Chester City v. Cardiff City - Match Preview

Chester v. Bluebirds
By Chris O'Brien
July 20 2004

The Bluebirds kick-off their pre-season friendlies with a tricky trip to the Deva Stadium to face Football League newcomers Chester City on Tuesday. Lennie Lawrence will get a good look at his new signings as the City boss takes a first-choice squad north to take on the Seals.

Cardiff City kick-off their pre-season preparations for the 2004/2005 First Division campaign on Tuesday evening when they travel north to face Football League newcomers Chester City at the Deva Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick-off. The club put play-off disappointments in 2003 behind them to storm to the Conference title last term, and now look in a strong position to mount another promotion challenge this time around.

With the recent 1-1 draw against Chippenham Town purely a reserve team affair, the game against Mark Wright's side is the first pre-season friendly of a busy schedule the Bluebirds face. Lennie Lawrence will take a full strength squad to Chester, and any supporters making the journey will have chance to see City's new acquisitions in action as the team play their first game in the recently launched new strip.

City are taking their strongest possible squad to Chester and are expected to start the game with a first-choice side as Lawrence looks to select his best XI for the forthcoming season. An 18-man squad has been named, with youngster Byron Anthony the only player selected who may not be familiar to Cardiff supporters.

There are a handful of absentees from the squad, with Richard Langley and Tony Vidmar two of the missing players. The duo have both been involved in international activities over the summer, and as a result started pre-season training later than the rest of the squad and are yet to be match fit. Goalkeeper Neil Alexander and midfielder Gareth Whalley have not been asked to travel, which acts as further evidence that the pair will leave the club in the foreseeable future.

The Bluebirds can expect a tough game against a well-organised Chester side who return to the Football League with the club in an excellent situation, having already made 9 summer signings. When the Cheshire outfit were relegated to the non-league in 2000 things looked bleak, but they have battled back and have been priced as second favourites for the Third Division championship. Their players are also likely to be very fit, having already kicked-off their friendly matches with an impressive 3-0 home win over Walsall on Saturday further indicating what a strong side they are.

The Seals look particularly strong in attack, with new signing Michael Branch netting twice in their weekend victory. The forward has played for Wolves, Everton and Bradford City in recent years and is likely to form a formidable partnership with Daryl Clare, whose goals were one of the leading factors in Chester's return to the league. Also bolstering the attacking ranks of the club is former Merthyr man Cortez Belle, an ex-target of Lennie Lawrence.

Tony Warner is almost certain to start between the sticks, making his debut for the Bluebirds. The 6'5 giant will be eager to impress fans and coaching staff, and despite being allotted the number one jersey recently could still face a battle with Martyn Margetson for a regular place between the sticks. Defender Robert Page is also likely to make his first appearance for the club, whilst Lee Bullock should play some part in the game after securing a permanent move to Ninian Park after enjoying a 13-game loan spell in South Wales.

Lennie Lawrence seems to be taking the game very seriously, and although he will be looking for a positive result the main role of the game will be to get players back into the swing of competiitve football. Hopefully fans will not have to put up with a revolving door of substitutions, but changes are inevitable as the Bluebirds boss plays around with different systems and formations. A fair few City fans are likely to be in attendance, and the game looks set to be an interesting and close encounter.