So claim the press in Reading.
Griffin's a right back, spent the second half of last season on loan at Reading when they went on that fantastic run from a relegation spot to play-off challenger and doesn't seem to be wanted by Stoke.
They reckon Cardiff are offering the better financial package but appear to be bankiong on the fact he was there last season to help their cause.
From the Wokingham Press
Royals fight Cardiff City for Andy Griffin
By Jonny Fordham
June 04, 2010
Reading FC are still confident of landing Andy Griffin despite interest from Championship rivals Cardiff City.
Dave Jones's beaten play-off finalists have the financial edge on Royals, who have been trying to sign the Stoke City right-back since he ended his successful spell on loan at the club last month.
Although Reading are unwilling to pay a fee, director of football Nick Hammond could offer the promise of a cash windfall if Griffin helped the club win promotion next season.
Showing posts with label READING. Show all posts
Showing posts with label READING. Show all posts
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Another play-off boost, Reading can't catch us anymore
Relegation outfit turned play-off challengers have flown up the Championship with 9 wins in 11 games and showed they're now a good outfit in drawing 0-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium at the weekend.
While it was mathematically possible that they could have passed Cardiff, any remote chance ended this evening as The Royals lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle, a result which also confirms The Georides as deserved league Champions. Kevin Nolan blasted a first half double before Reading were brought back into the game courtesy of an own goal but it wasn't enough.
Cardiff need 3 points from their final 3 matches to confirm their play-off place and may not even need that as that depends on rivals winning every match.
Table as of tonight
| Team | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Newcastle | 43 | 52 | 95 |
| 2 | West Brom | 43 | 39 | 86 |
| 3 | Nottm Forest | 43 | 24 | 75 |
| 4 | Cardiff | 43 | 19 | 70 |
| 5 | Leicester | 43 | 10 | 67 |
| 6 | Swansea | 43 | 3 | 65 |
| 7 | Blackpool | 43 | 13 | 63 |
| 8 | Middlesbrough | 43 | 12 | 61 |
| 9 | Bristol City | 43 | -7 | 59 |
| 10 | Sheff Utd | 43 | 2 | 58 |
| 11 | Reading | 42 | -1 | 56 |
Cardiff can now finish no lower than 8th
Video Highlights: CARDIFF CITY 0 READING 0
** Cardiff 0-0 Reading **
Cardiff remain fourth in the Championship with a goal-less draw at home to Reading, who are now nine points off the play-offs but with two games in hand (UK users only).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8614429.stm
Cardiff remain fourth in the Championship with a goal-less draw at home to Reading, who are now nine points off the play-offs but with two games in hand (UK users only).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8614429.stm
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Joe Back in Full Training
Within 6 weeks of two major hip operations, Joe Ledley a.k.a. Mr. Cardiff City has been given the all clear to return to full running and training.
Joe played through pain for many months with hip problems and found his best form of the season just as he was forced into the operating theatre. His last City appearance was in the magnificent 6-0 win at Bristol City on Jan 26th.
At that time, Joe said he hoped to return for the play-offs but most City followers were sceptical. Now comes news that he is aiming to be ready for the Reading home game on April 10th - that's in less than 3 weeks.
Cardiff City have somehow toughed it out in recent weeks but now buoyed by the return of Steve McPhail and, it seems, the imminent return of Mark Hudson and Joe Ledley, the timing for the run-in could hardly be better. Rumours also persist that M,an City loanee Kelvin Etuthu may be back soo too, I'll believe that one when I see it.
Joe played through pain for many months with hip problems and found his best form of the season just as he was forced into the operating theatre. His last City appearance was in the magnificent 6-0 win at Bristol City on Jan 26th.
At that time, Joe said he hoped to return for the play-offs but most City followers were sceptical. Now comes news that he is aiming to be ready for the Reading home game on April 10th - that's in less than 3 weeks.
Cardiff City have somehow toughed it out in recent weeks but now buoyed by the return of Steve McPhail and, it seems, the imminent return of Mark Hudson and Joe Ledley, the timing for the run-in could hardly be better. Rumours also persist that M,an City loanee Kelvin Etuthu may be back soo too, I'll believe that one when I see it.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Cardiff Play-Off Hopes Boosted Without Kicking A Ball
With The 6 Nations Egg Chasing Season finishing today (Wales beat Italy in Cardiff), Cardiff City's weekend home game hosting Watford is being played tomorrow leaving the club and fans looking at other Championship results and it could barely have gone better as all five teams below The Bluebirds conspired to draw so hardly make up any ground.
