Disrespectful, Arrogant and Deservedly Beaten

Citizens Beat City
By Chris O'Brien
February 2 2005

'Bigger than Barcelona' Cardiff City have crashed out of the F.A.W Premier Cup at the first hurdle with defeat to Bangor City. Peter Davenport's North Walian side picked up a narrow but deserved win as the Bluebirds spat on the BBC-backed competition by fielding a team of juniors.

Cardiff City crashed out of the F.A.W Premier Cup at the quarter-final stage with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a joyous Bangor City at Farrar Road. Lennie Lawrence showed a complete lack of respect to both the North Walian side and the much beleaguered competition by fielding a side full of youth players, and the hosts comfortably won the cup clash.

The Citizens are an experienced side full of players who have played in the highest levels of the Football League. The likes of Clayton Blackmore, a former Manchester United midfielder, and Gareth Williams who played for Liverpool were named in a starting line-up full of recognisable names. The motivated hosts looked far superior to the Bluebirds, showing up our youth and reserve players despite the club hyping up the future generation of players.

Bangor should have run out comfortable winners, but the only goal of the quarter-final clash came in the fourth minute. Teenage defender Byron Anthony put into his own net from a Bangor City corner, to the delight of about 1,000 home supporters. To be honest, it was nice to see a sizable crowd watching a Welsh Premier side and I wish all the best to the league. Bangor will make far better use of the £25,000 minimum prize money they are now guaranteed. We frankly didn't deserve it.

Cardiff created few chances, with Stuart Fleetwood having City's best opportunity on a poor night. At the other end, Bangor attacked in numbers and had a goal, which looked perfectly good, disallowed. Cardiff looked lightweight, with Finnish prospect Toni Koskela showing some nice touches but easily shrugged off the ball on numerous occasions. The players looked disinterested and this was a night to forget for Cardiff City FC.

Full Time - Bangor City 1-0 Cardiff City
Attendance - 1,088

Bluebirds XI: Lee-Barrat, Anthony, Parslow, Rewbury, Huggins, Taylor, Fish, Koskela, Kift, Thomas, Fleetwood.