 Cardiff
City are half way to the Playoff Final following a 1-0 victory over
Bristol City in the semi-final first leg at Ninian Park this afternoon.
Peter Thorne's second half header was the difference
between the two sides, neatly putting home a cross from Willie Boland.
It was an excellent games, both sides having
chances to score and it will be set up nicely for a thriller in the
return leg at Ashton Gate on Tuesday!
The Bluebirds got the better first 20 minutes of
the game, with the 18,000 home supporters urging them on. Robert
Earnshaw, Daniel Gabbidon and Gareth Whalley all went close with decent
chances.
The Robins were looking good on the break though,
former Cardiff City striker Christian Roberts and Scott Murray both
testing Neil Alexander.
Cardiff's attacks in the latter stages of the
half were comfortable dealt with by the organised Bristol City defence,
who have already kept two clean sheets against the Bluebirds this
season.
Half Time Score - Cardiff City
0-0 Bristol City
The two sides began to show nerves
in the early exchanges of the second period, and it wasn't until 10
minutes in that the first real chance occurred, with Bristol winger,
Scott Murray sending a header just wide of Alexander's goal.
Lee Peacock also went close for the Robins, but
it was Cardiff who were to get the only goal of the game.
Willie Boland delivered a swinging cross to
target man, Peter Thorne who rose above the Bristol defenders to head
home the opener.
Cardiff held on for the remainder of the game,
but had their hearts in their mouths when Danny Coles went close for the
visitors in the dieing seconds.
Full Time Score - Cardiff City
1-0 Bristol City
It was Cardiff's first victory over Bristol City
since 1992 when they won the first leg of a League Cup tie. The
Bluebirds went on to lose the second leg 5-1, hopefully not a bad omen! |
