CITY MATCH REPORT'S

CARDIFF CITY 3-0 PETERBOROUGH
Cardiff City:	Alexander, Weston (Barker 73 min), Prior, Gabbidon, Croft, Boland, Kavanagh, Whalley (Campbell 71 min), Maxwell, Thorne (Fortune-West 80 min), Earnshaw
Subs not used:	Hamilton, Margetson
	Kavanagh (19), Earnshaw (54 pen), Weston (58)
Bookings:	Boland, 90
Attendance:	12,918

MANSFIELD 0-1 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City:	Alexander, Weston, Gabbidon, Prior, Croft, Boland, Kavanagh, Barker, Maxwell (Hamilton 72 min), Thorne, Earnshaw (Campbell 79 min)
Subs not used:	.Fortune-West, Whalley, Margetson
	Thorne (70)
Bookings:	Croft (29)
Attendance:	3,441

From icWales

CARDIFF City returned to the top of the Second Division after grafting out a 1-0 win against bottom club Mansfield at a cold and murky Field Mill Ground last night.

Bluebirds striker Peter Thorne was the match-winner, heading home Graham Kavanagh's corner after 70 minutes.

But this was a hard-fought victory over a side that had won only three league games all season and had the second-worst defensive record in the division.

Against the aristocrats from Ninian Park, and the team who are most people's favourites to win the Division Two championship, the Stags raised their game and manager Stuart Watkiss will feel his side deserved a point for their efforts.

City should consider themselves lucky that they went into the half-time break still on level terms since the Nottinghamshire outfit created a handful of decent chances in the opening 45 minutes.

But Thorne's goal knocked the wind out of plucky Mansfield and the Bluebirds looked comfortable in the final 20 minutes although the Stags nearly snatched a last-minute equaliser but Colin Little was denied by City goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

Midfielder Gareth Whalley was ready for action after missing Saturday's 4-0 win over Tranmere with a muscle strain but City manager Lennie Lawrence opted to start with Layton Maxwell while on the left side of midfield Chris Barker deputised for Andy Legg who was missing with a hamstring injury.

The match nearly got off to a dramatic start when Mansfield defender Tony Vaughan, who had a loan spell with the Bluiebirds during the 1999-2000 season, nearly put through his own net after 42 seconds.

His misdirected back-pass rolled past Kevin Pilkington but the Stags goalkeeper managed to race back and retrieve the ball before it crossed the line.

Mansfield started the night propping up the Second Division but they strated this match at a high tempo. In the ninth minute they forced Alexander into a fine reflex save.

Spencer Prior headed a clearance straight at Iyseden Christie who then spearheaded a counterattacking move. He squared the ball to Little who then rolled it to Wayne Corden who saw his curling effort tipped away by Alexander.

City striker Thorne should have done better with a header in the 14th minute. Rhys Weston delivered a good cross from the right flank but he headed well over the woodwork.

Mansfield looked threatening every time they attacked the City defence and Little looked set to give them the lead after 16 minutes. Corden saw that he was unmarked and slipped him the ball but just as he was about to shoot Gary Croft came across and made a goal-saving interception.

Lawrence's heart was in his mouth midway through the first-half when Alexander appeared to have felled the lively Little as he chased after Lee Williamson's through ball but referee Neale Barry waved away the home side's appeal for a spot-kick.

Lawrence's men squandered a glorious chance to puncture Mansfield's momentum on the half-hour mark. Thorne cut inside the Stags' penalty area and picked out Maxwell who ballooned his shot from only 10 yards out.

Lawrence couldn't believe he missed and turned away in dismay. The City manager was then left shaking his head in frustration after Robert Earnshaw burst clear of the Stags' defence only for Barry to stop play following a clash of heads between Spencer Prior and Corden.

Mansfield began the second-half as aggressively as they started the first and Lawrence floated in a dangerous cross from the left for Christie but Gabbidon got to the ball first.

Then in the 52nd minute Little turned Gabbidon but his final shot went high and wide. Moments later Weston pushed the ball forward to Earnshaw who blasted his right-foot effort into the travelling support behind Pilkington's goal.

Mansfield's goal miraculously survived a City raid five minutes later. First Thorne's close-range shot was blocked by Pilkington, then Neil Moore cleared Graham Kavanagh's strike off the line.

Kavanagh had a second bite with the rebound but fired wide of the upright.

The action then switched to the other end. City's defence was caught napping by Mark Lever's long ball which released Christie and Alexander was forced to rush out of his area and bravely clear.

With 20 minutes remaining City broke the deadlock. Just as Lawrence was preparing to make a change and throw on Andy Campbell, Thorne pounced at the back post, firmly heading Kavanagh's corner past Pilkington.

The visitors were close to doubling their lead in the 74th minute. Again it came from a Kavanagh corner but Gabbidon's header shaved the post after taking a deflection.

Pilkington then dropped the subsequent corner with the ball falling to Prior and he poked his effort wide.

It might have been a different outcome had it fallen to either Thorne or Earnshaw.

There was a scare for City immediately after. Weston slipped on the wet surface, allowing Christie to charge into the 12-yard box but Alexander held his low drive

Nutty Sounds Report

It was an awful night for a match with the rain beating down on Ninian Park, just before kick–off we found out who our opponents were to be for the 1^st Round of the FA Cup and it was Tranmere, yes Tranmere away. We played them last season in the 4^th round and they beat us. Early in the day we were paired off with Exeter in the LVD away, this is really our best chance of reaching a cup final at the Millennium Stadium.

Tranmere packed out the midfield playing a 4-5-1 formation looking to soak up the Bluebirds pressure. Cardiff were player 4-4-2 with Earnshaw and Thorne upfront with Lennie Lawrence making one change to the starting line-up with Maxwell in for Whalley.

The game got off to a creaking start in front the Sky Sports cameras with the Bluebirds pushing forward. Earnshaw was again coursing the Tranmere defence trouble with is darting runs. With Tranmere playing one up front Alexander in the Cardiff goal looked to be in for a quiet night with the Cardiff defence more than up for what Tranmere were throwing up.

Cardiff was so in control that the Bluebird fans were starting to get in restless for a goal. Then in the 28 minute step up goal shy Peter Thorne, Thorne has not had much luck in front of goal this season and it looked as his luck was not going to change.

The opening goal came after Thorne had hit the side post only for ball to rebound off the post for Thorne to slot the ball into the back of the net. There was talk of it being an own goal.

The replay on Sky Sports later was a bit inconclusive by the goal was awarded to Thorne.    

The Bluebirds were on a roll now with the Bluebirds passing game opening up Tranmere. In the Cardiff goal Alexander could have falling asleep as Tranmere total failed in front of goal.

It was not long before in was Earnshaw chance to had his name to the score sheet when in the 40^th minute Maxwell burst through, tried to get the ball to someone in the box only for the ball to hit the hand of a Tranmere defender, penalty. Up step Earnshaw 2-0 and the Bluebird fans when wild, Earnshaw did is now famous goal celebration and ended by grabbing one of the microphones and jumping on the Bob Bank fence and leading the singing.

After the break Cardiff started off where they finished the first half in total control of the game, Thorne came close to adding a second goal in the hopping minutes. Tranmere seem to have given up and were settling for a 2-0 score line.

But Cardiff had other ideas and keep up with their passing game with breaks down the wing from Weston and Barker who came on in the first half for an injured Legg.

Earnshaw was a constant thorn in the side of Tranmere and it was not long before there was another goal.

In the 80 minute Earnshaw had the ball just outside the area and he saw Barker running behind him, Earnshaw back heeled the ball to Baker who took it forward a bit and put a cross into the box. Thorne was in the box, he rose into the air, connected with the cross to head it down into the corner of the net 3-0. No mistake about that one.

Before the game Lennie Lawrence said that we owed someone a trashing.

The disappointing crowd of 12,096 were happy but for the 100 or so Tranmere fans that turned up looked glum. But the game was not over for the Bluebirds who stayed until the end.

Weston rounded off a fine performance with a injury time goal, lashing a shot into the far corner.

