http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8896226.stm
Showing posts with label SHEFFIELD UNITED. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SHEFFIELD UNITED. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Championship: CARDIFF CITY 1 Sheffield United 1 web matchj report
The opening weekend of the season produced 11 positive results averaging over 3 goals per games so it was sod’s law that Cardiff City and Sheffield United shared the 2010/11 Championship’s first draw in a Sunday lunchtime game televised live on Sky tv, the 1-1 score matching the result when the sides met in Cardiff last season. Of course, City made the play-offs, The Blades ended up nowhere and I’d be well happy to see them miss out again!
Cardiff were only able to name 15 players but, there again, they spent most of the match playing 10 men as The Blades’ defender Matt Lowton saw a red card after a horrid high challenge on Kev McNaughton on 35 minutes but his side were leading, Welshmen Ched Evans taking advantage of more comedic Cardiff defending.
City took a long time, too long, to make the extra man count but Jay Bothroyd levelled on the hour in a one way traffic second half yet City could not fashion a winner with Blades keeper Steve Simonsen in inspired form.
The Blades have brought in 7 new men over the summer and expect at least 3 more next week so are strong and will surely be a contender for the play-offs at least but they’re still captained by the thuggish Chris Morgan, still have the horrible Steven Quinn and still have the midget Jamie Ward, a player who seems to spend much of the game staring and gesturing at City fans. They always measure up to their ugly stereotype. Simonsen; Ertl-Morgan-Taylor-Lowton; Quinn-Montgomery-Britton-Cresswell; Evans-Ward.
For Cardiff City however, the cost of the Wembley play-off failure and the financial carnage originated by Hammam and made worse by Ridsdale was being played out. With income streams dry (including season ticket money already spent and loans coming on of their ears), it’s pretty clear the club would be in administration or far worse had it not been for the intervention of the Malaysians.
A summer of turmoil and unrest, a shocking pre-season and, after a week of some cheer with the embargo lifted (temporarily?) and new players registered, a disturbing pre-match build up with paper claims that Gyepes and McCormack want away (a result of not being played), a Nottingham Forest director claiming Peter Whittingham wants to join them (which got an angry response) and Leeds Chairman Dave Jones claiming Dave Jones wants out too, hardly the bedrock for a new promotion challenge.
However a rallying pre-game call by Malysian T.G. and others confirming commitment to the cause seemed to have gone some way to allay dressing room worries, more signings are expected in the coming week. With an embargo lifted only on Friday enabling three players to be registered including returning talisman Jason Koumas, City are a couple of weeks behind where they should be but at least a feeling of relative stability is in sight.
Jay Bothroyd, who missed most of pre-season, was available, the midfield of Gavin Rae and the on loan Manchester United debutant Danny Drinkwater, Gyepes got the nod over Gerrard but it was a side still led by Mark Hudson while Kev McNaughton played left back with Darcy – called up by Wales for a senior bow – was on the right.
Marshall; Blake-Hudson-Gyepes-McNaughton; Burke-Rae-Drinkwater-Whittingham; Bothroyd-Chopra. The 4 subs were Heaton-Gerrard-McCormack-Matthews. The out of favour Paul Quinn was apparently taken ill during warm up and others are injured but it did seem Dave Jones named 15 only to make a strong point.
It did feel that the spirit-sapping Wembley defeat and pre-season had taken its toll on fans but stating the season so early in August with at Sunday lunchtime didn’t help either. Canton was noticeably quieter than usual pre-game, the Napier was “dead” and the mood was sombre for much of the game. 20,753 were in the stadium, including 500 or so visiting Blunts, making the noise of 2,000 for the most part until City got fired up. Even though that was the expected attendance, City, for reasons best known to themselves, didn’t print enough programmes and sold out long before kick-off. Anyway would think they didn’t need the money!
Less than 10 seconds elapsed before Jay Bothroyd was lying on the pitch for the first time and had a free-kick awarded against him. Jay had a frustrating afternoon in which he did not get enough protection and was penalised far too easily, sometimes he doesn’t help his cause though as we all know.