Sheffield United and Doncaster in 7th and 8th had to share the spoils in a South Yorkshire derby, The Blades garbbing an 88th minute equaliser for the perfect result from a Cardiff viewpoint. Blackpool in 9th fought back for a home 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace also thanks to a late equaliser but those home points dropped still harm them. And another draw which helped City saw Middlesbrough in 10th held 1-1 at home by Reading, the side recently flying up the table but recent draws have now held them back and in 13th spot.
On paper, it's up to Cardiff to lose their play-off spot as they've now at least 2 points clear of all play-off chasers with 2 games in hand and a vastly superior goal difference seemingly worth another point. However fans won't need reminding how City messed up at the tail end of last season from a similar situation. Don't let lightning strike twice boys.
| Team | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Newcastle | 37 | 43 | 77 |
| 2 | West Brom | 38 | 34 | 75 |
| 3 | Nottm Forest | 38 | 21 | 67 |
| 4 | Swansea | 38 | 6 | 61 |
| 5 | Leicester | 36 | 11 | 60 |
| 6 | Cardiff | 36 | 14 | 55 |
| 7 | Sheff Utd | 38 | 3 | 53 |
| 8 | Doncaster | 38 | 4 | 52 |
| 9 | Blackpool | 38 | 6 | 51 |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 38 | 7 | 50 |
| 11 | Coventry | 37 | -7 | 50 |
| 12 | Barnsley | 37 | -10 | 49 |
| 13 | Reading | 36 | -3 | 48 |
| 14 | Preston | 38 | -8 | 48 |
Friday, January 01, 2010
Feeney Back at City
Hapless Bluebirds striker Warren Feeney is back again at Cardiff City after a forgettable 1 month loan spell at fellow Championship club Sheffield Wednesday.
The Feenster has spent most of his 3.5 years with Cardiff City either injured or out on loan, he has started just 1 game for the Bluebirds although he has appeared as a late sub twice this season for City.
It was hoped his loan move to The Owls but he was unused sub in his first game then saw manager Brian Laws sacked. In his month oop north, Feeney got 13 minutes of football off the bench in a game Wednesday lost 2-0 at home to fellow strugglers Reading.
Dave Jones seemed less than thrilled at his return telling the media, "We have got Warren back". You can be sure Jones is now plotting where he can send him next!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
The Incredible Twists and Turns of the Championship
City's win at West Brom depleted of key resources was a fantastic result and performance, arguably Dave Jones' best ever since we don't turn over the top clubs on their own patch under his watch.
Unexpected as it was, I don't think any of us will ever learn that the only predictable in the Championship is that it will be unpredictable!
How can, for example, anyone legislate for Middlesbrough stuffing QPR 5-1 away last night then getting pasted 3-0 at home by Blackpool last night, the same Blackpool who themselves faltered at home on the weekend.
Or Crystal Palace getting dismantled at home by Doncaster last Saturday then doing the same themselves at Reading last night.
Or Leicester, who effortlessly moved into 3rd spot, getting dicked twice in 4 days as they just have.
I suppose that as long as our never ending inconsistency is not quite as inco0nsistent as others, then we're in with a definite shout!
Unexpected as it was, I don't think any of us will ever learn that the only predictable in the Championship is that it will be unpredictable!
How can, for example, anyone legislate for Middlesbrough stuffing QPR 5-1 away last night then getting pasted 3-0 at home by Blackpool last night, the same Blackpool who themselves faltered at home on the weekend.
Or Crystal Palace getting dismantled at home by Doncaster last Saturday then doing the same themselves at Reading last night.
Or Leicester, who effortlessly moved into 3rd spot, getting dicked twice in 4 days as they just have.
I suppose that as long as our never ending inconsistency is not quite as inco0nsistent as others, then we're in with a definite shout!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Bluebirds appeal against6 McPhail red card
Cardiff City have appealed against Stephen McPhail's red card in last night's hard earned 1-0 Championship victory at Reading.
The midfielder and former captain was sent off for the fifth time in Cardiff City colours - this time for serious foul play but Dave Jones is disputing that.
"It looks harsh, his foot is up but so is the other guy's but there's no contact." said DJ.
Ref Paul Taylor has agreed to reconsider the decision and the club are preparing a DVD of the McPhail incident for the Welsh FA disciplinary panel to review.
Jones added, "It's one of those challenges, the ball's up in the air, he knows the player's going to hook it on. It was a yellow card at best. I've asked Paul Taylor to have a look at it again, but we have to appeal before he can do that. He said to me that all of the people he didn't want to send off, it was Stephen McPhail. So I asked him not to send him off them but he has done it."
The midfielder and former captain was sent off for the fifth time in Cardiff City colours - this time for serious foul play but Dave Jones is disputing that.
"It looks harsh, his foot is up but so is the other guy's but there's no contact." said DJ.