Some comments

Bluebird’s striker Thorne had not scored since the second game of the season.

"I really needed that because it has been dragging on quite a bit but I have remained confident. I have had a few games where I have struck the post and crossbar so I knew I would get one eventually.

"The gaffer has been superb to me while I have not been scoring and I'm so glad now I have hit the net again."

"We were always in control although I was quite lucky to get on the end of a ricochet for the first goal. But when Chris Barker sent over a great cross for my second I knew it was in the net the moment I headed it."

Rover’s boss Ray Mathias felt his side were unlucky to lose by such a big margin.

"It is a harsh score line and I am very disappointed. I was unhappy to go in at half-time 2-0 down but decisions change matches and I can't see how the referee awarded that penalty when his assistant didn't flag for anything.

"But our final ball was lacking and you cannot get away with that against a quality side like Cardiff."

By Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF City's record-breaking away run under Lennie Lawrence came to an end at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool this afternoon.

City were unbeaten in 13 Nationwide League away matches since Lennie Lawrence took charge in February .

But on the ground where Cardiff City had not won for 34 years - John Toshack's double in 1968 earning victory - the Bluebirds perished.

City have only won once in 50 years at Blackpool and this time they went down to a cruel first half deflection from a cross by man of the match John Hills.

The ball flew off Spencer Prior and just inside the near post with goalkeeper Neil Alexander stranded.

The Bluebirds finished strongly and Blackpool were forced to hang on, but they did well as City's three-man attack of Robert Earnshaw, Leo Fortune-West and Andy Campbell tried to find a way through.

Willie Boland was able to take his place in the starting line-up, having recovered from a slight leg muscle strain which kept him out of training for a couple of days during the week.

That left Cardiff with one change from the starting line-up for the 1-0 win against Wycombe Wanderers a week ago.

Goalkeeper Neil Alexander, back from duty with the Scotland team, returned in goal.

Danny Gabbidon, who shone in Wales' 2-1 win against Italy at the Millennium Stadium, put his dis-play against Alessandro Del Piero behind him as he took on Blackpool's John Murphy.

Defender Peter Clarke, on loan from Everton, resumed in the Blackpool defence after being on England under- 21 duty.

City battled through a first half in which they were forced to defend for long periods against a well-organised home side.

There seemed to be no space in midfield while Robert Earnshaw and Peter Thorne had to survive on scraps of possession.

Cardiff opened the match attacking the South Stand end where around 2,000 Bluebirds fans were

housed in the old grandstand.

Two sides of Bloomfield Road have been completely modernised, but the away section has, for the moment, been left as it has been for years.

It was, though, an entertaining first half in which Blackpool attacked and City, in the main contained them.

Referee Mike Riley, who was in

charge of the FA Cup final last season, had an excellent first half, scarcely noticeable as he let the players get on with their job and only intervened when it was absolutely necessary.

Blackpool were fired up for City's visit and carved out three or four decent chances.

The best saw Scott Taylor in the clear and goalkeeper Neil Alexander had to move smartly to save.

Cardiff City did not help their own cause by giving away possession too often in their own half, but they battled well.

Alexander was a key player, always alert and ready to move quickly.

He cut out danger before it grew serious and was City's best player during the opening 45 minutes.

John Hills was a threat to City down the left and he forced his way past Danny Gabbidon after 19 minutes.

His shot from 12 yards was low, but straight at Alezander and he saved well.

The closest Cardiff came to a goal was Kavanagh's fierce shot after 26 minutes. Thorne was fouled as he powered towards goal and Gareth Whalley's short free-kick allowed Kavanagh to go for goal.

The effort only just flew wide with goalkeeper Phil Barnes scrambling across goal, relieved to see it fly past.

Cardiff's problems were under-lined when Taylor robbed Kavanagh and then burst away from Spencer Prior inside the penalty area.

It looked as though he had to score, but Alexander stood his ground and saved well.

John Murphy got away from Gabbidon just before half-time and when the ball was whipped across the area he was on his own. Murphy stretched to make first time contact when he had the time to control and missed completely.

Cardiff went in happy with the goalless scoreline, having defend-erd against steady pressure pretty well.

Their immediate task was to stop conceding possession in dangerous areas - and in midfield to find the space to create openings for Earnshaw and Thorne.

The goal which had looked possible throughout the first half came after 51 minutes.

After all the good football Blackpool had played through the first half it came from a long ball forward and a deflection.

Paul Dalglish launched the ball across the pitch, aiming at Murphy.

The striker let the ball go past

him and City were opened up.

Rhys Weston was well up the pitch and Hills running free down Blackpool's left.

Prior left the middle to try and cut out Hills, but it was too late.

And when Hills whipped the ball across goal it struck Prior and flew past a stranded Alexander.

There was nothing the goalkeeper could do as it ran inside the near post with Alexander poised to go for the cross.

That was a massive blow to Cardiff, particularly with Blackpool playing so well.

The home side looked solid defensively and were producing dangerous attacking moves with some good, solid passing.

Richie Wellens was the first player to be booked after committing a third foul in five minutes. His reckless challenge on Andy Legg sent the Cardiff player crashing.

Soon after Legg was the victim again. This time Dalglish was late and again reckless. He, too, was booked as Legg was given more treatment.

Blackpool's tight grip in midfield was maintained with Wellens staying close to Kavanagh and allowing him no room.

There was more of an edge to the second half as City stepped up the tempo and Blackpool responded.

There had been only eight fouls in the opening 45 minutes - and that was beaten in the first 10 minutes of the second period.

City set out to change the course of the match when Leo Fortune-West and Layton Maxwell were sent on after 68 minutes.

They replaced Legg and Boland as the Bluebirds switched to a 4-3-1-2 formation, Thorne dropping just behind the two main strikers.

Earnshaw found space for himself and sent a shot flashing across goal as City looked for the goal they needed.

Maxwell's arrival stepped up City's impact down the right. He was full of energy and Cardiff had at last wrested control from their hosts.

Thorne's tenacity won a free-kick for City on then right-hand edge of the penalty area and Kavanagh's cross was headed away.

A rainbow arced over the Bloomfield Road ground as the sun came through the clouds and Cardiff chased their pot of gold - an equalising goal.

Weston's run down the right stretched Blackpool and led to two successive corners as the home side clung on.

Andy Campbell was sent on with 11 minutes left, taking over from Thorne as City went for pace either side of Fortune-West.

Blackpool responded with two changes, Danny Coid and John O'Kane for Dalglish and Hills.

Campbell shot on the turn from 15 yards, but the effort flew wide.

Prior joined the attack as City threw everything they could at Blackpool, but it just wasn't their day.

CAPTAIN fantastic Graham Kavanagh shot the Bluebirds back to the top of the table with a 79th minute strike to break visitors Wycombe's dogged resistance at Ninian Park.

Kavanagh lashed home a 15-yard shot, having seen one effort blocked, as City toiled hard to secure a win they merited on balance of player.

Peter Thorne had failed to make four earlier chances count as City bossed the game for long periods, but gree increasingly frustrated as they failed to find the killer touch.

City boss Lennie Lawrence made two changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Wigan, restoring the rested Andy Legg to an attacking wide left role, while handing a debut to former Manchester City goalkeeper Martyn Margetson.

Margetson, a summer free transfer from Huddersfield Town, got his chance with Neil Alexander away on international duty with Scotland.

Wycombe, meanwhile, included ex-Swans winger Stuart Roberts, and Craig Faulconbridge, latterly of Wrexham.

Wanderers were searching for their first victory against City, having lost twice and drawn once on the three occasions the two sides have met in the past.

City kicked off playing towards the Canton Stand, and, after a subdued opening, Robert Earnshaw went close to adding to his 12-goal haul so far this term on six minutes, when he tested Martin Taylor in the Wycombe goal with a raking cross-shot from the right-hand edge of the visitors' penalty box.

Earnie had been released by Thorne's clever cushioned header, from an angled ball from half-way by Rhys Weston.

Wycombe were making it tough for City to get into their stride before the Bluebirds produced their most incisive spell of possession so far - and Thorne should

have put City in front.

