference as I was soaked through long before reaching the ground.
The fourth shock came as we headed back up Sloper Road and saw literally hundreds walking away from the ground either turned away with no more seating available (yet they kept the Bob Bank seating shut!) or they were punters who just couldn't be arsed getting soaked in queues to the ticket office which snaked outside the stadium and this while the game was already underway. Not a great way to start any season.
The fifth shock was seeing City's new kit. The club made a real fuss about Ambassador's choosing the final season's kit for Ninian Park and its badge in various competitions. So, to nobody's surprise, fans voted in droves for the classic late 70's shirt with the vertical parallel yellow and white stripes on the chest which the official website acknowledged. So why did they then ignore what the fans wanted and sent City out in a bastardised version which looked more like the Gilesports shirt from a few years ago with stripes on the shoulders and a yellow/white panel added on the kit's side. Worse than that, the shirts aren't even Cardiff City Blue ... they're dark blue of the type Sam Hammam once wanted and more like his old Wimbledon colours. The club only just had the shirts in time to put players squad numbers, but not their names, on them and they won't be on sale to fans until after the season has started anyway ... I got a funny feeling I won't bother with it.
As for the game, City put out what it likely to be the side to face Southampton in the league opener next weekend, notwithstanding injuries and any late signings. In goals, Tom Heaton has clearly won the nod ahead of the increasingly error strewn Peter Enckleman. Mark Kennedy deputised for Capaldi while he recuperates from minor cartilage surgery and the front two were the Scots duo of Thommo and McCormack. The side were therefore Heaton, McNaughton-Loovens-Johnson-Kennedy, Whittingham-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, Thompson-McCormack.
Managed by Van Basten coached by Dennis Bergkamp and with a leading Ajax player (Dennis Rommedahl) promising that technical prowess would be too much for Cardiff City, I think it took them all 5 minutes to realise that while City are a strong unit and a force ... if only we had more presence up front.
While the club will get some stick, did anyone really expect such a big crowd? Pre -season games usually get 5-6,000 crowds, the much hyped debut of Robbie Fowler only pulled in 8,500 last year so it was some sight to see the Canton Stand, Grandstand and Grange End (City side) packed. Common sense prevailed when the Bob Bank seating opened, some spilling over from the Grange End and I could literally wring my shirt out. The crowd was later officially announced as 11,402.
The football on display was pleasing on the eye and City were more than matching their counter-parts, frequently earning applause for some delightful touches and movement plus commitment to win a few big tackles, there was a good atmosphere in the ground even if goalmouth action was sparse.
A close first half saw City marginally having the better of things and encouraging the home support throughout but chances were at an absolute premium. There were just three as McCormack almost forced his way through, Peter Whittingham missed connecting with a superb McPhail ball over the Dutch defence by a whisker and Thommo went close with a shot on the turn that narrowly cleared the bar. Ajax however could point out that Tom Heaton made one superb save from Rommedahl given a free 25 yard hit on goal as Loovens stuck out a leg and diverted a ball into his path while they somehow missed a free header at the back post, nodding wide when it was easier to score. Heaton also showed lightning reflexes getting down smartly to block one shot when it didn't matter as offside had already been blown.
The only other first half incident of note was the Ajax fans - about 200 only - try to run to the Lower Grandstand, even climbing over seats but they soon turned tail when police and stewards met them. Later in the 2nd half, they did this several more times, running for the exits, the front of the stand and towards City fans in the Grange End as some sort of gesture but turning and running back twice as fast as they charged forward when challenged by police!
Half-time: City 0 Ajax 0
The 2nd period started with Darren Purse replacing Glenn Loovens who was either sold during the interval or drained from two weeks of transfer rumours which got nowhere. Purse also took the Captain's armband off McPhail but, surely, McPhail should keep it if he starts the game as skipper and is still on the pitch?
However this was now a game, entertaining though it was, with 0-0 written all over it and which gave us 90 minutes that summed up Cardiff City at present. A very solid team, well organised and disciplined, some quality and flair but just not enough bite and magic up front to get us over the finish line. It should have convinced Dave Jones that he needs to magnify his efforts to bring a good striker here and fast please ... and please don't tell me Bothroyd is that man!