City had the better of quiet opening exchanges and slowly cranking things up and denied by a disallowed goal on 13 minutes with a beautiful one touch move which saw Peter Whittingham played an outstanding reverse pass putting Chopra clear and placing home but he had pushed a defender in the build up. (Incidentally, was it just me and people around me or did Chops’ “booty” seem to fill his shorts a bit more than usual). Chopra looked very sharp from the off but it wasn’t always matched by those around him with the exception of Kevin McNaughton who was flying.
However, against the run of play, United forged ahead with a goal that owed much to City’s defending. A couple of passes saw Ched Evans get away too easily, Gyepes brought him down with a tackle that could have been a penalty, the ball ran to ex-Jack (and constantly reminded about it) Leon Britton who played it back for EVANS to find himself free again and fire home. Maybe good news for Wales if Ched Evans is finally rediscovering form but it wasn’t welcome today.
However their prolonged celebrations in a Cardiff corner of the ground was out of order, City players were lined up to restart while they were still there. I wish the ref had just allowed City to start.
Cardiff were struggling to make headway. They are notably starting moves from the back this season with Marshall rolling the ball or kicking it to defenders in front time and again but it wasn’t getting to front often enough. It needed a flying David Marshall save to stop them falling further behind but a game changing moment took place 10 minutes before the interval as SuperKev charged forward again and was caught by a rash high challenge by Lowton. It was bad but few in the ground expected to see the red card but they loved it all the same. Sheffield had few complaints about it later but they were sure agitated at the time.
In the minutes leading to the interval, Cardiff never created anything looking a touch disjointed and failing to find or create the space that the extra man allowed. It was a pattern that continued into the 2nd half.
H/T: CITY 0 SHEFF U 1
Photos from the game can be seen here:
http://nigelblues.blogspot.com/2010/08/cardiff-city-1-sheffield-united-1-in.html
It was looking like a long second half with Cardiff short on ideas and movement and Sheffield resilient but taking time wasting to a new low, change was needed. It came in the form of Ross McCormack replacing the ineffective Gavin Rae allowing the previously quiet Peter Whittingham to drop deep into central midfield and become a playmaker. (A tactical change by Dave Jones? That’s rarer than a piece of quality play by Kelvin Etuhu!)
All of a sudden, City were moving the ball, sending it across the pitch and wide and doing what they should have been doing against 10 men and Whitts was the playmaker dropping perfect long passes left, right and centre but the first opening created saw Chopra run on and loose the ball instead of putting in McCormack in clear space. The resulting on pitch argument was understandable but unhelpful.
However Chops atoned on 62 as he got beyond the defence to meet a superb Whittingham ball, Simonsen’s blood rush saw him charge out, Chops went wide and sent the ball across the box for BOTHROYD to steer home centre of goal, threading the ball through three men on the line.
There was now only one winner and City were decisive with Chris Burke, so poor since his injury against Leicester late last season, finally showing flashes of the player he was before that. Blake and McNaughton bombing up and down were a joy, one mesmeric McNaughton run beating defenders aplenty and cutting to the byline deep inside the area was just scrambled away.
Shots were now flying in but Simonsen, making up for his rash earlier decision, was equal to them making great stops from Burke, Chops (the best save) and McCormack, the latter really should have done far better and scored was a Burke cross that gave him a free header on goal at the far post.
However City were unable to get any shots close in and despite going for it, on such a humid day and so early in the season, they gradually lost their pace and momentum. Conditions that saw the game peter out in the final stages instead of an expected big finish.
You hoped for more but a point was relief after being behind and hardly a bad outcome against a fancied team. On another day, it could easily have been all three but it wasn’t to be today.
The positives were Blake and McNaughton while Whittingham shone when moved inside. Danny Drinkwater, without ever producing anything decisive, worked hard and showed some quality and an appetite to run into the box past the last man which will bring dividends. Chris Burke showed signs of getting back to his old self after the interval and must build on that. The others will get better and sharper I’m sure and, thankfully, they look set to be aided by further recruitment.
It could be a long season or it could be a good season but I don’t think we learned either way which it will be on today’s performance.
Cardiff were only able to name 15 players but, there again, they spent most of the match playing 10 men as The Blades’ defender Matt Lowton saw a red card after a horrid high challenge on Kev McNaughton on 35 minutes but his side were leading, Welshmen Ched Evans taking advantage of more comedic Cardiff defending.
