Bluebirds Blunt Blades

Great Performance
By Chris O'Brien
March 27 2004

Goals from Richard Langley and John Robinson helped the Bluebirds to another three First Division points, coming from behind to beat Neil Warnock's Sheffield United 2-1. Zimbabwean international Peter Ndlovu had given the visitors the lead infront of 13,666 at Ninian Park.

The Bluebirds dealt Sheffield United's promotion hopes a blow and secured another win over a top six side with a fine 2-1 victory over Neil Warnock's Blades.

The midfield injury-crisis that many had feared wasn't as bad as reports had suggested, with Paul Parry the only player to take a late fitness test that was unavailable. Robinson, Langley, Boland and Whalley made up the quartet, with on-loan Lee Bullock being introduced as a substitute later on in the game.

Zimbabwean international Peter Ndlovu gave the visitors the lead, only for Richard Langley to silence some of his critics with an equaliser before the break and John Robinson, another Zimbabwe-born player, winning the game for City with a well-taken goal that capped an impressive display from the veteran.

City edged an exciting opening period, with both teams creating plenty of chances. United's top scorer Jack Lester went close on six minutes before Alan Lee had a goal ruled out for an alleged hand ball, with the Irish international putting the ball past Paddy Kenny from a Gareth Whalley corner but Lancastrian referee Leake showed no hesitation of disallowing the effort.

Despite some good attacking football from City, it was Sheffield United who took the lead courtesy of a wonder strike from Peter Ndlovu on the 25 minute-mark. Cardiff skipper Tony Vidmar headed the ball to the striker, who recently represented Zimbabwe at the African Nations Championship, and he hit a thunderbolt volley which beat everyone in the crowded penalty area to give the Blades the lead.

However, just as the visitors were starting to look comfortable, the City equalised only seconds before the half-time whistle. Richard Langley, who has had his fair share of critics recently following some woeful performances, struck a long-range free-kick with power which bobbled under Blades 'keeper Kenny. It was a shocking mistake from the highly-rated Irishman, and made City favourites as the two sides went in at the break.

Cardiff came out with confidence for the second-period, and the supporters sensed a victory as the Bluebirds midfield created plenty of chances for strike partnership Alan Lee and Rob Earnshaw. Sheffield United were looking dangerous on the break though, but the City defence did very well throughout with James Collins particularly impressive as he continues his run in the side, now at 3 consecutive matches.

The winning goal came just after the hour-mark through John Robinson, with the midfielder as hard working as ever throughout. Gary Croft's cross was poorly cleared by the Blades defenders, and Robbo was on hand to drill the ball itno the bottom left-corner of Kenny's goal. His celebration showed his commitment to the cause, and recent performances show that this was a goal the Welsh international thoroughly deserves.

Moments later Robert Earnshaw had a great chance to seal the victory as he latched onto a pass from midfield, leaving him one-on-one with Kenny. However, the Zambian-born forward, who had a bad day at the office, slipped and the ball trickled through to the United 'keeper.

Kenny made up for his earlier blunder with good saves from Langley and Croft, but it was United who enjoyed a spell of pressure in the closing minutes as the Blades launched a late rally. Despite some nervy moments though, the City defence did well to hold on for a vital three points that keep any flagging play-off hopes alive and surely secure that there will no relegation this season anyway!

Overall a pleasing victory and a much-improved performance on the last home match and the mid-week FAW Premier Cup exit against rivals Wrexham. John Robinson was particularly impressive with a gutsy display, and the defence also looked solid. One of the only disappointments was the crowd, with only 13,666 at Ninian Park. This, of course, was to be expected with the game on Sky television and the egg chasing also taking place today, but with the Bob Bank terrace tickets slashed in price for today (very fair on season ticket holders!), you'd have hoped for a few more standing on the Ninian Park stands!

Full Time - Cardiff City 2-1 Sheffield United
Attendance - 13,666

Cardiff City: Margetson, Vidmar, Gabbidon, Collins, Croft, Langley, Whalley, Boland, Robinson, Lee, Earnshaw.
Substitutes: Campbell, Gordon, Bullock, Barker, Alexander.

Sheffield United: Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Page, Francis, Phil Jagielka, McCall, Tonge, Ndlovu, Lester, Gray.
Substitutes: Rankine, Allison, McLeod, Shaw, Wright.