Ref Paul Taylor has agreed to reconsider the decision and the club are preparing a DVD of the McPhail incident for the Welsh FA disciplinary panel to review.
Jones added, "It's one of those challenges, the ball's up in the air, he knows the player's going to hook it on. It was a yellow card at best. I've asked Paul Taylor to have a look at it again, but we have to appeal before he can do that. He said to me that all of the people he didn't want to send off, it was Stephen McPhail. So I asked him not to send him off them but he has done it."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Reading 0 Cardiff City 1 - how the press saw it
Burke extends Reading's home discomfort
Times Online
Reading FC 0 Cardiff City 1
Get
Chris Burke earns the points for Cardiff City
WalesOnline
Cardiff contest McPhail dismissal
BBC Sport
Bluebirds Jones likes look of table after Burke winner
WalesOnline
Bluebirds lose shirt sponsors but win game
WalesOnline
Burke extends Reading's home discomfort
Times Online
Cardiff steal in thanks to Burke's goal
Independent
Reading 0 Cardiff 1
The Sun
Reading 0 Cardiff City 1: Chris Burke's a home wrecker
Daily Mail
Rodgers remains upbeat
SkySports
RODGERS REMAINS UPBEAT
Sportinglife.
Reading 0 Cardiff City 1: match report
Telegraph.co.uk
Royals chief sees good things in defeat
Clubcall
Rodgers rues home discomforts
Reading Chronicle
large periods of the game. ...
Reading FC 0 Cardiff City 1
Reading Post
BURKE ROARS IN TO MAKE READING PAY
POOR HOME FORM SENDS ROD ROUND THE BREND
Daily Star
Problems at home mount for Royals
Vitalfootball
Reading 0-1 Cardiff
Sportbox
Ten Men Cardiff City Beat Resilient Reading
Vitalfootball
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Championship Table after Cardiff win tonight
City jump from 10th to 4th in persuit of last season's Premiership trio. In the night's other game, Newcastle surprisingly lost 2-1 at Blackpool after taking the lead as well.
| P | GD | Pts | ||
| 1 | West Brom | 7 | 8 | 17 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 7 | 10 | 16 |
| 3 | Newcastle | 7 | 7 | 16 |
| 4 | Cardiff | 7 | 7 | 13 |
| 5 | Preston | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| 6 | Sheff Utd | 7 | 4 | 12 |
| 7 | Watford | 7 | 2 | 12 |
| 8 | Leicester | 7 | 2 | 12 |
| 9 | Bristol City | 7 | 0 | 12 |
| 10 | Coventry | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| 11 | Blackpool | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| 12 | Sheff Wed | 7 | 3 | 9 |
| 13 | Scunthorpe | 7 | -4 | 9 |
| 14 | QPR | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| 15 | Derby | 7 | -2 | 7 |
| 16 | Nottm Forest | 7 | -2 | 7 |
| 17 | Doncaster | 7 | -2 | 7 |
| 18 | Reading | 7 | -4 | 6 |
| 19 | Swansea | 7 | -5 | 6 |
| 20 | Crystal Palace | 6 | -5 | 5 |
| 21 | Peterborough | 7 | -4 | 4 |
| 22 | Barnsley | 7 | -8 | 4 |
| 23 | Ipswich | 7 | -7 | 3 |
| 24 | Plymouth | 7 | -8 | 2 |
Match Report: Reading 0 CARDIFF CITY 1
Lightning doesn't stuck twice they say but tonight at Madejski Stadium, it damn nearly did! Last Boxing Day, Cardiff were deservedly winning 1-0 at Reading when the home side won a corner 5 minutes into added time. Up came their keeper Federici and promptly swept home a loose ball for agony and embarrassment. Tonight, the exact same scenario occurred, Federici got on the end of a corner 5 minutes into time added on with an overhead kick but this time, City's David Marshall saved it.
So a win takes City up to 4th and the best of the rest inthe Championship chasing last season's Premiership relegated trio of West Brom, Middlesbrough and Newcastle but that doesn't begin to tell the story of a game in which City lost their sponsor, scored a cracker through Chris Burke and had to hang on with 10 men for the final 15 minutes as Steve McPail collected his 5th Bluebirds red card.
So a win takes City up to 4th and the best of the rest inthe Championship chasing last season's Premiership relegated trio of West Brom, Middlesbrough and Newcastle but that doesn't begin to tell the story of a game in which City lost their sponsor, scored a cracker through Chris Burke and had to hang on with 10 men for the final 15 minutes as Steve McPail collected his 5th Bluebirds red card.