City tried to change things with Parry replacing Thommo but for all our efforts, we never gave the Ajax keeper a single save to make although McCormack should have done better when he brilliantly turned to get behind the Dutch defence but blazed over from an angle.
The game had drifted so I guess we were grateful for the sideshow entertainment of one of the worst pieces of streaking ever - a City fan who ran on the pitch fully clothed then tried to undress. He dropped his trousers and pants, baring his arse to the Bob Bank until he saw stewards run towards him. Trying to get away, he fell over his trousers which were around his ankles ... and then seem to be trying to continue stripping as the stewards piled on him. All the while, the game was continuing elsewhere on the pitch. By my reckoning, there were at least half a dozen stewards and they were soon joined by 8 or more coppers - 14 people minimum to tackle one streaker!?!? The police did look heavy-handed but the would-be streaker was hauled away to an ovation.
Ajax has some late efforts but all were fired narrowly wide while Heaton nearly messed up with an awkward bouncing ball but we never looked like winning, we never looked like losing which included our final attacking action as a corner was almost turned on goal while McNaughton tried to repeat his Hereford F.A. Cup wonder goal with the game's last kick but was nearer the corner flag.
Overall, we look no better and no worse than last season. Crucially, we haven't yet added that attacking edge and quality that could make the difference between us being also-rans again or a side who can really push on. On the other hand, City should be pleased with their work in only conceding 4 goals pre-season and none to Celtic or Ajax in our key games. There's something to be built on but unless City get in a goals man, we may just have to watch these tight games with no or few goals as the 'norm'.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
CAPALDI OUT FOR THREE WEEKS
Throughout much of last season, if you heard the news that Tony Capaldi was out of the City side for three weeks, you'd be dancing in the street and shouting "the drinks are on me" down your local.
Capaldi prepares for another long throw
However, even if he still hasn't won everyone around, few doubt Capaldi has now settled, is in the side on merit and is a solid (if unspectacular) component of City's side.
News, therefore, that he is absent for three weeks putting him out of the opening to the season following a minor cartiledge operation is seen as another blow in a whole summer full of blows. Thankfully, it is only a short time though and if the prognosis rings true, it mans he only misses the opener against Southampton next weekend and the away trip to Doncaster in a fortnight.
Maybe thoughts were that Miguel Comminges would cover his absence but it seems that Dave Jones will be turning to Mark Kennedy to do the job. We'll get a better idea tomorrow when City entertain Ajax in an attractive friendly opening the final season of action at Ninian Park.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
NO OFFICIAL CITY NEWS BUT MORE COOPER AND LOOVENS RUMOURS
It's now been 3 days since MLS leaked that they had accepted Cardiff City's offer for Kenny Cooper but, strangely, the player starred next day for FC Dallas in a win over L.A. Galaxy and there is no news yet if/when the player is flying to meet Dave Jones and Peter Ridsdale which is expected to early happen this week.
The other club officially known to have enquired about the player is Rosenbourg of Norway who doesn't offer the same level of football but can provide European exposure. However they've been unable to match City's offer - and it's doubtful that they will - and would seriously struggle to get near the personal terms that The Bluebirds are prepared to put to Cooper.
However this has not stopped agent Jan Schiefloe - who is believed to be representing Rosenborg in any deal (so self-interest isn't a factor here eh?!!) claims Norway is where Cooper would prefer to move. Schiefloe claims, "Cardiff are in the race but the move is not interesting for him. We hope to get clarification of Cooper's situation in the next few days but it is too early to say anything definite." So why say it then pillock!?
Meantime a new twist in the Glenn Loovens will he stay/will he go saga as no new bids have been received but Marco Van Basten's Ajax of Amsterdam, Cardiff's opponents in a friendly on Friday night, are believed to have registered an interest in taking the player back to his homeland with a fee of upt £4M. This blows Glasgow Rangers out of the water as they were only offering a ridiculous £1M.
