Defensive Error Forster Defeat

Losing Start
By Chris O'Brien
August 10 2005

A losing start for Dave Jones as Cardiff City boss with Ipswich Town narrowly beating the Bluebirds 1-0 at Portman Road. Nicky Forster slotted home the only goal of the game from close-range as 24,292 witnessed the Football League season get underway.

Cardiff City kicked off their Football League Championship campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town. A defensive error allowed Nicky Forster to net the only goal of the game mid-way through the second-half as the Bluebirds left East Anglia empty handed.

A healthy following from the Welsh capital were witness to five new faces in Dave Jones' starting line-up. Jermaine Darlington, Neil Cox and new skipper Darren Purse joined Chris Barker in defence, with Jeff Whitley and Kevin Cooper amongst the midfield.

City looked a more solid, organised outfit and did well to hold the hosts for over an hour. Unfortunately, a mix-up at the back was to blame for Ipswich taking the lead. After giving away a silly free-kick, Darren Currie sent a ball in the box that completely eluded the City backline as Forster hammered the ball past a motionless Neil Alexander.

Favourites Ipswich were the better side for the majority of the game, as summer acquisition Sam Parkin squandered the best of the first-half chances only moments before the interval. The former Swindon Town also hit the bar for Joe Royle's side late on in the game, with Alan Lee and Cameron Jerome both missing chances for City.

A defeat - but despite their summer departures, Ipswich are still deemed one of the stronger sides in England's second flight and there were plenty of positives to take from the game. City's defence was strong except for the blip that led to the goal, and new-boy Jeff Whitley put in a determined performance in midfield. Plenty to work on.

It seems early, but the games keep coming for City. The Bluebirds cannot afford a slow start if they are to try and achieve a high finish in the Championship, so a victory against Leeds United is important for Jones' men. City then entertain Watford on Friday night in a game that is live on television.
Roll on Tuesday.

Full Time - Ipswich Town 1-0 Cardiff City
Attendance - 24,292

Ipswich Town: Price, Wilnis, De Vos, Naylor, Richards, Currie, Magilton (Juan 90), Garvan, Westlake, Forster (Peters 77), Parkin.
Substitutes Not Used: Supple, Horlock, McDonald.

Cardiff City: Alexander, Darlington, Purse, Cox, Barker, Whitley, Ardley, Parry (Lee 74), Boland (Mulryne 86), Cooper, Jerome.
Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Weston, Loovens.