Wimbledon Earn Point at Ninian in Penultimate Game

Score Draw
By Chris O'Brien
May 1 2004

The Bluebirds could only manage a 1-1 draw from their final home game of the season against a Wimbledon side who were confined to relegation almost a month ago. John Robinson opened the scoring on 82 minutes, but Mark Williams levelled things up less than a minute later.

The Bluebirds could only manage a 1-1 draw from their penultimate fixture and final home game of the season against a Wimbledon side who showed spirit and courage throughout, despite their relegation fate being confirmed almost a month ago.

15,337 watched a rather dull game, where City broke the deadlock only eight minutes from time through John Robinson, only for the Dons to equalise one minute later to the delight of their small band of travelling supporters. A quick message for the travelling Wimbledon fans, who impressed me despite being given free entry! They provided a decent turn out considering the situation at the club, and I wish the team all the best for next season, despite the controversial move to Milton Keynes.

Cardiff started the brighter of the two sides, with Paul Parry a constant threat down the left flank. Tony Vidmar headed wide as the Bluebirds looked to make early pressure pay, but Wimbledon looked a threat on the break and Ben Chorley was unlucky not to open the scoring when he nodded a Gary Smith cross onto Martyn Margetson's post. Willie Boland, hard-working throughout in the centre of midfield, also had an early chance for the hosts.

The game was a typical end of season affair, with neither team having much to play for. Cardiff lacked the extra edge up front, and Robert Earnshaw had a very disappointing game. If this was his last game as a Cardiff City player at Ninian Park then it wasn't one to remember for the Zambian-born forward, and it must be said that he did look disinterested at times. Is he on his way in the summer? Earnshaw partnered Andy Campbell, who was also quiet, and although both strikers posses bags of pace, the physical and powerful Wimbledon defence, which has leaked 89 goals this season, kept both at bay.

Parry had to be substituted mid-way through the first-half with a leg injury, and his departure saw an edge sucked out of City's game. Richard Langley was introduced, and although he troubled the impressive Dons 'keeper Scott Bevan in his first action of the half, the London-born midfielder was clearly exhausted after flying half way across the world to play for Jamaica during the week. Langley was later booked, as was Tony Vidmar, and although this was an almost meaningless fixture, six players found their way into referee Cooper's book during the game.

Wimbledon gained confidence as the game went on, and enjoyed some good spells of football, particularly in the second-half where they passed the ball about very well. Gary Smith had a shot blocked by Daniel Gabbidon, and the Dons hit the woodwork for a second occasion. However, it was City who scored the first goal after some good work from Richard Langley. The midfielder did well to get behind the Dons defence on the right and slip a neat pass in towards John Robinson, and the Welsh international bundled the ball into the top of the net from yards out.

City's lead lasted less than 60 seconds though, with Wimbledon showing true character in grabbing an equaliser. Mark Williams rose above the Cardiff defence from a Smith free-kick, and headed accurately into the bottom left-hand corner. A groan went around Ninian Park, although many of the fans around me seemed quite pleased the Dons had scored! It has to be said that for their efforts, they deserved at least a point. Their travelling supporters jumped around the Grangend as if they had won the F.A Cup and their support was clearly appreciated from the entire Dons camp. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, so it was honours even for the second  City game in succession.

The draw was the fair result on reflection, with City enjoying more possession that the visitors, but Wimbledon going closer on several occasions and clipping the woodwork twice. The draw means the Bluebirds can finish anywhere from 10th to 13th, although the current placing of 11th looks most likely for Lennie Lawrence's men. The Dons are definitely going to prop up the table after the final game of the season next weekend, but can take pride in their performances since relegation was confirmed, and could mount a promotion challenge next year.

So, the last ticket from my season ticket book was used today, and it's been a pretty respectable campaign. An excellent start to the season promised the possibility of the play-offs, and if you believed the hype then promotion was on the cards, but in all reality this is a mid-table squad at best, so to finish where we have has to be seen as an achievement. The City travel to Portman Road for the final game of the season next weekend, with the Tractor Boys needing a result to secure a play-off place. City's scoreline in Suffolk will have a massive affect on who will take part in the end-of-season lottery for a place in England's top flight.

Full Time - Cardiff City 1-1 Wimbledon

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

Wimbledon: Bevan, Oyedele, Williams, Ntimban-Zeh, Lewington, Darlington, Chorley, Smith, Kamara, Small, Gray.
Substitutes: Hawkins, Martin, Herzig, Puncheon, Harding.