City fans, of course, will hope against hope that Glenn stays as he is a pivotal member of the side and his partnership with Roger Johnson is arguably the best in the Championship.
The other club officially known to have enquired about the player is Rosenbourg of Norway who doesn't offer the same level of football but can provide European exposure. However they've been unable to match City's offer - and it's doubtful that they will - and would seriously struggle to get near the personal terms that The Bluebirds are prepared to put to Cooper.
However this has not stopped agent Jan Schiefloe - who is believed to be representing Rosenborg in any deal (so self-interest isn't a factor here eh?!!) claims Norway is where Cooper would prefer to move. Schiefloe claims, "Cardiff are in the race but the move is not interesting for him. We hope to get clarification of Cooper's situation in the next few days but it is too early to say anything definite." So why say it then pillock!?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meantime a new twist in the Glenn Loovens will he stay/will he go saga as no new bids have been received but Marco Van Basten's Ajax of Amsterdam, Cardiff's opponents in a friendly on Friday night, are believed to have registered an interest in taking the player back to his homeland with a fee of upt £4M. This blows Glasgow Rangers out of the water as they were only offering a ridiculous £1M.
City fans, of course, will hope against hope that Glenn stays as he is a pivotal member of the side and his partnership with Roger Johnson is arguably the best in the Championship.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
CARDIFF CITY 1 CELTIC 0 - City win the Algarve Cup
CARDIFF CITY have won their first silverware of the season ... 16 days before it start ... with a professional, richly deserved 1-0 success over Celtic to claim the Algarve Cup tournament.
Tournament or not, it was still very much a pre-season friendly lacking the pace, intensity and bite as both sides strived to get match fit for their big kick-off in a fortnight.
The Bluebirds were close to full strength with the resources they currently have. Enckleman, Whittingham and Parry on the bench and a side which was Heaton, McNaughton-Johnson-Loovens-Capaldi, Comminges-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, MacCormack-Thompson. The rest of the squad were listed as our 9 substitutes but Dave Jones gave all the starters a full 90 minutes, only Comminges coming off in added time for Darcy Blake as precaution for a knock.
Celtic meanwhile put out ,mainly a second string - only 4 players are likely to start their first league game - but they did beef it up using all 5 subs with more experience in the second half.
The Glasgow side may have had a fair bit on the ball but walked off at half-time without even testing Heaton with a cross, let alone any efforts on or off target and they were made to look second best by City were in charge in all departments and playing the more flowing, b
etter passing football even if it was largely at training pace.
Three big chances fell City's were in the first half with Thommo smashing the bar with a superb shot on the turn form an angle in 6 minutes and just being snuffed out before the interval but the goal fell to The Legend - JOE LEDLEY - on 17 minutes, a superb finish after McNaughton launched a high ball, Thommo beat the commanding Balde in the air, MacCormack flicked on with his thigh and the ball sat up just right for Joe to lash home across Celtic's keeper Brown.
Once ahead, Cardiff were happy to control the game by staying tight, organised, hard working and disciplined with some smart passing and movement at times and Celtic just weren't good enough to do anything about it.
The second half saw Celtic make those changes and try to step it up but still City remained calm and comfortable, Heaton did have a couple of saves but none of any significance. When Celtic sent off their fearsome striking due of Van Hesselink Long-name and Scott McDonald for the final 120, you wondered whether it would change but City got tighter again.
Dave Jones will be pleased with the individual and team performance of his side. Heaton in goals had very little to do did that well, shouted and organised. The back four - McNaughton, Capaldi, Loovens and Johnson played as well as they did last season, Loovens can only have impressed the watching Rangers management team as he bossed Celtic around.
Rae and McPhail showed why City can do with an extra midfielder as they dominated first half but faded after the interval - something that was observed a few times last season. .
Joe Ledley showed his class and Miguel Comminges raised eyebrows with an energy packed performance working his socks off and no mean pace either while Thommo and MacCormack linked very indeed but didn't pack enough punch emphasising why Jones needs to get his squad numbers 8 and 9 positions filled urgently.