The former Stoke man, who is searching for goals having only struck twice so far this term, was cursing his luck when his downwards header at the far post cannoned off the post.

He'd been picked out unmarked by Kavanagh's cross from the left of the penalty area, after the skip-per had been played in by a clever reverse ball from Gareth Whalley.

That narrow escape for Wycombe came on 12 minutes, and three minutes later Thorne was left wondering what he'd done to upset the

football gods when he struck the woodwork again - this time seeing a towering header thump off the bar after he'd been found by Kavanagh's free kick from the right.

Wycombe had barely threatened before Michael Simpson struck a speculative effort from a tight angle straight at Margetson on 18 minutes.

Andy Rammell served City with further warning that Wanderers were not just there to make up the numbers when he had Margetson diving full-length to his right, having headed unmarked from nine yards.

Weston did his level best to break the deadlock on 26 minutes, when he drove forward from the right, cut inside and struck a shot that Taylor could only parry. Earnshaw, however, couldn't quite latch on to the rebound.

City's first corner of the game, on 29 minutes, came to nothing before Roberts flashed a half-chance wide for Wycombe.

Steve Brown became the first name into the referee's book on the half-hour, when he was penalised for a late challenge on Weston.

Legg's resulting free-kick flashed agonisingly across the face of goal.

Margetson was tested by Faulconbidge's header after 37 minutes, after he'd been found by a throw from Wycombe's left.

The dangerous Faulconbridge threatened again three minutes later, when he tried a cheeky lob from the right.

Roberts was replaced by Sean Devine just before the break, but with City failing to carve out further chances, home fans were left frustrated by a goalless score-line at half-time. HT: Cardiff City 0, Wycombe Wanderers 0.

Seven minutes in to the second period, Thorne failed to make the most of another golden opportunity, when he headed straight at Taylor having slipped away from his marker, Paul McCarthey, at the back post.

His attempt was a poor dividend for Willie Boland, who had nonchalantly skipped past Chris Vinnicombe and bent over an inch-perfect ball for Thorne.

Boland was instrumental again two minutes later, finding Gareth Whalley on the penalty spot, but the former Bradford City man failed to connect properly with his shot.

Gary Croft tried an acrobatic volley from Legg's cross before Kavanagh had a shot charged down after Earnshaw had over-hit a cross for the marauding Thorne.

Legg was then booked for allegedly diving on 62 minutes, but the veteran wing-back should have had the last laugh moments later when he broke free before looping over a tantalising cross. But the hapless Thorne, and Kavanagh, got in each others way as they strained to get on the end of Legg's ball, leaving another chance to go begging.

Wycombe went close twice to breaking away and breaking the deadlock twice in quick succession. First, Margetson held on to an Andy Rammell strike from 20 yards, before Sean Devine couldn't take Wycombe's clearest opportunity of the game, with Margetson moving smartly to smother a lose ball 10 yards out.

City made two substitutions in quick succession; first Whalley made way for Andy Campbell, before Chris Barker replaced Gary Croft on 71 minutes.

The changes prompted a change in formation, with City switching to operating with wing-backs. Thorne was left thumping the turf in frustration when he failed to get enough power behind another header, having been picked out by Legg.

Finally, City made an opportunity count when Kavanagh broke Wycombe's hearts, threading a right-foot shot into the bottom left-hand corner on 79 minutes having been allowed two bites of the cherry.

Barker had broken superbly down the left, echoing his days as a winger at Barnsley, and had found Kavanagh free in the box with an angled ball. Kav's first shot was charged down by Andy Thomson, but the he was first to the loose ball, and decisive with a low shot, having stepped inside Thomson.

Wycombe's frustrations were compounded when McCarthy was booked for flooring Earnshaw on 89 minutes.

And there were to be no last-minute scares for City as the Bluebirds played down time.

CARDIFF City golden boy Robert Earnshaw rescued the Bluebirds with an 86th-minute equaliser in a high-octane Second Division clash at Wigan Athletics' JJB Stadium.

City looked down and out against a Wigan side that dominated the match and should have been 4-1 up by the time Earnshaw pounced for his 12th goal of the season.

City had a great start when hotshot Earnshaw volleyed the Bluebirds ahead after 19 minutes, but shortly afterwards the game was turned on its head in two minutes of madness.

Former Wolves player Tony Dinning hit an unstoppable left-foot drive that whistled into the top left-hand corner of Neil Alexander's net.

City's defence then just watched as a personal duel between Dinning and 'keeper Alexander saw the striker take two shots that were both saved, only for the ball to fall for Wigan's top marksman, Nathan Ellington, who smashed the ball home.

But Earnshaw rescued City for the second week running with a late tap-in set up by Peter Thorne.

Both the Bluebirds and Wigan returned to the serious business of Second Division action after enjoying Worthington Cup experiences against Premiership opposition.

City travelled to White Hart Lane and produced a gallant performance against Tottenham Hotspurs, before going out of the competition to a Teddy Sheringham strike.

Wigan went one better against West Bromwich Albion, however, with a 3-1 win, £1.2m man Nathan "Duke" Ellington hitting a blistering hat-trick, to take his tally for the season to eight.

The all-seater 25,000 JJB Stadium, must have had the travelling City fans thinking that in a couple years their team will be playing in such splendour.

Just last night, rugby Super League teams Wigan and Leeds battled it out at the stadium, but the pitch nevertheless looked in pristine condition.

City manager Lennie Lawrence made two changes from the Spurs game and changed the formation to 4-3-3 by including Leo Fortune-West for Andy Campbell, who did not do himself any favours against the London outfit.

The towering figure of Fortune-West joined Peter Thorne up front with Robert Earnshaw. Andy Legg made way for the former Rotherham striker.

You could tell Wigan were up for this encounter just by the way they wanted to get the ball back into play, rushing to take the throw-ins.

However, City's Gary Croft danced his way past a couple of defenders to send his left-foot shot just past the Wigan upright after four minutes.

Wigan's Scott Green provided excellent crosses on the right and after 10 minutes Lee McCulloch headed back across goal and danger man Ellington flicked the ball just wide of City's post.

City centre-back Spencer Prior was the first man in the book, after 17 minutes, as the former Derby County player went through Welsh international Neil Roberts.

A minute later, Earnshaw was brought down by Jason Jarrett on the edge of the box and skipper Graham Kavanagh's direct free-kick brought the best out of goal-keeper John Filan.

But on 19 minutes, City took the lead when a cross from Croft was nodded on by Kavanagh to find Earnshaw. The striker flicked the ball over his shoulder and pulled the trigger to unleash an unstoppable volley from the edge of the six-yard box.

However, the home side took just six minutes to level matters after McCulloch's pass was dummied by Roberts and Tony Dinning let fly from the edge of the area with a cracking left-foot drive to find the top corner of the City net.

Wigan then took the lead soon after, as City's defence went to sleep.

Dinning was allowed two efforts and goalkeeper Neil Alexander saved both, but the ball fell to the left foot of Ellington, who blasted the ball past a crowd of players into the net after 26 minutes.

The game was now reaching a frantic pace and Danny Gabbidon was the next name into the book for bringing down Roberts.

The home side were well in control of the game at this stage and pressing for a third goal.

Wigan should have stretched their lead eight minutes before the break, as a swinging cross from Jarrett found the unmarked Ellington, whose header should have at least found the target, but instead went well wide.

A three-man move from Earnshaw, Thorne and then Kavanagh saw the Cardiff skipper race through and, with a clear sight at goal, he screwed his shot wide from 18 yards, with five minutes remaining to the interval.

HT: Wigan Athletic 2, Cardiff City

1.

Lawrence acted at the break and took-off Fortune-West for the pacey Andy Campbell, to shuffle things up a bit and inject some life in the proceedings.

But Wigan started where they left off as Roberts blazed over the bar from eight yards.

City were far too casual at the back as Gabbidon lost his footing with nobody around him, and Roberts zoomed in to shoot at goal, Alexander saving well to his right after 53 minutes.