City took a long time, too long, to make the extra man count but Jay Bothroyd levelled on the hour in a one way traffic second half yet City could not fashion a winner with Blades keeper Steve Simonsen in inspired form.
The Blades have brought in 7 new men over the summer and expect at least 3 more next week so are strong and will surely be a contender for the play-offs at least but they’re still captained by the thuggish Chris Morgan, still have the horrible Steven Quinn and still have the midget Jamie Ward, a player who seems to spend much of the game staring and gesturing at City fans. They always measure up to their ugly stereotype. Simonsen; Ertl-Morgan-Taylor-Lowton; Quinn-Montgomery-Britton-Cresswell; Evans-Ward.
For Cardiff City however, the cost of the Wembley play-off failure and the financial carnage originated by Hammam and made worse by Ridsdale was being played out. With income streams dry (including season ticket money already spent and loans coming on of their ears), it’s pretty clear the club would be in administration or far worse had it not been for the intervention of the Malaysians.
A summer of turmoil and unrest, a shocking pre-season and, after a week of some cheer with the embargo lifted (temporarily?) and new players registered, a disturbing pre-match build up with paper claims that Gyepes and McCormack want away (a result of not being played), a Nottingham Forest director claiming Peter Whittingham wants to join them (which got an angry response) and Leeds Chairman Dave Jones claiming Dave Jones wants out too, hardly the bedrock for a new promotion challenge.
However a rallying pre-game call by Malysian T.G. and others confirming commitment to the cause seemed to have gone some way to allay dressing room worries, more signings are expected in the coming week. With an embargo lifted only on Friday enabling three players to be registered including returning talisman Jason Koumas, City are a couple of weeks behind where they should be but at least a feeling of relative stability is in sight.
Jay Bothroyd, who missed most of pre-season, was available, the midfield of Gavin Rae and the on loan Manchester United debutant Danny Drinkwater, Gyepes got the nod over Gerrard but it was a side still led by Mark Hudson while Kev McNaughton played left back with Darcy – called up by Wales for a senior bow – was on the right.
Marshall; Blake-Hudson-Gyepes-McNaughton; Burke-Rae-Drinkwater-Whittingham; Bothroyd-Chopra. The 4 subs were Heaton-Gerrard-McCormack-Matthews. The out of favour Paul Quinn was apparently taken ill during warm up and others are injured but it did seem Dave Jones named 15 only to make a strong point.
It did feel that the spirit-sapping Wembley defeat and pre-season had taken its toll on fans but stating the season so early in August with at Sunday lunchtime didn’t help either. Canton was noticeably quieter than usual pre-game, the Napier was “dead” and the mood was sombre for much of the game. 20,753 were in the stadium, including 500 or so visiting Blunts, making the noise of 2,000 for the most part until City got fired up. Even though that was the expected attendance, City, for reasons best known to themselves, didn’t print enough programmes and sold out long before kick-off. Anyway would think they didn’t need the money!
Less than 10 seconds elapsed before Jay Bothroyd was lying on the pitch for the first time and had a free-kick awarded against him. Jay had a frustrating afternoon in which he did not get enough protection and was penalised far too easily, sometimes he doesn’t help his cause though as we all know.
City had the better of quiet opening exchanges and slowly cranking things up and denied by a disallowed goal on 13 minutes with a beautiful one touch move which saw Peter Whittingham played an outstanding reverse pass putting Chopra clear and placing home but he had pushed a defender in the build up. (Incidentally, was it just me and people around me or did Chops’ “booty” seem to fill his shorts a bit more than usual). Chopra looked very sharp from the off but it wasn’t always matched by those around him with the exception of Kevin McNaughton who was flying.
However, against the run of play, United forged ahead with a goal that owed much to City’s defending. A couple of passes saw Ched Evans get away too easily, Gyepes brought him down with a tackle that could have been a penalty, the ball ran to ex-Jack (and constantly reminded about it) Leon Britton who played it back for EVANS to find himself free again and fire home. Maybe good news for Wales if Ched Evans is finally rediscovering form but it wasn’t welcome today.