***** TEAM NEWS *****
Dave Jones made 3 changes replacing both of Sunday's full back Capaldi and Quinn with Adam Matthews and a fit again Mark Kennedy while he opted for Steve McPhail in midfield rather than Gavin Rae.CARDIFF > Marshall; Matthews-Gerrard-Hudson-Kennedy; Whittingham-Ledley-McPhail-Burke; Bothroyd-Chopra. Subs:Enckleman, Gyepes, Quinn, Taiwo, Rae, Capaldi, Magennis.
The Royals are having a year to forget and their Premiership football of just 16 months in the past must seem like light years away. The team haven't won at home since January, a run of 13 games with just 4 goals scored. They are at the wrong end of the Championship, long term boss Steve Coppell walked so Brendan Rogers has taken over, the club is for sale and the fans are disillusioned. Thankfully, City added to their suffering.
READING > Federici-Cummings-O'Dea-Pearce-Bertrand-Sigurdsson-Karacan-Howard-Hunt-Raziak. Desperate to change their fortunes, O'Dea (from Celtic), Cummings (Chelsea) and Howard (Sheff United) are all new loan men.
+++++ THE MATCH +++++
Cardiff had a pre-game 777 Balls Up as the Gambling Commission banned their new sponsors 777ball.com were not licenced to advertise in Europe. Doubts exist but the sponsors say they will rectify that, however it left City to dig out yellow pre-season kit to play in and keeper David Marshall to wear that horrid luminous pink top.
Over 2,000 Bluebirds piled up the M4 in a crowd of 16,887 and they certainly made all the noise. City had the better of the first half but neither keeper had a serious save to make. City were on top but again lacking that quality cutting edge that deserted them in defeats to Doncaster and Newcastle although Bothroyd and Chops looked a class act up front, Chopra going very close on two occasions. Reading played some neat football but simply don't have goal power. For City, Adam Matthews was injured so Quinn was soon on but struggled most of the night.
The second period saw the home side, attacking towards their own fans, brighten up and City were grateful to Marshall for great saves from Howard and Matejovsky while Hunt blazed wide from a good position.
However the goal, the points and the result were all decided on 57 as Peter Whittingham swept a cross to the far side, CHRIS BURKE brought it down, teed it up and blasted high into the top corner. Delerium in the City end behind that goal and it should have been added to as Burke missed a sitter two minute slater getting a ball trapped under his boot when it looked easier to steer home.
The final half hour saw Reading throw everything at City and Bluebirds hearst sank when Steve McPhail after a central midfield challenge. It looke dharsh, a yellow at best but ref Paul Tyalor has history with Taylor. He was the official who sent off McCormack and Gyepes within half hour in a key game versus Sheffield United last season - we can only pray that we don't see him again for a very long time.
The final minutes were torture, Chopra was sacrificed and Ledley limped away injured. The clock ticked slowly, that Burke goal seemed ages ago and hearts were in mouths for that last gasp corner but the celebrations and relief were even greater for it.
Sponsors removed from City shirts after 1 match!
Hello .... GOODBYE????
Only at Cardiff City ... days after unveiling possibly their biggest ever sponsorship deal with the mysterious 777 Ball Asian website/gambling company, it had to be removed tonight as City were forced to play in yellow change kit.
As they set off for tonight's match at Reading, The Gambling Commission banned the advertising and logo as 777 have no licence to operate or advertise in Europe.
There are now genuine fears that the deal will prove a massive cock up and embarrassment and disappear almost as quickly as it cropped up but City are standing by their guns saying they approved the deal in good faith, it was approved by the Football League and that 777 Ball will now obtain a licence to reintroduce the logo within a week or two.
For now, the joke's on us ... do we ever get things right???
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Injuries'R'Us - now City lose Etuhu
CARDIFF CITY suffered a further striker woe today with news that loan man Kelvin Etuhu is likely to be absent for 6 to 8 weeks with damaged ankle ligaments.
Dave Jones added, "He has gone back to Manchester City to see a surgeon who will decide whether something else needs to be done. The lads is distraught as he has had a long history of injuries but he has come through though that and we've got him up to match pace - then this happens. It's another blow for him so we will need to pick him up and make sure he goes again."
With Ross McCormack still absent, Jay Borthroyd only just back from his own injury and City already believed to be chasing a loan striker and must now surely double their efforts. "I'll sit down and have a chat with the chairman to see if I can force the issue. But everything is tight here at the moment." Jones told BBC Sport.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Cardiff City start new season home to a Swear Filter
The new season's fixture list was published and saw Cardiff City at home on 2009/10 Championship opening day to S****horpe United.
The consequences of their awful play-off collapse and ruin of Premiership Dreams are now abundantly clear. A few weeks ago, we were dreaming of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea visiting the new Cardiff City Stadium ... instead we open up to Scunthorpe and Dagenham & Redbridge!!!!
