Reserves Hammered by Impressive Yeovil

In Action
By Chris O'Brien
April 7 2004

Cardiff City's hopes of lifting the Wales & West England Combination reserve league have taken a blow, with Paul Wilkinson's going down 4-2 to an impressive Yeovil Town outfit. The defeat means the Bluebirds are only two points clear at the top of the table, with four games remaining.

The Cardiff City reserve side's hopes of lifting the Wales & West England Combination title took a knock at Ninian Park on Tuesday, with Paul Wilkinson's side totally outclassed against an impressive Yeovil Town side.

The Glovers kept their slim hopes of winning the title alive with a 4-2 victory over City, playing some excellent attacking football at times against a Cardiff side who included only two players with first-team experience in the starting line-up. Rhys Weston started at the back for City but was largely ineffective, and forward Stuart Fleetwood was also involved for the hosts.

Yeovil Town fans who follow the reserves have seen some exciting stuff this season, with games involving the second string of the West Country outfit averaging over five goals per game, and it is easy to see why with the attacking style of football they play. With the wind at their backs, City took the lead in the first-half through Stuart Fleetwood and went in at the break with a goal lead, but it all went wrong for City in the second period as Yeovil piled the pressure on an inexperienced Cardiff defence.

Yeovil were level only seconds into the second-half with a 45-yard stunner from Weatherstone, with his long-range strike helped in by the mammoth wind that swept around Ninian Park. The goal was a real confidence booster to the visitors, who started to play some good passing football, with their physical advantage evident. City held on at level terms until the 70th minute, when Weatherstone hit a terrific effort form outside of the penalty area to put the Glovers ahead for the first time.

Minutes later, Yeovil further increased their lead thanks to another stunning goal. Stansfield hit a fantastic 25-yard shot which left Arran Lee-Barrett with no chance, it was another excellent goal from the visitors. City looked well out of it, and were struggling to get back into the game. However, the golden opportunity came when Cardiff were awarded a penalty, with the decision very harsh on Yeovil! Fleetwood made no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit, but Yeovil striker Williams netted a fourth for the visitors in the dieing seconds to give them a deserved victory.

The result leaves the reserve side still top of the table, but Plymouth's Argyle's victory means the gap is reduced to only two points. Yeovil Town are now four points behind City, in third place, and judging by their display at Ninian Park are still in with a chance of winning the division. Next up for the reserves is a visit to Ashton Gate to face rivals Bristol City.

Full Time - Cardiff City Reserves 2-4 Yeovil Town Reserves