Overall though, City will be very satisfied with their Portuguese training camp and can come home and prepare for games away at Swindon (next Tuesday) and home to Dutch side Ajax (next Friday) while Celtic will surely bring back their big guns for a bigger clash with Sporting Lisbon this weekend before heading tp Holland for another tournament next week..
Ee-ay-adio-We won the Cup!
Tournament or not, it was still very much a pre-season friendly lacking the pace, intensity and bite as both sides strived to get match fit for their big kick-off in a fortnight.
The Bluebirds were close to full strength with the resources they currently have. Enckleman, Whittingham and Parry on the bench and a side which was Heaton, McNaughton-Johnson-Loovens-Capaldi, Comminges-Rae-McPhail-Ledley, MacCormack-Thompson. The rest of the squad were listed as our 9 substitutes but Dave Jones gave all the starters a full 90 minutes, only Comminges coming off in added time for Darcy Blake as precaution for a knock.
Celtic meanwhile put out ,mainly a second string - only 4 players are likely to start their first league game - but they did beef it up using all 5 subs with more experience in the second half.
The Glasgow side may have had a fair bit on the ball but walked off at half-time without even testing Heaton with a cross, let alone any efforts on or off target and they were made to look second best by City were in charge in all departments and playing the more flowing, b
etter passing football even if it was largely at training pace.Three big chances fell City's were in the first half with Thommo smashing the bar with a superb shot on the turn form an angle in 6 minutes and just being snuffed out before the interval but the goal fell to The Legend - JOE LEDLEY - on 17 minutes, a superb finish after McNaughton launched a high ball, Thommo beat the commanding Balde in the air, MacCormack flicked on with his thigh and the ball sat up just right for Joe to lash home across Celtic's keeper Brown.
Once ahead, Cardiff were happy to control the game by staying tight, organised, hard working and disciplined with some smart passing and movement at times and Celtic just weren't good enough to do anything about it.
The second half saw Celtic make those changes and try to step it up but still City remained calm and comfortable, Heaton did have a couple of saves but none of any significance. When Celtic sent off their fearsome striking due of Van Hesselink Long-name and Scott McDonald for the final 120, you wondered whether it would change but City got tighter again.
Dave Jones will be pleased with the individual and team performance of his side. Heaton in goals had very little to do did that well, shouted and organised. The back four - McNaughton, Capaldi, Loovens and Johnson played as well as they did last season, Loovens can only have impressed the watching Rangers management team as he bossed Celtic around.
Rae and McPhail showed why City can do with an extra midfielder as they dominated first half but faded after the interval - something that was observed a few times last season. .
Joe Ledley showed his class and Miguel Comminges raised eyebrows with an energy packed performance working his socks off and no mean pace either while Thommo and MacCormack linked very indeed but didn't pack enough punch emphasising why Jones needs to get his squad numbers 8 and 9 positions filled urgently.
Overall though, City will be very satisfied with their Portuguese training camp and can come home and prepare for games away at Swindon (next Tuesday) and home to Dutch side Ajax (next Friday) while Celtic will surely bring back their big guns for a bigger clash with Sporting Lisbon this weekend before heading tp Holland for another tournament next week..
Ee-ay-adio-We won the Cup!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
AJAX GETS TO THOSE HARD TO GET AT PLACES - including Ninian Park!
Although not yet officially announced, news has emerged that Cardiff City's now traditional one home pre-season friendly only against foreign opposition the weekend before the new season gets underway will be against Dutch masters Ajax of Amsterdam.
The media, as usual, are far more excited about it than fans will be. They never prove to be as exciting as they can be and many give it a miss. Ajax will be managed after Euro'2008 by current Dutch boss and legend Marco Van Basten. They are a side shorn of stars - The Ecgho talk about how one played for Charlton in the past, another for Newcastle and another played twice for Norwich. That whet your appetite eh? You can however imagine that Van Basten may well bring some new faces with him.
The game will take place Friday August 1st at 7:45pm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)