The fixtures offer Cardiff a chance of the flying start to the season as first away is Blackpool (can't believe we're going there in the main August holiday season) followed by Bristol City at home and Plymouth away. A good haul of points looks possible.
Newcastle is the keynote fixture as they visit Cardiff on September 12 with City heading to Geordie-land in February. Meantime, Swansea games correspond to last season with Cardiff off to Jacksville in late November with the return fixture at Easter.
One pleasing aspect is that there are 5 midweek away fixtures but all are close journeys meaning all can be made with an early finish rather than time off work when we visit West Brom, Bristol City, Coventry, Reading and Plymouth.
Cardiff City and all clubs are arsey about fixtures lists being published (citing copyright and similar crap) so I can't publish them here. However you can view them at this link (I'm being just as arsey as not directing you to the official site which also has them!).
The consequences of their awful play-off collapse and ruin of Premiership Dreams are now abundantly clear. A few weeks ago, we were dreaming of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea visiting the new Cardiff City Stadium ... instead we open up to Scunthorpe and Dagenham & Redbridge!!!!
The fixtures offer Cardiff a chance of the flying start to the season as first away is Blackpool (can't believe we're going there in the main August holiday season) followed by Bristol City at home and Plymouth away. A good haul of points looks possible.
Newcastle is the keynote fixture as they visit Cardiff on September 12 with City heading to Geordie-land in February. Meantime, Swansea games correspond to last season with Cardiff off to Jacksville in late November with the return fixture at Easter.
One pleasing aspect is that there are 5 midweek away fixtures but all are close journeys meaning all can be made with an early finish rather than time off work when we visit West Brom, Bristol City, Coventry, Reading and Plymouth.
Cardiff City and all clubs are arsey about fixtures lists being published (citing copyright and similar crap) so I can't publish them here. However you can view them at this link (I'm being just as arsey as not directing you to the official site which also has them!).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/fixtures/default.stm
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Cardiff at home in play-offs 1st leg to one of three side ... IF
When (or should or if!!!) Cardiff City confirm their play-off place this weekend, they now know that they can only finish 5th or 6th and will be facing one of Birmingham City, Sheffield United or Reading in a two legged semi-final with the first leg at Ninian Park the weekend after next and the return at their ground in the following midweek.
That much became clear after Reading won 2-0 at Norwich City last night, a result that means it’s a three way battle between the Brummies, Blades and Royals for the second automatic promotion spot this weekend while Norwich and their well publicised 18,000 season ticket holders look set to join Southampton and Charlton as recent Premiership sides who will be relegated into League One next term.
That’s means no more night time football at Ninian Park and those majestic floodlights have seen their last but City signed that off in style with a 4-1 demolition of Derby County. We can only hope they confirm their play-off spot and make the last ever NP home game a better occasion to remember than the shambles against Ipswich last Saturday in the last league game.
the top and bottom of it – Table after 45 games
P GD PTS
1 Wolverhampton 45 27 87
2 Birmingham 45 16 80
3 Sheff Utd 45 25 79
4 Reading 45 33 77
5 Cardiff 45 13 74
6 Burnley 45 8 73
7 Preston 45 11 71
8 Swansea 45 14 68
9 Ipswich 45 8 63
10 Bristol City 45 4 61
11 QPR 45 -1 61
12 Sheff Wed 45 -8 58
13 Doncaster 45 -10 58
14 Crystal Palace 45 -3 56
15 Watford 45 -6 55
16 Derby 45 -10 54
17 Coventry 45 -10 54
18 Blackpool 45 -12 53
19 Plymouth 45 -12 51
20 Nottm Forest 45 -17 50
21 Barnsley 45 -14 49
22 Norwich 45 -11 46
23 Southampton 45 -21 45
24 Charlton 45 -24 36
That much became clear after Reading won 2-0 at Norwich City last night, a result that means it’s a three way battle between the Brummies, Blades and Royals for the second automatic promotion spot this weekend while Norwich and their well publicised 18,000 season ticket holders look set to join Southampton and Charlton as recent Premiership sides who will be relegated into League One next term.
