Lawrence Slams Youth

Never Again?
By Chris O'Brien
February 2 2005

Following a shock but deserved defeat in the F.A.W Premier Cup, Lennie Lawrence has criticised his young players that narrowly lost at Bangor City. The Bluebirds were dumped out of the BBC-backed competition at the quarter-final stage.

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence has slammed his young players who failed miserably in the FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at Bangor. Lawrence took a risk that didn't pay off as he fielded a vastly inexperienced side against the Citizens, paying the price as a disinterested Bluebirds side struggled to compete and were comfortably beaten by the Welsh Premier side despite the narrow scoreline.

Stuart Fleetwood was one of the few City players on show with first-team experience, as Lawrence fumed at his performance. Following the Cup shock, several of City's prospects could be on their way out of Ninian Park after showing they simply aren't up to scratch.

"I made a judgement that our young reserves would have enough to win, but it never looked likely," said the under-fire Cardiff chief.

"No disrespect to Bangor, but if we can't beat them what on earth are these lads doing playing for Cardiff?

"They failed miserably in a pressure game. Half of them won't be here next season, that's an absolute certainty."

City manager watched on as a motivated Bangor City pulled off a famous 1-0 win in front of over 1,000 supporters at Farrar Road. Byron Anthony put into his own net after just 4 minutes, and the hosts continued to dominate proceedings and could have increased the scoreline if it were not for some poor finishing in front of goal.

"Bangor were well organised, well disciplined and deserved to win. I hope they get to the final and get some money out of it, they've earned it." added Lawrence.

Peter Davenport's Bangor will now host North Walian rivals Wrexham in a game that is sure to pull in a healthy attendance. Meanwhile, the Jacks visit Mid-Wales to play Welsh Premier leaders Total Network Solutions. City's lack of respect for the much-beleaguered competition means that financially-strapped Cardiff net only £15,000 prize money to boost the coffers.