Shambles!

Rubbish !
By Chris O'Brien
December 9 2004

A disgraceful performance from Cardiff City saw Preston North End leave Ninian Park with a 1-0 victory, with Youl Mawene's strike the only goal of a dour night. It was a terrible display from the Bluebirds watched by little over 10,000 supporters.

It was another one of those evenings you just want to forget. Little over 10,000 watched on as a woeful Cardiff City lost 1-0 to a very average Preston North End side in front of the live television cameras.

The Bluebirds lacked any sort of passion as Youl Mawene's goal in the 14th minute separated the two sides as Lennie Lawrence's side reminded supporters of the relegation threat. On 14 minutes, the Frenchman netted his first goal for the Lancastrian club bundling in a Graham Alexander corner with a mis-hit that deflected off the embarrassing Alan Lee.

City had started fairly brightly with the opening spell of the game perhaps the best the hosts looked all game, with Lee's 6th minute strike ruled out for a clear handball. Lawrence made only one change from the side that lost 2-1 at the Madjeski Stadium last Saturday, with the forced addition of Lee Bullock to the starting line-up to the suspension of Graham Kavanagh. Gabbidon took the arm band, whilst Bullock failed on his chance to impress - utter bullocks!

Preston will finish mid-table this season, little doubt about that, and having not won in 18 consecutive away games Cardiff really should have taken something from the game. However, a spineless display was churned up by The City and as a result a sixth home defeat of the season was suffered.

Cardiff should have really attacked Preston who seemed content to sit on their one goal lead, but there was only rare threats. Bullock should have done better when he sent Chris Barker's cross high and wide from only yards out. It was one of those nights for City.

The only enjoyable part of the evening came at half-term. An incredibly exciting kids contest between the red shirts and blue bibbed junior teams captured the attention of the on looking Bob Bank. Whoever was in goal for the reds should be offered a contract at Ninian Park - great viewing!

With parity not looking like being restored, Lawrence through on youngster Cameron Jerome in replacement for Willie Boland. The Irishman was poor in midfield and is starting to look past it. He used to bring steel and passion to the middle of the park but he was a liability today. Oh how we are missing Gary O'Neil - can a player win player of the season for only a handful of appearances?

Jerome struggled as City only produced weak attacks, easily dealt with by the Preston defence. It says something when one of our most threatening moments came from a defender - Danny Gabbidon made a charging run from end-to-end, but the Welsh international fired a lame shot straight at the Whites' 'keeper.

Youngster Danny Thomas was introduced with eight minutes to go. The striker, who makes Rob Earnshaw seem a towering figure, has looked red-hot for the reserves and youth teams but failed to have any sort of impact and didn't even touch the ball as the physical North End snuffed him out of the game. Forgotten man Rhys Weston had been introduced ten minute earlier, replacing Darren Williams.

In the closing stages Cardiff attacked and won a number of corners. Collins nearly equalised with a header that met a finger tip save from Gould, but a Bluebirds goal never came. City didn't deserve it - hapless, woeful, shameful.

The defeat leaves the Bluebirds in 20th place, tottering above the relegation zone with only 19 points from 20 Football League Championship outings. Next up is a visit to Loftus Road to face Queens Park Rangers, with the London club facing a visit to Leeds on the weekend in a highly attractive fixture. Ian Holloway aims to take his club to consecutive promotions, so a tough challenge is on the cards.

Full Time - Cardiff City 0-1 Preston North End
Attendance - 10,951