That’s means no more night time football at Ninian Park and those majestic floodlights have seen their last but City signed that off in style with a 4-1 demolition of Derby County. We can only hope they confirm their play-off spot and make the last ever NP home game a better occasion to remember than the shambles against Ipswich last Saturday in the last league game.
the top and bottom of it – Table after 45 games
P GD PTS
1 Wolverhampton 45 27 87
2 Birmingham 45 16 80
3 Sheff Utd 45 25 79
4 Reading 45 33 77
5 Cardiff 45 13 74
6 Burnley 45 8 73
7 Preston 45 11 71
8 Swansea 45 14 68
9 Ipswich 45 8 63
10 Bristol City 45 4 61
11 QPR 45 -1 61
12 Sheff Wed 45 -8 58
13 Doncaster 45 -10 58
14 Crystal Palace 45 -3 56
15 Watford 45 -6 55
16 Derby 45 -10 54
17 Coventry 45 -10 54
18 Blackpool 45 -12 53
19 Plymouth 45 -12 51
20 Nottm Forest 45 -17 50
21 Barnsley 45 -14 49
22 Norwich 45 -11 46
23 Southampton 45 -21 45
24 Charlton 45 -24 36
Friday, April 10, 2009
Not So Good Friday for Cardiff City
The Bluebirds tough automatic promotion prospects just got even tougher after neither of today's two big Championship games produced the desired outcome from a City fan's perspective.
It's long been accepted by most that long time leaders Wolves will get promoted but currently shorn of their attacking force of Ebanks-Blake, Iwelumo and Kightley and poor in the extreme losing to 10 man Birmingham earlier in the week, there were hopes they may suffer a late collapse.
However that proved a hiccup as they beat relegation bets Southampton 3-0 at Molinez in a no context today. Amaturish Saints defending gifted Vockes a free header on 36 seconds, it was 2-0 after jusy 5 minutes then then Dave Jones ((no, not our one) made it three from the penalty spot before 20 minutes and game over, thanks very much.
Another huge game followed early evening with Reading facing Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium. A draw would have been ideal but Reading continued their freefall and The Blades their charfe to the summit as Brian Howard grabbed a scrappy only goal of the game on the hour, seconds after Dave Kitson had headed against the bar for the home side.
In truth, Sheffield deserved their result by keeping it tight while Reading self-imploded and were simply dreadful. The Blades are now in 2nd spot and genuine auto-promotion contenders while Reading have lost all confidence and appear to have given up - their was not just their 5th successive home defeat to Sheffield United but, more crucially, their 6th successive home game without victory after being the Championship's best home side of all at Christmas.
Table After Today's Games
It's long been accepted by most that long time leaders Wolves will get promoted but currently shorn of their attacking force of Ebanks-Blake, Iwelumo and Kightley and poor in the extreme losing to 10 man Birmingham earlier in the week, there were hopes they may suffer a late collapse.
However that proved a hiccup as they beat relegation bets Southampton 3-0 at Molinez in a no context today. Amaturish Saints defending gifted Vockes a free header on 36 seconds, it was 2-0 after jusy 5 minutes then then Dave Jones ((no, not our one) made it three from the penalty spot before 20 minutes and game over, thanks very much.
Another huge game followed early evening with Reading facing Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium. A draw would have been ideal but Reading continued their freefall and The Blades their charfe to the summit as Brian Howard grabbed a scrappy only goal of the game on the hour, seconds after Dave Kitson had headed against the bar for the home side.
In truth, Sheffield deserved their result by keeping it tight while Reading self-imploded and were simply dreadful. The Blades are now in 2nd spot and genuine auto-promotion contenders while Reading have lost all confidence and appear to have given up - their was not just their 5th successive home defeat to Sheffield United but, more crucially, their 6th successive home game without victory after being the Championship's best home side of all at Christmas.
Table After Today's Games
| P | GD | PTS | ||
| 1 | Wolverhampton | 42 | 25 | 80 |
| 2 | Sheff Utd | 42 | 25 | 75 |
| 3 | Birmingham | 41 | 16 | 75 |
| 4 | Reading | 41 | 29 | 69 |
| 5 | Cardiff | 40 | 18 | 67 |
| 6 | Burnley | 41 | 8 | 66 |
| 7 | Preston | 41 | 3 | 62 |
| 8 | Swansea | 41 | 11 | 59 |
| 9 | Bristol City | 41 | 6 | 59 |
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Bluebirds Play-Off Hopes Boosted By Not Playing
For what seems like the umpteenth time already in 2009, Cardiff City fans spent the day watching how the rest of the Championship got on with no Saturday game for themselves. Leaders Wolves and 2nd placed Birmingham go head to head on Monday night, Cardiff's faded automatic promotion hopes surely depend on Wolves winning that one as they look uncatchable at the top.
However Reading, in 3rd, were distinctly unimpressive again. A 0-0 bore draw at Coventry in which they only had one chance but never found themselves in too much trouble. It leaves them 3 points behind Birmingham who they face on the last day of the season in what may yet be a winner takes all game but Cardiff are now 6 points behind them with 2 games in hand. Potentially, we could be level with them on Wednesday night. Let's start praying!
Sheffield United are flying and coming through on the rails, a comfortable 2-0 win over Ipswich at Brammall Lane keeps them 4th, also 6 points in front of Cardiff but with 2 more played. Both Reading and The Blades enjoy better goal differences too.