McCulloch's defence-splitting pass behind Rhys Weston almost brought a third goal, Steve McMillan driving the shot against Alexander on the hour mark.

Lawrence made his second substitution as Weston made way for Chris Baker

Jarrett raced clear of the City defence and tried to side-foot the ball past Alexander, but the 'keeper was well positioned for the shot.

City had a rare sight at goal as a Croft chipped cross found Thorne, who headed wide.

But, with just four minutes remaining, City drew level after Croft's deep cross picked out Thorne, whose header found Earnshaw, who simply tapped in.

Taken from icWales site:

TEDDY SHERINGHAM'S first-half volley settled a gripping Worthington Cup tie on a night when Cardiff City again showed they could compete with the best.

Just as they had done in January when Leeds United were humbled n the FA Cup at Ninian Park, Cardiff enhanced their stock with performance of true character and no little ability.

Spurs provided enough evidence to suggest why they topped the Premiership in the early weeks of the season but the Second Division leaders were tigerish in midfield while Danny Gabbidon and Spencer Prior were immense at the heart of the defence.

Up front there was no joy for Robert Earnshaw after his prolific run of goal-scoring form but the striker's raw pace often threatened to turn the home defensive combination of Dean Richards and Goran Bunjevcevic to stone.

City had not won at White Hart Lane since Ron Stocking scored twice in a2-0 win in November 1954, but Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam will not rest until his club are playing the likes of Spurs on a regular basis.

On this evidence it might not be long before that ambition is realised as City will take the confidence from pushing star-studded Premiership opponents all the way into the rest of their league programme.

Bluebirds manager Lennie Lawrence had speculated about rotating his squad with the visit to White Hart Lane coming only four days before the table-topping trip to Wigan.

But in the end Lawrence, perhaps feeling that he could not let down players who had taken City to the Second Division summit, made only one change from the side that staged a late, late show to beat Crewe 2-1 on Saturday - Andy Campbell replacing injured target man Peter Thorne.

Around 4,000 Cardiff fans had made the journey to North London and the Metropolitan Police were obviously taking no chances given the reputation of some sections of City's support.

Hundreds of extra officers had been drafted in to maintain law and order and, with helicopters circling overhead close to kick-off, Spurs had acceded to the police request to stop selling tickets nearly two hours before the first whistle.

But there was still a highly charged atmosphere inside White Hart Lane with Spurs keen to repeat last season's Worthington Cup run that ended in defeat to Blackburn Rovers at the Millennium Stadium final.

The travelling contingent were in good voice as they clearly relished their visit to Premiership territory but there was early danger as MatthewEtherington probed down the left and City struggled to clear.

Moments later Spurs skipper Sheringham forced the first save of the evening when Neil Alexander held on at the second attempt but City wasted a golden opportunity after six minutes.

Amazingly the culprit was Earnshaw who seemed likely to improve on his record of nine goals in six matches when he raced on to Gareth Whalley'sperfectly flighted ball behind the Spurs defence. But Earnshaw's first touch for once betrayed him and home goalkeeper Kasey Keller was able to collect comfortably.

Spurs were inventive with Sheringham and Robbie Keane linking well but Wales defender Gabbidon, a Tottenham target in the past, made a couple of crucial interventions and City gave as good as they got.

To underline that point both sides hit the woodwork inside the space of a minute; first Spurs were denied when Milenko Acimovic reachedSheringham's flick-on to strike the base of a post and then at the other end Willie Boland almost took the paint off the crossbar with a violent25-yarder.

Chances continued to arrive thick and fast during a hugely entertaining contest and Keane twice came within inches of his first goal since completing a £7m transfer from Leeds United last month.

Having just failed to make the most of a delicious cross from Wales international Simon Davies when Prior's back took the sting out of his header, the Irishman was again the benefactor of Sheringham's vision before dragging his left-foot shot wide from 12 yards.

Spurs were upping the ante with both Bluebirds' flanks coming under increasing pressure and the City defence eventually capitulated on the half-hour mark. German Steffen Freund, returning after an eight-month absence through injury, sent Mauricio Taricco scampering down the left and Sheringham stole a yard on Gabbidon inside the six-yard box to meet the near-post cross with a perfect volley.

None could dispute that Spurs were worth their half-time lead butEarnshaw, brilliantly pulling down an Alexander punt from the heavens, issued warning that he was still a threat by forcing his markers back before blasting over.

The second half started at a slower tempo as Spurs sought to rediscover their rhythm but Davies, so impressive in the first period, began to torment City from his station on the right.

First his deep 40-yard cross found Etherington and City were grateful that a deflection off Rhys Weston fell the right side of the post from their point of view.

Then Davies skipped around Gary Croft and Prior had to concede a corner which saw Sheringham fire over after the ball had been whipped into the near post.

City were slowly creeping back into the tie with Graham Kavanaghproducing a worthy effort from distance but Keane should have settled matters on the hour.

Having broken the offside trap Keane seemed certain to open his Spurs account but he overran the ball and Alexander smothered bravely.

The fact that Spurs had not been able to find a decisive second goal forced manager Glenn Hoddle out of the stand and on to the touch-line for the final quarter of the match.

City fans were calling for substitute Leo Fortune-West and having seen Campbell pull his shot wide they got their wish with 14 minutes remaining as Lawrence withdrew Andy Legg and opted for a three-manstrikeforce.

But City were again indebted to Alexander's agility as Davies worked a one-two with Acimovic and the Welshman was almost celebrating his third goal of the season before the 'keeper thrust out a hand. Two-nil would have been hard on City's endeavour - but Spurs were just happy to progress into the third round of the competition.
 

ROBERT EARNSHAW scored twice to lift Cardiff City to the top of the Second Division for the first time in 20 years but the Bluebirds were denied victory by a Plymouth Argyle equaliser deep into injury time.

The little Wales striker netted in either half - his sixth and seventh goals in only five games - to give City a point that saw them leap-frog Oldham, Wigan and QPR into first place.

Lennie Lawrence's Bluebirds stretched their unbeaten away record to 12 games but the manager - sent from the dug out after complaining about the four minutes of stoppage time - left feeling robbed after the Pilgrims struck a 94th minute leveller.

Though Cardiff were distraught to let the lead slip, Plymouth will feel the result was a fair reflection on their effort in what was a highly entertaining, end-to-end encounter at Home Park.

Lawrence, who had a brief spell in charge of the Pilgrims when Malcolm Allison left in 1978, sprang no surprises ahead of the game, naming the same Bluebirds team that won 1-0 at Notts County on Saturday.

While Cardiff were setting a new club record at Meadow Lane, Plymouth - the 2001-02 Third Division champions - slipped to their first home defeat in 27 games when Chesterfield left Home Park with a surprising 1-0 win.

The Pilgrims, promoted last season with 102 points, were determined to compensate for that defeat but got off to a dreadful start last night when Cardiff nipped in front after less than 90 seconds.

Peter Thorne intercepted Argyle captain Paul Wotton's poor back header and flicked on for Earnshaw who lobbed over the advancing goal-keeper, Romain Larrieu.

But Plymouth equalised six minutes later after they were awarded a free-kick for Daniel Gabbidon's rash challenge on Michael Evans. Wotton took it and made up for his earlier mistake by driving a spectacular 35-yard strike low past Neil Alexander.

The former Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper will have been disappointed to let the ball trickle past him - one can only assume he was unsighted by the Bluebirds wall - given he wanted another clean sheet to enhance his prospects of earning a full international call-up.

Alexander's defenders were being kept busy by a succession of crosses raining in from the flanks as Plymouth continued their fightback from slipping a goal behind.

In the 22nd minute, though, it was the Bluebirds who almost grabbed the upperhand when captain Graham Kavanagh whipped in a cross that Spencer Prior was poised to head in before Plymouth's French 'keeper got a vital touch to it.Five minutes later Alexander showed exactly why he and many others believe he will soon earn his first full Scotland cap.