However their prolonged celebrations in a Cardiff corner of the ground was out of order, City players were lined up to restart while they were still there. I wish the ref had just allowed City to start.
Cardiff were struggling to make headway. They are notably starting moves from the back this season with Marshall rolling the ball or kicking it to defenders in front time and again but it wasn’t getting to front often enough. It needed a flying David Marshall save to stop them falling further behind but a game changing moment took place 10 minutes before the interval as SuperKev charged forward again and was caught by a rash high challenge by Lowton. It was bad but few in the ground expected to see the red card but they loved it all the same. Sheffield had few complaints about it later but they were sure agitated at the time.
In the minutes leading to the interval, Cardiff never created anything looking a touch disjointed and failing to find or create the space that the extra man allowed. It was a pattern that continued into the 2nd half.
H/T: CITY 0 SHEFF U 1
Photos from the game can be seen here:
http://nigelblues.blogspot.com/2010/08/cardiff-city-1-sheffield-united-1-in.html
It was looking like a long second half with Cardiff short on ideas and movement and Sheffield resilient but taking time wasting to a new low, change was needed. It came in the form of Ross McCormack replacing the ineffective Gavin Rae allowing the previously quiet Peter Whittingham to drop deep into central midfield and become a playmaker. (A tactical change by Dave Jones? That’s rarer than a piece of quality play by Kelvin Etuhu!)
All of a sudden, City were moving the ball, sending it across the pitch and wide and doing what they should have been doing against 10 men and Whitts was the playmaker dropping perfect long passes left, right and centre but the first opening created saw Chopra run on and loose the ball instead of putting in McCormack in clear space. The resulting on pitch argument was understandable but unhelpful.
However Chops atoned on 62 as he got beyond the defence to meet a superb Whittingham ball, Simonsen’s blood rush saw him charge out, Chops went wide and sent the ball across the box for BOTHROYD to steer home centre of goal, threading the ball through three men on the line.
There was now only one winner and City were decisive with Chris Burke, so poor since his injury against Leicester late last season, finally showing flashes of the player he was before that. Blake and McNaughton bombing up and down were a joy, one mesmeric McNaughton run beating defenders aplenty and cutting to the byline deep inside the area was just scrambled away.
Shots were now flying in but Simonsen, making up for his rash earlier decision, was equal to them making great stops from Burke, Chops (the best save) and McCormack, the latter really should have done far better and scored was a Burke cross that gave him a free header on goal at the far post.
However City were unable to get any shots close in and despite going for it, on such a humid day and so early in the season, they gradually lost their pace and momentum. Conditions that saw the game peter out in the final stages instead of an expected big finish.
You hoped for more but a point was relief after being behind and hardly a bad outcome against a fancied team. On another day, it could easily have been all three but it wasn’t to be today.
The positives were Blake and McNaughton while Whittingham shone when moved inside. Danny Drinkwater, without ever producing anything decisive, worked hard and showed some quality and an appetite to run into the box past the last man which will bring dividends. Chris Burke showed signs of getting back to his old self after the interval and must build on that. The others will get better and sharper I’m sure and, thankfully, they look set to be aided by further recruitment.
It could be a long season or it could be a good season but I don’t think we learned either way which it will be on today’s performance.
Cardiff City 1 Sheffield United 1 - the manager reaction
DAVE JONES asserts that
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/8895874.stm
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell happy with the result and no complaints over red card
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/8895879.stm
Time to be counted .... the season starts now
11 Championship games played Friday and Saturday produced not a single draw, a high tally of 34 goals and a fair few shocks (The Wurzels mullered at home by Millwall, Scunnie triumphing at Reading, much fancied Middlesbrough being trounced at home by Ipswich) but today it's CARDIFF CITY's turn.
It's been a poor summer, a shocking pre-season and a disturbing pre-match build up (with news that McCormack and Whittingham want away while Leeds Chairman claims Dave Jones has been rining around saying he wants the same) but the only thing that matters right now is a positive start to the season against Sheffield United.
We're off at 12:35pm on Sky, I'll be there, updates later.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Embargo over (for now), new players registered, more to come - let the season begin!
After a summer of bad news and the club in the doldrums, while then problems remain, the club have finally managed to release some shackles in the nick of time.
