New-Boys Shine as City Beat Weeds

Impressive Debut
By Chris O'Brien
August 10 2005

Substitute Jason Koumas netted a superb debut goal as Dave Jones' Bluebirds came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1. The Welsh international goal was followed by a penalty from captain Darren Purse as City won their first Championship clash of the season.

In a game that was a mirror 90 minutes of that legendary F.A Cup tie of January 2002, Cardiff City came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Yorkshire rivals Leeds United. A superb second-half performance saw City overhaul a one-goal half-time deficit to secure Dave Jones' first win as Bluebirds boss.

Dave Jones named an unchanged side from the one that lost at Ipswich on Saturday, resisting the opportunity to yield to fan pressure and start Welsh international Jason Koumas. This meant home debuts for skipper Darren Purse, Neil Cox, Jermaine Darlington, Jeff Whitley and Kevin Cooper and a healthy home crowd gave a warm welcome to the new recruits.

Cardiff had more possession during a tight first-half, but lacked the final touch and created few problems for the visitors. Leeds were creating better chances and deservedly took the lead mid-way through the first-half. On 22 minutes, Gary Kelly found David Healy on the right flank and the highly-rated forward charged into the penalty area and squared the ball for Robbie Blake to finish from yards out.

City switched to a more cautious approach after being caught knapping for Leeds' opener. Healy almost doubled the advantage before the break as be blazed a shot high and wide of Neil Alexander's goal and the majority of the noisy supporters in attendance were happy to see the Bluebirds weather the storm under the Ninian Park floodlights.

In Jones, City have a manager who is capable of motivating players. The new boss was a refreshing change on the touchline. Gone are the folded arms and squeaky-clean tracksuit of Lennie Lawrence, the mystery substitutions and the lack of imagination. Instead was a passionate Jones, scruffy shirt and tie clearly engrossed in the actions. His 56-minute substitution changed the game. Enter Koumas.

After building in confidence in the early stages of the second-half, on-loan Koumas was introduced to the midfield to replace the hard-working Willie Boland. With almost his first-touch, Koumas picked up the ball just inside the Leeds half, charged forward and powered a blistering 35-yard strike past Neil Sullivan in the Leeds goal leaving the 'keeper with no chance.

City were on top and attacked in numbers. The winning goal came just five minutes later from the penalty spot, with another pre-season signing bagging Cardiff's second. A foolish handball from Matt Kilgallon left captain Purse the chance to tighten the strings and he did in style with a solid penalty to Sullivan's left. His punch of delight said it all as 600 travelling Yorkshiremen were silenced.

The visitors battled hard but were clearly rattled and Cardiff comfortably held on for victory. This was a fiery game played at a high tempo and the atmosphere from both sets of supporters was impressive. There was bickering between demoralised Leeds players and City had successfully turned around the game in impressive fashion with Koumas proving his fitness and ability with a superb few touches.

A fantastic win, and although this was not a polished performance there is clearly something to work with for Jones. Roll on Watford this Friday, as the television cameras roll into the city.

Full Time - Cardiff City 2-1 Leeds United
Attendance - 15,231

Cardiff City: Alexander, Darlington, Purse, Cox, Barker, Ardley, Boland (Koumas 56), Whitley, Cooper (Mulryne 90), Jerome, Parry (Lee 86).
Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Loovens.

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler (Kilgallon 45), Derry, Harding, Lewis, Bakke, Gregan, Wright (Richardson 76), Healy (Ricketts 63), Blake.
Substitutes Not Used: Bennett, Einarsson.