Wigan Athletic 2-1 Cardiff City - Match Report

Scorer and MOM
By Chris O'Brien
September 21 2004

Cardiff City suffered their fourth consecutive Football League defeat at the JJB Stadium to slump to 23rd in the Championship. Alan Lee's second half penalty proved only consolation as 9,004 watched Wigan Athletic pull off a 2-1 victory.

Four consecutive defeats in the Football League Championship as the Bluebirds move to one from bottom in the table following a 2-1 defeat against Wigan Athletic. Things are not looking good for Cardiff City. Life without Robert Earnshaw continued with another defeat and for an hour the visitors were made to look like relegation fodder at the JJB Stadium

Andy Campbell continued up front alongside the impressive Alan Lee. Campbell looks rusty and it will take time for him to find some form - he is capable of producing the goods at this level but lacks consistency. The return of Tony Vidmar saw James Collins dropped to the bench, whilst Robert Page wasn't even on the substitutes bench.

Cardiff made a spirited start but the Latics were always in firm control, and it was evident they could step up a number of gears if and when it was needed. Wigan play as a team and there physical, workmanlike approach saw the Bluebirds on the backfoot. Their strike force of Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts looks awesome and they are a team who have a great chance of promotion this term.

The deadlock was broken from the penalty spot through Ellington. The former Bristol Rovers forward was brought down following a clumsy challenge from Rhys Weston and the referee had no option to award the penalty. The powerful star when dusted himself off to send Warner the wrong way.

The goal saw Cardiff's head dropped and Wigan took firm control with several mouth-watering moves. Paul Jewell has built a powerful side who play as a team and are very hard to breakdown. City struggled to string passes together and were left frustrated by the hosts who top the Championship on goal difference.

A great move doubled Athletic's advantage twenty minutes after Ellington had opened the scoring. Jason Robers muscled his way through the Bluebirds defence following a long ball over the top to send the ball past goalkeeper Tony Warner with a delightful drive.

City had been punchless throughout the first-half and didn't look capable of pegging Wigan back or even keeping the scoreline to an acceptable level. However, a goal from the penalty spot from Alan Lee changed the game and saw the Bluebirds play their best football of the season - but they still couldn't find the elusive equaliser.

A rare attack from Lennie Lawrence's men saw Andy Campbell charging towards goal only to brought down by John Filan. The Wigan 'keeper only saw yellow and came close to stopping Lee's penalty which sneaked under the shot stopper. A confidence booster for Cardiff and Wigan stated to panic and for the first time in the game showed weaknesses.

City started to push forward in numbers and Jobi McAnuff's display was particularly pleasing. Wigan defended far too deep and invited the Bluebirds too attack, but the absence of Earnshaw meant sharpness was lacked in front of goal and the nervous Lancastrians held on for another victory as they continue their hunt for promotion.

The result leaves City 23rd as we go into a Football League break due to the upcoming international matches. Improvements will need to be made and it will be interesting to see if Sam Hammam has put his hands in pockets and brought in any new faces before the next game against Nottingham Forest at Ninian Park.

Full Time - Wigan Athletic 2-1 Cardiff City
Attendance - 9,004