Having resolved some of its immediate financial debts (to the tax man, former players and transxfer fees to other clubs), the Football League lifted the club's transfer and player registration embargo on Friday afternoon.
This enabled the registration of goalkeeper Tom Heaton and on loan midfielders Danny Drinkwater (from Manchester United) and Jason Koumas (from Wigan). It also enables the club to try and arrange new contracts for existing personnel, defender Kevin McNaughton being one who agreed a new deal but it could not be registered under embargo.
However it may well be a temporary reprieve as Cardiff's problems are significant and may well take a long time to overcome. It is believed the club face major financial demands in September- after the transfer window closes - which may see the embargo return.
Relieved manager Dave Jones said, "It’s a good thing for the club the embargo’s off. We just have to move now as quick as we can to bring the players in we’ve been chasing. Everything seems to be sorted, but we could be hit again over the tax issue. We can’t rule us being hit again with an embargo. If I can four new faces before the transfer window closes, and keep the ones I have, then we will be in good shape.”
Various names have been banded about with some said to be training with the club already but nothing has materialised so far.
Meantime the N-Power Championship season opened last night with promoted Norwich being surprisingly outplayed and beaten at home (2-3) by relegation-fancied Watford. 10 more games are being played today before Cardiff open their season in front of Sky tv cameras at home to Sheffield United tomorrow lunchtime.
Having resolved some of its immediate financial debts (to the tax man, former players and transxfer fees to other clubs), the Football League lifted the club's transfer and player registration embargo on Friday afternoon.
This enabled the registration of goalkeeper Tom Heaton and on loan midfielders Danny Drinkwater (from Manchester United) and Jason Koumas (from Wigan). It also enables the club to try and arrange new contracts for existing personnel, defender Kevin McNaughton being one who agreed a new deal but it could not be registered under embargo.
However it may well be a temporary reprieve as Cardiff's problems are significant and may well take a long time to overcome. It is believed the club face major financial demands in September- after the transfer window closes - which may see the embargo return.
Relieved manager Dave Jones said, "It’s a good thing for the club the embargo’s off. We just have to move now as quick as we can to bring the players in we’ve been chasing. Everything seems to be sorted, but we could be hit again over the tax issue. We can’t rule us being hit again with an embargo. If I can four new faces before the transfer window closes, and keep the ones I have, then we will be in good shape.”
Various names have been banded about with some said to be training with the club already but nothing has materialised so far.
Meantime the N-Power Championship season opened last night with promoted Norwich being surprisingly outplayed and beaten at home (2-3) by relegation-fancied Watford. 10 more games are being played today before Cardiff open their season in front of Sky tv cameras at home to Sheffield United tomorrow lunchtime.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Koumas so happy to be back with City and Dave Jones ... but not ready to play
JASON KOUMAS has given his first official interview after returning to The Mighty Mighty Bluebirds telling Cardiff City player (the video section of the official club website) that it was the only place he wanted to be.
Hoping to rekindle his hugely successful loan 5 seasons ago, the 30 year old said, "It`s great to be back, it's probably been a long time waiting to be honest and I can`t wait to get started. I`ve had a bit of a tough time at Wigan, especially the last few months. I`ve been injured, been out a lot. I`ve just gone a bit stale there. It was agreed that I wanted a change. I spoke to Dave Jones quite a bit and told Wigan there was only one place I will go to and that was Cardiff."
So why Dave Jones?
"He just lets me play, he gives me a freedom. I enjoy playing for him, he`s got great coaching staff. He is the reason I`ve come back here - it`s definitely Dave Jones and I can`t wait to get started again."
However Koumas revealed that he is upto 10 days away for playing so will not feature in Sunday's league opener at home to Sheffield United, Tuesday's Carling Cup tie with Burton Albion and possibly next weekend's first awayday at Derby County.
Nevertheless, welcome back Jase!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Kick-Off Countdown News - 6 Days to go
City's big league kick-off, a Sky tv game against Sheffield United this Sunday lunchtime, is fast approaching but still we don't know who half the side will be.