If the 24-year-old goalkeeper had been at fault for the goal, he certainly atoned for it when he made a superb one-handed save from Hasney

Aljofree's equally-impressive 25-yard free-kick. Alexander produced another top-draw save in the 36th minute, this time palming away a header from Pilgrims striker Michael Evans who connected first time with Aljofree's precise left-sided cross.

Cardiff's defence was at sixes and sevens as the second half drew to a close and but for a coat of paint, the visitors would have been 2-1 down. Striker Ian Stonebridge almost put Plymouth a goal to the good, his six-yard effort smashing against a left-hand post and rebounding out for a goal-kick.

The action immediately switched to the other 18-yard box and this time Cardiff were unlucky not to nudge in front.

Right-back Rhys Weston curled in a cross, Thorne headed down and Gareth Whalley's ferocious 20-yard strike was heading for the back of the net until Pilgrims Graham Coughlan got his body in the way to make a tremendous block.

Five minutes into the second half and Cardiff produced another shot on target. This time Kavanagh, going nowhere in particular, produced an innocuous-looking 25-yard shot that Larrieu had to push out for a corner. The Irishman tried his luck again in the 59th minute, shaving Larrieu's right-hand upright with a well-struck 25-yard free-kick.

Three minutes later Larrieu made a stunning one-handed save to deny Prior. Andy Legg ran into the danger zone before cleverly cutting back to the Bluebirds defender whose goal-bound effort was tipped over the bar by the impressive Pilgrims 'keeper.

However, there was little he could do about Cardiff's second goal in the 67th minute. Legg was again the supplier, delivering a perfect left-sided cross from the by-line for Earnshaw to head in from eight yards.

Plymouth denied Cardiff the three points when Coughlan forced the ball in from close range after a goalmouth scramble four minutes into injury time.

NOTTS COUNTY 0-1 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City:	Alexander, Weston, Legg (Barker 90 min), Whalley, Prior, Gabbidon, Kavanagh, Earnshaw (Campbell 78 min), Thorne, Boland, Croft
Subs not used:	Margetson, Campbell, Fortune-West, Maxwell, Barker
	Croft (20)
Bookings:	Kavanagh, 55, Croft, 58,Boland, 67, all
Attendance:	6,118

(Report from www.icwales.co.uk)

CARDIFF City broke a 55-year-old record with an away run of 11 games without defeat, with a thunderous left-foot drive from Gary Croft the deciding factor at Meadow Lane.

The 20th-minute strike was Croft's second goal of the season, and what a belter it was as the ball fell to Croft 25 yards out and the former Ipswich Town player let fly with only one destination - the back of the net.

The gulf between the two clubs could hardly be greater, with the Meadow Lane outfit facing a multi-million-pound debt and a real fight for survival both on and off the field.

With just eight points and without a single home win to their name, County are just two points from the bottom of the Second Division.

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence stuck with the same starting line-up that has seem two impressive home wins over Stockport County (2-1) and Brentford (2-0) in the last week.

Lawrence has simply gone with the theory of "if it's not broken, don't fix it" and the 4-4-2 formation is well and truly cemented in the club's plans.

The Bluebirds came under early pressure, until they could get possession, but then started playing their passing game, spreading the ball about a wide playing surface.

Gareth Whalley won his battle in midfield and poked the ball forward to Peter Thorne, whose shot was wide and high into the stand behind the goal after eight minutes.

Andy Legg, returning to his former club was booed with every touch of the ball and was brought down cruelly by Simon Ramsden, much to the delight of the home crowd, although referee Robinson gave Ramsden a talking-to.

In-form striker Robert Earnshaw was just inches away from adding to his season's tally of six in the eighth minute.

Willie Boland found Earnshaw on the edge of the area, the Welsh international pushed the ball out wide to Graham Kavanagh and the skipper's curling cross back in was met be the glancing head of Earnshaw, which just missed the upright.

City were now taking a grip on the game and Kavanagh's sweeping cross-field ball picked out Thorne, who cleverly nodded the ball into the path of Whalley, but his powerful drive from 25 yards was gathered by goalkeeper Stuart Garden

However, minutes later City opened the scoring as Gary Croft hit a terrific 25-yard drive that was simply unstoppable.

Kavanagh raced down the right-wing and the home defence had several chances to clear the ball.

The job was only half-done and when the ball fell to Croft's left foot and it had "goal" written all over it.

City fans were in fine voice as they sang to the home crowd: "cheer-up - Swansea City are worse then you" after Ian Richardson hit a lose ball high over the Bluebirds cross-bar, in only their third attack in the half.

City thought they had doubled their lead after 30 minutes as Kavanagh's free-kick was saved and palmed away, with Thorne following-up to side-foot the ball into the net.

As the celebrating City players headed back to the half-way line for the restart, referee Robinson delivered the bad news that the linesman had given offside.

City closed the first-half in control, but needing a second goal to make the game safe, with the home side starting to get their act together in the last third of the field.

The oldest football club in the Football League had to come out and chase the game, and that played right into the hands of the Bluebirds, who were in sight of a new away record of 11 games on the road undefeated, beating the mark set in the 1946-47 season.

City were good for their half-time lead, but needed a second goal to have a bit of breathing space in case of any leveller against the run of play.

A long, searching ball saw Croft needlessly bring down Danny Allsopp just outside the City penalty area and he would have been counting his lucky stars that Darren Caskey's free-kick fell straight into the arms of 'keeper Alexander.

The start of the second half was a carbon copy of the early stages of the first as County pressed, but it was not to long before City were in the driving seat again.

Thorne laid the ball to Kavanagh, who then found the overlapping Weston on the right. The cross avoided the mass of players in the box to find Earnshaw, whose powerful volley went straight into the chest of 'keeper Garden.

City had a great claim for a penalty on 53 minutes when Boland chipped the ball in and County's Ian Richardson bundled over Legg inside the box, but the referee waved play on.

The game hit boiling point as Kavanagh went into referee's book for dissent and ref Richardson brought the ball a further 10 yards closer to the City goal.

Notts captain Caskey teed-up the free-kick on the edge of the box and his shot hit the City upright, Weston clearing the loose ball, which bounced around the six-yard box.

At this point, City needed to work harder as the home side began to gather some momentum in their play.

A loose ball in the middle of the park saw Thorne and Earnshaw combine, but an excellent tackle by County's Nick Fenton prevented Earnshaw from getting a shot on goal.

Willie Boland was the third City player to enter the referee's book after Croft had kicked the ball away and Boland committed a late challenge on Richard Liburd.

City's towering defender Spencer Prior popped-up at left wing to cross a deep ball to the far post. Earnshaw climbed well but headed over the bar from six yards.

Heading practice will be the order of the day next week for Earnie as Legg's free-kick found him but again the pint-sized striker missed the target by inches - Earnshaw could have scored a hat-trick of headers.

Seconds after his latest miss, he was replaced by Andy Campbell, who nearly marked the occasion with a goal as the Notts defence blocked his attempted strike at goal.

City made a last minute substitution when Legg made way for Chris Barker, both set of fans applauded the former Notts County player after another sterling performance.

CARDIFF CITY 2-0 BRENTFORD
Cardiff City:	Alexander, Weston, Prior, Gabbidon, Croft, Boland, Kavanagh, Legg, Whalley, Thorne, Earnshaw (Campbell 86 min)
Subs not used:	Fortune-West, Barker, Maxwell, Margetson
	Legg (28)Earnshaw (73)
Bookings:	Boland
Attendance:	12,032

Nutty Sounds Match Report

Cardiff City continued their march up the table jumping 4 places to 4^th with a 2-0 victory over Brentford last night at Ninian Park. The crowd was a bit disappointing at only 12.032, but the fans that turned up were in for a peach of a game.

The Bluebirds were unchanged from the Stockport game on Saturday with a possible doubt of starting Gareth Whalley overcame an injury suffered last Saturday to be in the line up. It was 4-4-2 again with Earnie and Thorne up front.

The game open at a place with the Bluebirds pushing forward, Kavanagh was get a lot of the ball has the Bluebirds midfield took hold of the game.