However nobody else had a day to remember.
Burnley, in 5th, were denied by a late late Derby equaliser in a 1-1 at Pride Park while the sides in 7th and 8th immediately outside the play-offs behind City also drew 1-1, Preston pegging back Brizzle Zity at Trashton Gate in an evening game.
Cardiff are currently 1 point ahead of Preston and 3 points ahead of Bristol, crucially with a better goal difference and 3 games in hand. A win tomorrow vs Swansea City and surely it's a case of looking at those in front of us without worrying about those behind. Over to you boys.
| P | GD | PTS | ||
| 1 | Wolverhampton | 40 | 24 | 77 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 40 | 14 | 72 |
| 3 | Reading | 40 | 30 | 69 |
| 4 | Sheff Utd | 40 | 23 | 69 |
| 5 | Burnley | 41 | 8 | 66 |
| 6 | Cardiff | 38 | 15 | 63 |
| 7 | Preston | 41 | 3 | 62 |
| 8 | Bristol City | 41 | 6 | 59 |
| 9 | Swansea | 40 | 11 | 58 |
Saturday, March 21, 2009
City go 6th but automatic promotion in back in their hands
For the 7th time in 10 club football Saturdays, Cardiff City fans had to wait and watch other results and they won't be feeling too bad at how they worked out.
At the top, Wolves grabbed another 3 points, this time a late Michael Kightley goal grabbing them victory at Nottingham Forest in a tight, dull affair but it's the time of season where only results matter. The Fat Lady isn't quite singing yet but it looks as certain as can be that they will grab oone of the automatic spots and prbably be Champions as they're 5 points clear of 2nd and 9 points ahead of 3rd with just 6 games to go.
The Molineux Men extended their lead as Birmingham slipped at home in the afternoon while Reading failed to take advantage of that in an evening game.
Birmingham have been playing awful for some time but grabbed a couple of recent results and must have been confident going into a home encounter with relegation-threatened Norwich. They found themselves outplayed first half but took the lead through ex-Bluebird Cameron Jerome after The Canaries keeper dropped a cross. However even then, they couldn't hold on as Clingon smashed home an early 2nd half free-kick ... much to my delight!
Reading had a 5:20pm kick-off at Crystal Palace for Setanta tv but produced a timid 0-0. They were annoyed not to be awarded a first half penalty after loan man Dave Kitson appeared to be fouled but, in the end, were grateful for their draw after losing a couple of men to injury and then playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Liam Rosenior was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Burnley leap-frogged City with a 2-1 victory at lowly Plymouth, Robbie Blake grabbing a late winner as the sides swapped goals in the opening 20 minutes. The Clarets are the form side of the front runners having now taken 13 of the last 15 points on offer to them.
However, those of the Bluebird faith, will be pleased seeing that none of the sides tring to get into the play-offs won today. 7th placed Preston could only draw 0-0 at bottom club Charlton, Swansea rose to 8th with a timid 0-0 at Sheffield Wednesday meaning they've only won 1 of their last 7 while I'm thrilled to see The Wurzles go down again, this time by 2-1 at QPR.
It would need a disaster for Cardiff to miss making the play-offs now but beat Sheffield United tomorrow and we may yet be chasing down an automatic spot. Game On!
At the top, Wolves grabbed another 3 points, this time a late Michael Kightley goal grabbing them victory at Nottingham Forest in a tight, dull affair but it's the time of season where only results matter. The Fat Lady isn't quite singing yet but it looks as certain as can be that they will grab oone of the automatic spots and prbably be Champions as they're 5 points clear of 2nd and 9 points ahead of 3rd with just 6 games to go.
The Molineux Men extended their lead as Birmingham slipped at home in the afternoon while Reading failed to take advantage of that in an evening game.
Birmingham have been playing awful for some time but grabbed a couple of recent results and must have been confident going into a home encounter with relegation-threatened Norwich. They found themselves outplayed first half but took the lead through ex-Bluebird Cameron Jerome after The Canaries keeper dropped a cross. However even then, they couldn't hold on as Clingon smashed home an early 2nd half free-kick ... much to my delight!
Reading had a 5:20pm kick-off at Crystal Palace for Setanta tv but produced a timid 0-0. They were annoyed not to be awarded a first half penalty after loan man Dave Kitson appeared to be fouled but, in the end, were grateful for their draw after losing a couple of men to injury and then playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Liam Rosenior was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Burnley leap-frogged City with a 2-1 victory at lowly Plymouth, Robbie Blake grabbing a late winner as the sides swapped goals in the opening 20 minutes. The Clarets are the form side of the front runners having now taken 13 of the last 15 points on offer to them.
