Gabbidon Impresses as England Crush Wales

In Action
By Chris O'Brien
October 10 2004

Daniel Gabbidon played the entire 90 minutes as England cruised to a 2-0 win over the Welsh. Despite the scoreline, Gabbidon looked good at the heart of the Dragons defence and City fans will have been pleased with the way he conducted himself at Old Trafford.

Cardiff City's Daniel Gabbidon impressed in defence, but Wales were well beaten at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon with the 2-0 scoreling flattering the visitors as England cruised to victory. A Frank Lampard shot which deflected off Michael Owen gave the hosts the lead after only four minutes, before a stunning lob from skipper David Beckham secured victory for the English with 15 minutes remaining.

The 'Battle of Britain' was predictable as Wales lacked the passion needed in such a high-profile affair. England had time on the ball and created a lot of chances, though it must be worrying for their supporters how they didn't put the game beyond doubt earlier than the 75th minute. England 'keeper Paul Robinson was a relative spectator as Wales struggled in attack with the one-pronged forward line of John Hartson largely ineffective.

Gabbidon's price tag may have risen a little, with the centre-half one of the better players in the red shirt. An error late in the second-half was one of few mistakes made by the former West Brom man, who has recently penned a new long-term contract at Ninian Park on a lucrative wage packet.

Full Time - England 2-0 Wales