Brentford were given Andy Legg a lot of space out on the wing and soon they were talking full value of it. Legg was making a lot of runs down the wing and crossing the ball into the box. The Brentford defence was under constant pressure has Cardiff push forward looking for an opening goal.

Alexander was a spectator in the Cardiff goal with the defence soaking up anything Brentford were throwing at them. They had very little in the way of chances thought the game

That the other end, all the pressure finally paid off. Earnshaw floated in a superb cross across the goal to find Andy Legg who power in a header from 10 yards. The crowd erupted.

The rest of the first half was more of the same pressure from the Bluebirds and defending from Brentford.

The second half was more of the same, Bluebirds on the attack. There were a few near misses to help pump up the volume of the Cardiff City fans. But their just had to but another goal for the Bluebirds somewhere in the haft and it came in the shape of Cardiff top scorer Rob Earnshaw.

Earnshaw fired the ball into the back of the net to make sure of all three points.

On the night Cardiff City were to strong of Brentford, Andy Legg was outstanding and his night was top of with Man of the Match award.  Other players who had a good game Croft who worked well down the wing with Legg and Watson could the eye. Gabbidon was solid again. Roll on Notts County on Saturday

South Wales Echo By Terry Phillips

CARDIFF City returned to Division Two action with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Stockport County, with goals from Robert Earnshaw and City skipper Graham Kavanagh.

A 55th-second glancing header by Earnshaw set the tone for an impressive City win, with Kavanagh adding the second after Luke Beckett had levelled matters on the 16th minute mark.

Earnshaw gave City and himself the perfect start as he chased former England player and Stockport manager Carlton Palmer into a mistake, Palmer conceding a corner.

The corner, taken by Graham Kavanagh and involving Andy Legg, saw the City skipper sweeping the ball out to Gareth Whalley, who chipped the ball into the danger area.

Earnshaw, the smallest man on the pitch, headed past local boy Lee Jones after just 55 seconds.

Earnshaw forced himself into Lennie Lawrence's starting line-up for the first-time in the League this season after a midweek hat-trick in 5-1 win over Boston United in the Worthington Cup.

Earnshaw's introduction meant that Andy Campbell had to do with a place on the substitutes' bench along with Layton Maxwell, Leo Fortune-West, Des Hamilton and 'keeper Martyn Margetson.

Before the match, there was a minute's silence for former Cardiff City commentator Phil Suarez, who died of cancer earlier this month.

City set the tempo and nearly double the score line within eight minutes as Rhys Weston's header was cleared off the line following another well-drilled corner.

Stockport were always going to be a difficult side to get to grips with after just losing one game in their seventh League and Cup encounters this season, and hitting a winning streak in the last four games.

Before this game, just goal difference split Lawrence's men and former England midfielder Palmer's outfit.

Totally against the run of play, Keith Briggs' long and hopeful ball saw City's Spencer Prior slip and County's top scorer, Luke Beckett, kept a cool head and rounded keeper Neil Alexander to slot the ball home after 16 minutes.

Centre-back Danny Gabbidon sent hearts racing as he embarked on a 60-yard run, waltzing past three players and teeing-up a shot on the 18-yard area. But his effort had all the hallmarks of a defender, hitting high and wide.

Gary Croft found space on the left and floated a deep cross at the far post for Peter Thorne, who headed back across the box for Earnshaw to miss the target by inches with a dramatic bicycle-kick.

But City regained the lead seven minutes from the break after Legg's cross found Earnshaw, who laid the ball into the path of Kavanagh, and the captain's shot was deflected into the net. HT: Cardiff City 2, Stockport County 1.

City, who were wearing shirts without a sponsor's name following the collapse of the Ken Thorne Group, started the second-half as they finished the first, forcing County on to the back foot.

It is clear that City's 4-4-2 formation is a more comfortable set-up for the players, but City fans must be more patient in their club's build-up play and not get on the players' back too soon.

This is a quality side finding their way into a new system and trying to find some sort of home rhythm on which to base an assault on the Second Division title.

Layton Maxwell replaced the injured Gareth Whalley at the start of the second half, and the former Liverpool player was always looking to go forward, building from mid-field.

Palmer will be glad to see the back of pint-sized Earnshaw as the City player tormented the 18-cap England international both on the ground and, strangely, in the air.

County's Aaron Lescott was the third player to go into the referee's book after pulling back Legg on another City attack on 55 minutes, earlier Boland, and Jonathan Daly were cautioned by Andy Hall.

Minutes later, a long clearance from Kavanagh gave Earnshaw a chance to run again and he outpaced the defence to set up Weston, whose right-foot shot brought the best out of 'keeper Jones, who saved to his right.

A super defence-splitting pass by Thorne was collected by Earnshaw and the Welsh international should have scored, but Jones guessed right and saved.

City were now in total control and comfortable for their 2-1 lead as Maxwell sent a bullet-like shot at the County goal, just missing his intended target, on 66 minutes.

Brilliant build-up by City, using all the midfield players, saw Weston cross from the right and Thorne hit the crossbar with a header.

Kavanagh was just inches away from adding to his earlier strike, when he sent his curling free-kick just over the bar, beating the over-worked 'keeper Jones.

With five minutes remaining, Earnshaw had the biggest cheer of the day as he was substituted by Andy Campbell.

Earnshaw proved a point or two to manager Lawrence after not starting a League game in six, but surely he will be in the starting line-up on Tuesday night against Brentford at Ninian Park (7.45pm).

BOSTON UTD 1-5 CARDIFF CITY
Cardiff City:	Margetson, Weston (Legg 79 min), Prior, Barker, Croft, Boland (Hamilton 70 min), Kavanagh,  Maxwell, Earnshaw, Fortune-West, Thorne (Campbell 73 min) ,
Subs not used:	Whalley, Alexander
	Earnshaw (25) (36) (42) (og 45 ) Thorne (67)
Bookings:	Croft, Weston, Prior, Fortune-West, all
Attendance:	2,280

Cardiff City turned on the style to dish out a Worthington Cup drubbing to the Football League's newest members.

Inspired by a first-half hat-trick from Robert Earnshaw, the Welshmen made light work of progressing into round two at the expense of Boston United.

It was a score line which belied the closely fought nature of the opening exchanges, when both sides carved out good chances.

First for Boston Paul Ellender, crashed a shot against Spencer Prior after Neil Redfearn and Stuart Douglas had opened up the City rearguard.

Then in reply home keeper Paul Bastock, had to save well twice, first punching aside a Peter Thorne deflection from Graham Kavanagh's free-kick and then when holding a fierce angled drive from Kavanagh.

The visitors continued to look dangerous and went ahead on 25 minutes when Leo Fortune-West shrugged aside Mark Clifford and pulled the ball back for Earnshaw to slot in off the far post.

Boston didn't buckle and hit back with close calls for Douglas and Simon Weatherstone, but the sharpness of Earnshaw dented their hopes when latching on to a 36th minute pass from Kavanagh to double City's advantage.

Then three minutes from half time Earnshaw completed his treble when blasting high past Bastock after Fortune-West had headed on another Kavanagh free-kick.

Seconds before the break a lofted cross by Chris Barker was deflected into his own goal by Tom Bennett as Boston's world fell apart.

Boston pulled back a goal on 52 minutes when Ellender fired home after Weatherstone, had flicked on a Neil Thompson cross.

But City responded in kind and wrapped up a decisive win on 68 minutes when Thorne cleverly chipped over the advancing Bastock.

Cheltenham Town 1-1 Cardiff City

Cardiff City:	Alexander, Weston, Gabbidon, Prior, Croft, Boland, Kavanagh, Legg L.Fortune-West(82), Campbell Earnshaw(73), Thorne, Whalley
Subs not used:	Maxwell, Barker, Margetson
	Campbell (11)
Bookings:	Kavanagh, (31)
Attendance:	4,395

South Wales Echo By Terry Phillips

CARDIFF City equalled their best run of away form as they battled to a 1-1 draw against Cheltenham Town in Gloucestershire.

It was City's first points at Cheltenham - having lost on their first visit two years ago - and means they are now unbeaten in 10 away matches since manager Lennie Lawrence took over, equalling the record set by the 1946-47 championship-winning team.

