Cardiff City 0-1 Racing Santander - Match Report

City 0-1 Santander
By Chris O'Brien
August 1 2004

The pre-season blues continued for City on Saturday with a 1-0 loss against La Liga outfit Real Racing Santander. Willie Boland put the ball into his own net after 12 minutes, condemning the Bluebirds to defeat at Ninian Park.

The visit of La Liga outfit Racing Santander may have been a friendly, but an on-pitch brawl involving the majority of the Cardiff City team was anything but as the two teams battled out a heated affair at Ninian Park. A clash between John Robinson and Racing's Aganzo resulted in a tussle involving most players on the pitch, and saw City skipper Graham Kavanagh booked as a result.

However, although City showed more grit and determination than in the other warm-up matches, the winless pre-season continues as Santander left South Wales with a narrow yet deserved 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came on 12 minutes, with Willie Boland putting the ball into his own net following a free-kick from Francisco Javier Guerrero.

Having played friendlies against Yeovil Town and Cheltenham Town during the past week Lennie Lawrence opted to make a few changes to the starting line-up with Robert Earnshaw and Daniel Gabbidon both left on the bench. Tony Warner was protected by a back four of Gary Croft, Tony Vidmar, Robert Page and James Collins, with skipper Graham Kavanagh being joined in midfield by Willie Boland, Paul Parry and John Robinson. Andy Campbell was given another chance to impress up front, alongside Peter Thorne. Summer signing Lee Bullock replaced Boland as early as the 22nd minute, and there are fears the Irishman has picked up a fairly serious injury.

City were poor for the majority of the opening period and looked fragile at the back. The pacey forward line of the visitors worried Lennie Lawrence's side on numerous occasions and the home side could count themselves lucky to be only one goal ahead at the interval. The only action of note in the Santander half was a Cardiff penalty claim when Andy Campbell was seemingly brought to the ground by Spanish 'keeper Dudu, only for referee Ellingham to wave play-on.

Thankfully, City improved in the second-half and created the better chances. Fresh legs were introduced by Lawrence for the second-half, with Martyn Margetson, Daniel Gabbidon and Rhys Weston all brought on for the start of the second period with Alan Lee, Robert Earnshaw and Chris Barker coming on later in the game.

The Bluebirds started to play with a more positive attitude as the game continued but did not carve out many chances. The impressive Bullock saw a header rebound off the woodwork, whilst Alan Lee had an opportunity. However, the travelling team looked comfortable although they did resort to aggressive tactics on several occasions and were lucky to see no players sent off during the fiery match-up.

As mentioned, a brawl between the two teams on 70 minutes livened up proceedings. Robinson tussled with opponent Aganzo and soon both teams were at loggerheads with the substitutes bench joining in. Nothing much came of it however, with the result a yellow card for each side with Kavanagh finding his way into the referee's book for the Bluebirds.

Supporters may not have been expecting much from Santander after they had only managed goalless draws from games against Tranmere Rovers and Port Vale in the opening games of the British tour. However, the Spaniards looked a very organised outfit who have a very mean defence and look very difficult to break down. They will surely be hoping for more than last season in La Liga, with the club only managing to avoid relegation last term.

As for City, the result can be seen as no disgrace and the second-half display was pleasing but City lacked a lot in the opening period and there will need to be dramatic improvements ahead of the Football League season opener against Crewe at Gresty Road. A glamour friendly against Lazio on Monday evening is next, with the Italian outfit expected to draw a good attendance at Ninian Park.

Full Time - Cardiff City 0-1 Racing Santander
Attendance - 6,500