Rotherham United 2-2 Cardiff City - Match Report

Scores Again
By Chris O'Brien
November 6 2004

The Bluebirds threw away a two goal advantage, but ended up being thankful for a point with a 2-2 draw at Millmoor. Joe Ledley and Paul Parry had left City in firm control with 16 minutes to go but Rotherham, still seeking their first Football League win, staged a dramatic fight back.

Cardiff City threw away a two goal lead and ended up thankful for a point with a 2-2 draw against relegation favourites Rotherham United at Millmoor. Teenage sensation Joe Ledley had given the Bluebirds the lead in the 70th minute and fellow left-winger Paul Parry doubled the advantage minutes later as City looked on their way to securing back-to-back wins in the Championship for the first time this season.

There was a twist in the tail though, as Rotherham showed character and spirit to fight back and grab a point. Still seeking an opening Football League victory, fans of the Yorkshire outfit would have been fearing the worst as two goals down, but McLaren gave the hosts home before Michael Proctor netted an equaliser ten minutes from time. The goal marked an incredible ten minute spell where all four goals were scored.

Rotherham have now gone 18 games without a Football League win, but they came so close to breaking a duck in the closing stages as Tony Warner pulled off a tremendous save to keep parity. The former Millwall giant is showing great form of late, made a tremendous stop from McClaren to deny the Miller a brace and earn Cardiff a point.

Lennie Lawrence had kept the same starting line-up that 'hammered' West Ham at Ninian Park during mid-week, but the Bluebirds lacked the finishing power that saw Alan Pardew's side swept aside only four days ago. Cardiff had the lion share of chances, but were made to pay for not finishing off opportunities and City supporters will undoubtedly see this as two points dropped particularly after a recent resurgence.

The point sees The City rise to 18th place, but with only four points between the South Walian outfit and the relegation zone, it is still a nervous time for the club. Rotherham remain rock bottom of the table, with only 7 points and no wins in the bank. Relegation looks a certainty for former Bluebird striker Ronnie Moore's side.

Next up for City is the exciting League Cup tie at home to Portsmouth, who were easily beaten 3-0 at Villa Park this Saturday lunchtime. An impressive looking form sheet of only one defeat in 11 will leave Cardiff fans optimistic of a 'giant killing', but rumours suggest England under-21 skipper Gary O'Neil could be re-called to the south coast ahead of the tie. A place in the quarter-finals awaits the winners of Ninian Park's Tuesday night clash.

Full Time - Rotherham United 2-2 Cardiff City
Attendance - 5,093