But there was still a sense of disappointment in the City ranks as they dominated without being able to score the goals they needed.

Andy Campbell fired City ahead with Neil Howarth firing the equaliser.

Leo Fortune-West was left out of the Cardiff City team at Whaddon Road as manager Lennie Lawrence sought to ease the frustration felt by skipper Graham Kavanagh and record signing Peter Thorne.

Kavanagh was in the centre of the midfield with a licence to get forward and support the front two of Thorne and Andy Campbell.

Willie Boland was recalled after suspension for his second start of the new campaign.

Andy Legg clung to the left wing and pushed high up the pitch as Lawrence opted for 4-4-2 when Cheltenham were in possession and a potential 4- 2- 4 when City attacked.

Legg, though, looked isolated in the opening period.

Cheltenham aimed to overload down their left and that left Legg in plenty of space if City could get the ball to him.

Fortune-West has been in excellent form for City, but the big striker was displaced for the greater good of the team.

Thorne was able to operate in the penalty area, while Kavanagh had the space to play the role in which he is most dangerous.

Cheltenham, who included former Bluebird Paul Brayson, recalled Julian Alsop after injury as they searched for their first win of the season.

The reward for Lawrence's bold approach came immediately as Kavanagh and Thorne created the danger which led to the first goal after 11 minutes.

Kavanagh picked out Thorne who stretched to control and then produced an accurate, superbly weighted pass which cracked open the home defence.

It was the chance Campbell had been waiting for, his first chance in several matches and he raced away before slipping his shot past goal-keeper Steve Book and inside the near post from 15 yards.

Soon after Campbell was away again, this time running wide to

clip in a cross which only just evaded Thorne.

Cheltenham forced the ball out for a corner and from a short kick Legg let fly with a scorcher from wide on the right.

Book saved dramatically, flinging himself to punch high into the air.

Alsop, back helping the defence, headed it back into the air as the ball dropped in front of goal and as Danny Gabbidon raced in to try and finish, Book charged back and punched out for another corner.

That goal settled any nerves Cardiff might have had and they passed the ball round comfortably with good movement and dangerous runs stretching Cheltenham.

Midway through the first half, Cheltenham were struggling to hang on as City played the ball around.

But Cheltenham equalised against the run of play when Cardiff failed to deal with a Russell Milton free-kick conceded by Rhys Weston for a foul on Brayson which earned the full-back a booking.

Milton played in a simple high ball and when City failed to clear, Neil Howarth turned and stabbed the ball home from 10 yards.

It was a terrible goal to concede at a time when City had been completely on top - a needless free-kick followed by poor defence which allowed Howarth to shoot.

City certainly should have been ahead at half-time and would have been, but for defensive lapses and poor quality finishing at the other end.

That was underlined again when Kavanagh's free-kick was nodded down by Gabbidon and Campbell fired high and wide.

City were struggling to regain their former supremacy against a battling Cheltenham side who were some way behind the visitors in terms of pure talent.

The Robins have spent £800,000 in transfer fees assembling their team, who earned promotion via the playoffs, while big-spending City have splashed out more than £8m since owner Sam Hammam took over.

Cheltenham made a change when John Finnigan took over from Milton after 52 minutes.

Soon after Gareth Whalley struck a shot which was deflected away for a corner.

City were gradually regaining control and Cheltenham had to work hard in defence as the pressure built up.

Legg, still pushing wide, whipped in a number of crosses and throw-ins, linking well with Whalley.

It was steady, unrelenting pressure from Cardiff and Gabbidon almost scored with a close-range header which was cleared off the line by goal scorer Howarth.

That led to a mighty scramble which Cheltenham were fortunate to survive as the ball pinged around the penalty area.

Cheltenham's Michael Duff was booked for a late challenge on Kavanagh which left the City captain writhing on the grass after 62 minutes. He recovered after treatment as the visitors continued to press.

Whalley's darting run and neat pass inside set Campbell free, but the ball stuck between his feet and he failed to shoot despite three attempts as Cheltenham defenders challenged desperately.

City made their first change as Robert Earnshaw went on for Campbell, who had looked sharp ,even if his finishing did not quite match his overall game.

It was a frustrating match for Bluebirds fans as they struggled to make their clear superiority count.

It was almost as if City were at home as they pressed and Cheltenham tried to hang on.

At the other end goalkeeper Neil Alexander had little to do, facing only one shot, clutched easily to his midriff, in the first 70 minutes.

After 77 minutes Cheltenham sent on Lee Williams for Brayson, who had found little joy against his former club mates.

Earnshaw went close when a Kavanagh shot was deflected away, the Welsh international curling a 20-yard effort just wide.

Fortune-West was sent into the action after 81 minutes when he took over from Legg.

He joined Thorne and Earnshaw in attack as City went for victory.

Cheltenham gave up on any thoughts of snatching a goal as they defended from deep positions, sitting back as they soaked up pressure.

Cardiff City 0-0 Luton Town

Cardiff City:	Alexander, Weston , Gabbidon, Prior, Croft, Legg, Kavanagh (Maxwell 83min), Whalley, Thorne , Fortune-West (Boland 54min), Campbell (Earnshaw 60 min).
Subs not used:	Margetson, Barker,
Bookings:	Campbell 36
Attendance:	13,564

Echo By Terry Phillips

A FIRST half goal by Leo Fortune-West gave Cardiff City victory as they produced a highly professional performance at Swindon Town.

It was a magnificent team effort which ended Swindon's three-match unbeaten run.

Bluebirds fans turned out in force and cheered their team to a deserved victory.

All 14 players used gave everything in the cause and they defended well against a lively and dangerous Swindon team.

City are still unbeaten away since manager Lennie Lawrence took charge last season -  winning both games on their travels in this campaign.

Swindon Town welcomed back skipper Andy Gurney from suspension, while they surprisingly dropped teenage goals ace Sam Parkin, signed from Chelsea, to the substitutes bench.

Parkin netted four goals in Swindon's opening three matches, including a hat-trick against Barnsley.

Swindon included two Australians in their starting line-up, new signing Gareth Edds and Danny Invincible.

Central defender Spencer Prior started a match for the first time this season, having missed the matches against Oldham and Port Vale through suspension.

Chris Barker stepped down to the subs bench as Prior was recalled to add experience and strength after the Bluebirds failed to defend well in their 2-1 home defeat against Northampton Town.

That was the only change for Cardiff as Lawrence continued with the 4-3-3 formation.

Before the start, spectators of both sides impeccably observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for murdered schoolgirls girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

The Bluebirds stood with arms around each other's shoulders just outside the centre circle during the silence.

City were off to a good start and went in at the end of a hard fought first half with a 1-0 lead thanks to Leo Fortune-West.

The big striker netted after 22 minutes when both sides had their chances.

The Swindon Town team of 2002-2003 looked a far better outfit than the side who were demolished 3-0 at the County Ground last season.

The lively strikers caused problems for a solid-looking Cardiff City back four.

Prior slotted in well and was a powerful figure at the heart of the defence, while Danny Gabbidon took time to settle after returning from the Welsh trip to Zagreb in midweek.

He gave the ball away with a couple of wayward passes, while two clearances were blocked. Gabbidon, though, grew in stature alongside the dependable Prior.

Rhys Weston, also returning from Wales duty, started well with steady defensive work, solid tackles and a couple of forays forward.

There were early problems for Lawrence when the linesman on the far side of the pitch called over referee Barry Knight. The problem turned out to be the blue shirts worn by Lawrence and assistant Ian Butterworth as they stood by the dug-out.

Knight ran across the pitch and told Lawrence they had to change. Two yellow training bibs were found which they pulled on over their blue shirts.

Unbeaten Swindon started well and pressed forward, Eric Sabin looking dangerous with his direct running.

Former Swindon player Peter Thorne hit a post with a head after 12 minutes, but Swindon had a chance when Prior halted a Gurney run 10 yards outside the penalty area.

It was Adam Willis who struck a shot from the free-kick and his low effort zipped just wide.