With an embargo still in place until City sort out some taxing matters and debts to other clubs, Tom Heaton and Danny Drinkwater cannot be in the squad, other triallists and potential signings cannot be added and new contracts cannot be signed off for 8 key players out of contract next summer. Add in Steve McPhail being injured and Jay Bothroyd withdrawn from last Staurday's friendly loss to Deportivo La Coruna having missed just about all pre-season and it's a squad literally down to bare bones which is no way to start a season.
However strong rumours persist that, thanks to the Malaysians investors, those debts will be resolved this week. At this stage, City fans can only pray that comes to fruition.
It is also hinted that 30 year old diminuitive Celtic defender Lee Naylor is linking up with the club today for training and will sign as soon as the embargo is lifted too. The player is well known to Dave Jones having been part of his Premiership squad at Wolves so the link is no surprise. Potentially, he's a worthy replacement for Mark Kennedy and would represent good business by the gaffer.
With an embargo still in place until City sort out some taxing matters and debts to other clubs, Tom Heaton and Danny Drinkwater cannot be in the squad, other triallists and potential signings cannot be added and new contracts cannot be signed off for 8 key players out of contract next summer. Add in Steve McPhail being injured and Jay Bothroyd withdrawn from last Staurday's friendly loss to Deportivo La Coruna having missed just about all pre-season and it's a squad literally down to bare bones which is no way to start a season.
However strong rumours persist that, thanks to the Malaysians investors, those debts will be resolved this week. At this stage, City fans can only pray that comes to fruition.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Another great result for Cardiff as Sheff United lose at home
Without playing, Cardiff City had another play-off boost as Sheffield United lost at home to lowly Scunthorpe United in a Sunday game. A result that leaves the Yorkshiremen 8 points behind Cardiff when they have just 6 games to go. Lovely!!
The latest Championship table:
The latest Championship table:
| Posn | Club | P | GD | PTS |
| 1 | Newcastle | 38 | 44 | 80 |
| 2 | West Brom | 40 | 35 | 79 |
| 3 | Nottm Forest | 39 | 23 | 70 |
| 4 | Cardiff | 39 | 17 | 62 |
| 5 | Swansea | 40 | 2 | 62 |
| 6 | Leicester | 39 | 9 | 61 |
| 7 | Blackpool | 40 | 12 | 57 |
| 8 | Doncaster | 40 | 4 | 55 |
| 9 | Middlesbrough | 40 | 9 | 54 |
| 10 | Sheff Utd | 39 | 3 | 54 |
| 11 | Reading | 38 | -2 | 52 |
| 12 | Coventry | 40 | -8 | 52 |
| 13 | Bristol City | 40 | -9 | 52 |
| 14 | Preston | 40 | -10 | 49 |
| 15 | Barnsley | 39 | -13 | 49 |
| 16 | Ipswich | 40 | -8 | 48 |
| 17 | Derby | 40 | -10 | 48 |
| 18 | QPR | 39 | -5 | 47 |
| 19 | Sheff Wed | 40 | -17 | 44 |
| 20 | Scunthorpe | 38 | -19 | 44 |
| 21 | Watford | 38 | -9 | 43 |
| 22 | Crystal Palace | 39 | -5 | 39 |
| 23 | Plymouth | 39 | -17 | 37 |
| 24 | Peterborough | 40 | -26 | 30 |
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Last Night’s Cardiff City Phone-In
Reviews the weekend win over
http://www.mediafire.com/?ymrzlgz1weg
Monday, March 22, 2010
Key Midweek Games
As the play-off race hots up with the finishing post in sight, there are a number of key games taking place in the week with a full Championship programme. The big game is 6th placed Cardiff vs 7th placed Sheffield United on Wednesday but it's not the only head-to-head clash and Cardiff will also be hoping sides around us don't fare too well in their games - another round of draws would be perfect with games running out! The pivotal ones being;
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
CARDIFF CITY vs SHEFFIELD UNITED
LEICESTER CITY vs READING
WEST BROM vs COVENTRY
CARDIFF CITY vs SHEFFIELD UNITED
LEICESTER CITY vs READING
WEST BROM vs COVENTRY
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 |
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Whitt's A Hit
Cardiff City midfield wide man PETER WHTTINGHAM was today announced as the Championship's Player of the Month for October on Sky tv's Soccer AM.
