Honours Even in Highfield Hoorah

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By Chris O'Brien
March 15 2005

Neither joy or despair for either side. Cardiff City took a point from their relegation six-pointer with Coventry City as Lee Bullock cancelled out Stern John's opener to level the Championship clash. Both sides are very much in the relegation scrap.

Cardiff City said their goodbyes to Highfield Road, a ground being knocked down at the end of the season, with a 1-1 draw against Coventry City with a result hat neither strengthens or weakens the Bluebirds' situation at the wrong end of the Football League Championship. Both sides had to settle for a point in a scrappy game in the Midlands as the relegation battle rumbles on.

Lee Bullock impressed in the stand-in forward role to net an equalising goal for the travelling Bluebirds only minutes after the Sky Blues had taken a first-half lead. From there, a draw always looked likely as Coventry kept City packed in their own half but failed to enjoy the possession or create the chances to yield a possible winning goal.

Cardiff had enjoyed the early possession as they looked to stamp their authority on the crucial Championship clash. However, it was the home fans who were celebrating after 16 minutes as Stern John gave the Sky Blues first blood. The former Birmingham City striker poked in a corner kick after some suicidal Cardiff defending had left John free in front of goal.

Despite this costly error, City kept their heads up and delighted the vocal travelling supporters with the equaliser only minutes later. Richard Langley knocked the ball into the danger area where makeshift striker Lee Bullock headed home to restore parity. The game had suddenly burst into life, but quickly took a dull, rather tedious approach that was to be a pattern for the remaining 70 minutes. The fear of losing clearly overrode either team's plans to go out and get three points. Both managers will be content with a point, but not delighted.

A draw for Gillingham at Leeds keeps City with their heads above the water - three points off the relegation zone. However, Ipswich Town will fancy their chances at Ninian Park on Saturday after putting six past Nottingham Forest this weekend, whilst Gillingham could play catch-up as they host Stoke City. 10 games left - very much all to play for!

Full Time - Coventry City 1-1 Cardiff City
Attendance - 17,059