However, those of the Bluebird faith, will be pleased seeing that none of the sides tring to get into the play-offs won today. 7th placed Preston could only draw 0-0 at bottom club Charlton, Swansea rose to 8th with a timid 0-0 at Sheffield Wednesday meaning they've only won 1 of their last 7 while I'm thrilled to see The Wurzles go down again, this time by 2-1 at QPR.
It would need a disaster for Cardiff to miss making the play-offs now but beat Sheffield United tomorrow and we may yet be chasing down an automatic spot. Game On!
| P | GD | PTS | ||
| 1 | Wolverhampton | 40 | 24 | 77 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 40 | 14 | 72 |
| 3 | Reading | 39 | 30 | 68 |
| 4 | Burnley | 40 | 8 | 65 |
| 5 | Sheff Utd | 38 | 18 | 63 |
| 6 | CARDIFF CITY | 37 | 18 | 63 |
| 7 | Preston | 40 | 3 | 61 |
| 8 | Swansea | 40 | 11 | 58 |
| 9 | Bristol City | 40 | 6 | 58 |
| 10 | Ipswich | 40 | 8 | 56 |
| 11 | QPR | 40 | 0 | 56 |
| 12 | Crystal Palace | 39 | 1 | 51 |
| 13 | Sheff Wed | 40 | -9 | 51 |
| 14 | Coventry | 38 | -4 | 50 |
| 15 | Doncaster | 40 | -14 | 49 |
| 16 | Watford | 39 | -5 | 47 |
| 17 | Derby | 38 | -5 | 47 |
| 18 | Blackpool | 40 | -12 | 47 |
| 19 | Barnsley | 38 | -11 | 44 |
| 20 | Norwich | 40 | -8 | 43 |
| 21 | Plymouth | 40 | -14 | 43 |
| 22 | Nottm Forest | 40 | -19 | 41 |
| 23 | Southampton | 39 | -16 | 40 |
| 24 | Charlton | 39 | -24 | 29 |
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Results Tonight provide huge boost to Cardiff making the play-offs as a minimum
Tonight’s Championship results
Barnsley 3
Doncaster 0
Ipswich 1
QPR 1
That’s a set of result that means Cardiff City’s chances of making automatic promotion are as tough as ever but with Ipswich and Burnley drawing while Swansea lost in London, the likelihood are making the play-offs as a minimum as looking better than ever.
The one bad result, Bluebird-wise, was Reading grabbing a 1-0 victory at Doncaster who give
It was a very poor encounter in which both sides has seemed resigned to a goalless draw until Kitson gave manager Steve Coppell something to celebrate in his 1,000th game as a manager.
Burnley – after 2 emphatic victories – appeared to be on their way again when Elliott fired them into the lead in another unremarkable game but Dos Santos levelled up with 15 minutes to go retaining Ipswich’s outside hopes getting into the play-offs.
However
City go into tomorrow’s encounter with Watford 11 points off an automatic promotion spot but with 3 games in hand on Birmingham while Reading are now 7 points ahead but have played 2 more.
Where it looks really good for City is making the play-offs as a minimum. In 6th tonight, they now enjoy 3 games in hand on the 4 sides below them who are the only likely sides to break into the Top 6 as well as a far superior goal difference and upto 5 points advantage as well.
|
| Team | P | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Wolverhampton | 39 | 23 | 74 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 39 | 14 | 71 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| 3 | Reading | 38 | 30 | 67 |
| 4 | Sheff Utd | 38 | 18 | 63 |
| 5 | Burnley | 39 | 7 | 62 |
| 6 | Cardiff | 36 | 17 | 60 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| 7 | Preston | 39 | 3 | 60 |
| 8 | Bristol City | 39 | 7 | 58 |
| 9 | Swansea | 39 | 11 | 57 |
| 10 | Ipswich | 39 | 8 | 55 |
| 11 | QPR | 38 | -2 | 50 |
| 12 | Crystal Palace | 38 | 1 | 50 |
| 13 | Sheff Wed | 39 | -9 | 50 |
| 14 | Doncaster | 39 | -13 | 49 |
| 15 | Coventry | 37 | -5 | 47 |
| 16 | Watford | 37 | -4 | 46 |
| 17 | Derby | 37 | -5 | 46 |
| 18 | Blackpool | 39 | -12 | 46 |
| 19 | Barnsley | 37 | -11 | 43 |
| 20 | Plymouth | 39 | -13 | 43 |
| 21 | Norwich | 39 | -8 | 42 |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||
| 22 | Nottm Forest | 39 | -18 | 41 |
| 23 | Southampton | 38 | -16 | 39 |
| 24 | Charlton | 38 | -24 | 28 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)