His October was spectacular as he scored 7 times in 4 outings including a hat-trick at Sheffield United, it also extended his scoring run to 6 consecutive games ... simply incredible for a player who usually averages 1 goal every 8 league games.
Congrats Peter.
Monday, November 09, 2009
City remain 3rd heading into fortnight break
The weekend's Championship programme was completed tonight with Barnsley, where Cardiff play next, being held 2-2 at home by Sheffield United.
Despite defeat at Liberty Stadium, Cardiff clung onto 3rd spot sharing 27 points with 4 sides but heading them thanks to goal difference. The top two - Newcastle and West Brom - have happened a 4 point gap and may pull away shortly.
Some fans are consoling themselves staying in 3rd but in an amazingly tight league, they're just 3 points off 12th and mid-table.
City, however, have a chance to consolidate their position with the next games at Barnsley then home to Ipswich and Preston gives them a great chance of more points on the board - it's a chance they must take.
The latest league table:
Despite defeat at Liberty Stadium, Cardiff clung onto 3rd spot sharing 27 points with 4 sides but heading them thanks to goal difference. The top two - Newcastle and West Brom - have happened a 4 point gap and may pull away shortly.
Some fans are consoling themselves staying in 3rd but in an amazingly tight league, they're just 3 points off 12th and mid-table.
City, however, have a chance to consolidate their position with the next games at Barnsley then home to Ipswich and Preston gives them a great chance of more points on the board - it's a chance they must take.
The latest league table:
| Full Championship table | ||||
| Team | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Newcastle | 16 | 15 | 33 |
| 2 | West Brom | 16 | 17 | 31 |
| 3 | Cardiff | 16 | 14 | 27 |
| 4 | QPR | 16 | 12 | 27 |
| 5 | Blackpool | 16 | 9 | 27 |
| 6 | Leicester | 16 | 5 | 27 |
| 7 | Bristol City | 16 | 4 | 26 |
| 8 | Nottm Forest | 16 | 3 | 25 |
| 9 | Swansea | 16 | 2 | 25 |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 16 | 5 | 24 |
| 11 | Preston | 16 | 1 | 24 |
| 12 | Watford | 16 | -2 | 24 |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 16 | -1 | 22 |
| 14 | Sheff Utd | 16 | -3 | 18 |
| 15 | Barnsley | 16 | -8 | 18 |
| 16 | Sheff Wed | 16 | -2 | 17 |
| 17 | Coventry | 16 | -7 | 17 |
| 18 | Derby | 16 | -8 | 17 |
| 19 | Scunthorpe | 16 | -12 | 17 |
| 20 | Doncaster | 16 | -3 | 15 |
| 21 | Plymouth | 16 | -11 | 15 |
| 22 | Reading | 16 | -10 | 14 |
| 23 | Ipswich | 16 | -11 | 12 |
| 24 | Peterborough | 16 | -9 | 11 |
Monday, November 02, 2009
City in 3rd tonight, latest Championship table
In a Monday night game, Newcastle grabbed a 1-0 win at Sheffield United courtesy of a Chris Morgan own goal to haul them past Cardiff City and back to top spot.
Cardiff now lie 3rd but get a chance to go top - even if it is for a few hours - with a lunchtime kick-off at rivals Swansea City this Saturday. Do it boys!
The latest league table after tonight's game:
Cardiff now lie 3rd but get a chance to go top - even if it is for a few hours - with a lunchtime kick-off at rivals Swansea City this Saturday. Do it boys!
