Black Cats Claw Down City

Back and Crap !
By Chris O'Brien
December 11 2004

City suffered their 6th home Football League defeat of the season as Sunderland left Ninian Park 2-0 victors. Pressure is mounting on Lennie Lawrence with the Bluebirds once again looking inept of ideas as the relegation battle rumbles on.

Cardiff City failed to build on last week's defeat of Gillingham as pressure mounted on Lennie Lawrence with a 2-0 home reverse against Sunderland. The visitors picked up a gear in the second-half and goals from Dean Whitehead and Liam Lawrence gave the promotion contenders victory over a sloppy Cardiff.

Lennie Lawrence left out Daniel Gabbidon supposedly with a foot injury. He was replaced by Tony Vidmar, whilst Darren Williams made his first appearance as a full-time Bluebird as he lined up against his former club. Paul Parry made way for the returning Graham Kavanagh, with the Irishman taking back the captain's arm-band in midfield.

City remain in 21st position, having taken 22 points from the mid-way point of the season. I am stunned Lennie Lawrence is still in a job. Next up is Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, and defeat against the play-off hunting Blades could send the Bluebirds back into the relegation zone.

More to follow...

Full Time - Cardiff City 0-2 Sunderland
Attendance - 12,528

Cardiff City: Warner, Williams, Collins, Vidmar, Barker, McAnuff (Harris 71), Kavanagh, Boland (Parry 79), Ledley, Thorne, Jerome.
Substitutes Not Used: Page, Bullock, Alexander.

Sunderland AFC: Myhre, Wright, Breen, Caldwell, McCartney, Lawrence (Lynch 90), Whitehead, Robinson, Arca, Brown (Bridges 62), Elliott (Stewart 78).
Substitutes Not Used: Thornton, Alnwick.