The latest league table after tonight's game:
| Team | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Newcastle | 15 | 13 | 30 |
| 2 | West Brom | 15 | 16 | 28 |
| 3 | Cardiff | 15 | 15 | 27 |
| 4 | Leicester | 15 | 6 | 27 |
| 5 | Bristol City | 15 | 4 | 25 |
| 6 | Middlesbrough | 15 | 6 | 24 |
| 7 | Blackpool | 15 | 6 | 24 |
| 8 | Preston | 15 | 3 | 24 |
| 9 | Nottm Forest | 15 | 3 | 24 |
| 10 | QPR | 14 | 11 | 23 |
| 11 | Swansea | 15 | 1 | 22 |
| 12 | Watford | 15 | -4 | 21 |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 14 | -2 | 18 |
| 14 | Sheff Wed | 15 | -1 | 17 |
| 15 | Sheff Utd | 15 | -3 | 17 |
| 16 | Coventry | 15 | -6 | 17 |
| 17 | Barnsley | 15 | -8 | 17 |
| 18 | Scunthorpe | 15 | -9 | 17 |
| 19 | Doncaster | 15 | -2 | 15 |
| 20 | Derby | 15 | -9 | 14 |
| 21 | Reading | 15 | -10 | 13 |
| 22 | Plymouth | 15 | -12 | 12 |
| 23 | Peterborough | 15 | -7 | 11 |
| 24 | Ipswich | 15 | -11 | 11 |
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tonight's Cardiff City Phone-In
It includes me sorry but is excellent otherwise basking in the 4-3 stunner at Sheffield United.
Click link to download, enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?yatmxmvum30
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Burnley Blunt Blades
Burnley overcome Sheffiled United 1-0 at Turf Moor tonight. On the face of it, that's a result that means both sides are likely to join Cardiff in the Championship end of season play-offs.
The game's sole goal came from The Clarets leadign scorer Martin Paterson on 23 minutes and put a massive dent in Sheffield United's automatic promotion hopes.
It was a result Championship play-off chasers Swansea and Preston didn't want as only miracles will now surely get those sides into the play-off zone.
Cardiff visit bottom of the Championship and already relegated Charlton at The Valley tomorrow seeking the 2 points to confirm the play-off place.
The game's sole goal came from The Clarets leadign scorer Martin Paterson on 23 minutes and put a massive dent in Sheffield United's automatic promotion hopes.
It was a result Championship play-off chasers Swansea and Preston didn't want as only miracles will now surely get those sides into the play-off zone.
Cardiff visit bottom of the Championship and already relegated Charlton at The Valley tomorrow seeking the 2 points to confirm the play-off place.
| Team | P | GD | PTS | |
| 1 | Wolverhampton | 44 | 27 | 86 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 44 | 17 | 80 |
| 3 | Sheff Utd | 44 | 24 | 76 |
| 4 | Cardiff | 43 | 16 | 73 |
| 5 | Burnley | 44 | 8 | 72 |
| 6 | Reading | 43 | 29 | 71 |
| 7 | Swansea | 44 | 15 | 68 |
| 8 | Preston | 44 | 10 | 68 |
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Ref admits error, Davis not expected to contest charge
It has emerged that the F.A.'s decision to slap a violent conduct charge on Crystal Palace's defender Claude Davis came after match referee, R. Booth, viewed subsequent video evidence and claimed to have missed the incident during the game but would have awarded a red card and penalty based on the video showing Davis' elbowing of City main man Roger Johnson.
Quite how he missed the incident at the time is beyond me as the video shows him in the perfect position and looking directly at the player. He probably also didn't help himself by allegedly infroming Crystal Palace that he saw nothing malicious in the challenge at the game if Palace boss Neil Warnock is to be believed.
Meantime, Davis himself is not expected to appeal aganst the charge and accept a likely 3 match ban which ends his season, his loan to Palace from Derby, and starts his summer holidays early ... on full pay of course!
Justice is being done but it remains to be seen whether it could also work against Cardiff. It was City appealing to the F.A. that helped produce this charge which ironically will see Davis miss Palace's last game of the season - at home to City's promotion rivals Sheffield United.
Quite how he missed the incident at the time is beyond me as the video shows him in the perfect position and looking directly at the player. He probably also didn't help himself by allegedly infroming Crystal Palace that he saw nothing malicious in the challenge at the game if Palace boss Neil Warnock is to be believed.
Meantime, Davis himself is not expected to appeal aganst the charge and accept a likely 3 match ban which ends his season, his loan to Palace from Derby, and starts his summer holidays early ... on full pay of course!
Justice is being done but it remains to be seen whether it could also work against Cardiff. It was City appealing to the F.A. that helped produce this charge which ironically will see Davis miss Palace's last game of the season - at home to City's promotion rivals Sheffield United.
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