Gurney then went close with a shot which swept over the bar, but it was Cardiff City who made the decisive first half strike after 22 minutes.

Andy Legg took a trademark long throw from the left and Fortune-West went up with goalkeeper Bart Griemink.

The keeper just managed to punch clear under pressure and the ball dropped on the edge of the area. Gareth Whalley headed back towards goal and the alert Fortune-West, turning as the ball went past him at waist height, helped it on and just inside of a post.

That goal was a crucial blow in such a close match and it might have been two, but Whalley's shot flew just wide two minutes before half-time.

Swindon had David Duke cautioned for a foul on Fortune-West during first half injury time.

Whalley was booked for a foul early in the second half as Cardiff battled to hold on to their slender lead.

There were some anxious moments for the Bluebirds as City pressed forward and a free-kick was awarded to the home side when Gabbidon was pulled up for obstruction.

The shot, from Willis, was deflected over the bar by Weston as he dashed to close down the shot following an indirect free-kick.

Legg was constantly in the action as City held on and launched several good attacks of their own.

Swindon had started brightly and had momentum behind them, though, as they chased the game. Jimmy Davis smashed in a 25 yards shot which hit Kavanagh.

Swindon penalty appeals, which looked extremely hopeful, were waved aside.

It was a good, solid team effort as Cardiff held their shape and maintained a good level of intensity.

Robert Earnshaw, the third Cardiff player back after international duty with Wales, began warming up alongside the pitch as the hour point approached.

But it was Swindon who made the first move, sending on Parkin for Steve Robinson after 62 minutes.

It was a good effort by all 11 players as Swindon fought to get on level terms with the forwards playing a major part with big challenges near the halfway line.

There was a narrow escape for City when Davis broke down the right and crossed low. The ball ran right across the face of the goal, Sabin’s attempted back-heel just missing, and away to safety with nobody getting a touch.

City altered their shape to combat the Swindon pressure after 72 minutes with Chris Barker and Earnshaw going on for Thorne and Andy Campbell.

Cardiff changed to three central defenders and wing-backs with Earnshaw joining Fortune-West up front.

It was a hot, sunny afternoon in Wiltshire, but City players gave everything in the cause as they fought to hold on.

Legg blocked a Gurney effort, while goalkeeper Neil Alexander dealt with anything which flew his way.

Weston went down, apparently suffering from cramp, and had to be helped off the pitch. It was Layton Maxwell who went on after 78 minutes.

Maxwell was immediately into the action, his energetic and committed style making life difficult for Swindon.

The home side and in particular their fans were becoming frustrated by Cardiff City's defensive web which was restricting their team to half chances.

Davis was booked when he held back Earnshaw, who was bursting away on the break after a Swindon attack was halted.

Swindon were throwing everything forward and that left room for Earnshaw and Co. Kavanagh tried a long range effort which was saved by keeper Griemink.

After 85 minutes, Swindon sent on Alan Young for Invincible.

City had appeals for a penalty turned down after 88 minutes when Earnshaw raced clear and touched the ball past Griemink. Willis rushed across and as Earnshaw caught the ball wide of goal the challenge sent him crashing off the pitch.

It could easily have been given, but referee Knight signalled that he felt it was Earnshaw's momentum which sent him tumbling and not the challenge.

When Fortune-West went down soon after it looked a clear foul, but this time Knight cautioned the City player for diving.

Swindon 0-1Cardiff

From Football Echo By Terry Phillips

A FIRST half goal by Leo Fortune-West gave Cardiff City victory as they produced a highly professional performance at Swindon Town.

It was a magnificent team effort which ended Swindon's three-match unbeaten run.

Bluebirds fans turned out in force and cheered their team to a deserved victory.

All 14 players used gave everything in the cause and they defended well against a lively and dangerous Swindon team.

City are still unbeaten away since manager Lennie Lawrence took charge last season -  winning both games on their travels in this campaign.

Swindon Town welcomed back skipper Andy Gurney from suspension, while they surprisingly dropped teenage goals ace Sam Parkin, signed from Chelsea, to the substitutes bench.

Parkin netted four goals in Swindon's opening three matches, including a hat-trick against Barnsley.

Swindon included two Australians in their starting line-up, new signing Gareth Edds and Danny Invincible.

Central defender Spencer Prior started a match for the first time this season, having missed the matches against Oldham and Port Vale through suspension.

Chris Barker stepped down to the subs bench as Prior was recalled to add experience and strength after the Bluebirds failed to defend well in their 2-1 home defeat against Northampton Town.

That was the only change for Cardiff as Lawrence continued with the 4-3-3 formation.

Before the start, spectators of both sides impeccably observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for murdered schoolgirls girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

The Bluebirds stood with arms around each other's shoulders just outside the centre circle during the silence.

City were off to a good start and went in at the end of a hard fought first half with a 1-0 lead thanks to Leo Fortune-West.

The big striker netted after 22 minutes when both sides had their chances.

The Swindon Town team of 2002-2003 looked a far better outfit than the side who were demolished 3-0 at the County Ground last season.

The lively strikers caused problems for a solid-looking Cardiff City back four.

Prior slotted in well and was a powerful figure at the heart of the defence, while Danny Gabbidon took time to settle after returning from the Welsh trip to Zagreb in midweek.

He gave the ball away with a couple of wayward passes, while two clearances were blocked. Gabbidon, though, grew in stature alongside the dependable Prior.

Rhys Weston, also returning from Wales duty, started well with steady defensive work, solid tackles and a couple of forays forward.

There were early problems for Lawrence when the linesman on the far side of the pitch called over referee Barry Knight. The problem turned out to be the blue shirts worn by Lawrence and assistant Ian Butterworth as they stood by the dug-out.

Knight ran across the pitch and told Lawrence they had to change. Two yellow training bibs were found which they pulled on over their blue shirts.

Unbeaten Swindon started well and pressed forward, Eric Sabin looking dangerous with his direct running.

Former Swindon player Peter Thorne hit a post with a head after 12 minutes, but Swindon had a chance when Prior halted a Gurney run 10 yards outside the penalty area.

It was Adam Willis who struck a shot from the free-kick and his low effort zipped just wide.

Gurney then went close with a shot which swept over the bar, but it was Cardiff City who made the decisive first half strike after 22 minutes.

Andy Legg took a trademark long throw from the left and Fortune-West went up with goalkeeper Bart Griemink.

The keeper just managed to punch clear under pressure and the ball dropped on the edge of the area. Gareth Whalley headed back towards goal and the alert Fortune-West, turning as the ball went past him at waist height, helped it on and just inside of a post.

That goal was a crucial blow in such a close match and it might have been two, but Whalley's shot flew just wide two minutes before half-time.

Swindon had David Duke cautioned for a foul on Fortune-West during first half injury time.

Half-time: Swindon Town 0, Cardiff City 1.

Whalley was booked for a foul early in the second half as Cardiff battled to hold on to their slender lead.

There were some anxious moments for the Bluebirds as City pressed forward and a free-kick was awarded to the home side when Gabbidon was pulled up for obstruction.

The shot, from Willis, was deflected over the bar by Weston as he dashed to close down the shot following an indirect free-kick.

Legg was constantly in the action as City held on and launched several good attacks of their own.

Swindon had started brightly and had momentum behind them, though, as they chased the game. Jimmy Davis smashed in a 25 yards shot which hit Kavanagh.

Swindon penalty appeals, which looked extremely hopeful, were waved aside.

It was a good, solid team effort as Cardiff held their shape and maintained a good level of intensity.

Robert Earnshaw, the third Cardiff player back after international duty with Wales, began warming up alongside the pitch as the hour point approached.

But it was Swindon who made the first move, sending on Parkin for Steve Robinson after 62 minutes.

It was a good effort by all 11 players as Swindon fought to get on level terms with the forwards playing a major part with big challenges near the halfway line.

There was a narrow escape for City when Davis broke down the right and crossed low. The ball ran right across the face of the goal, Sabin’s attempted back-heel just missing, and away to safety with nobody getting a touch.

City altered their shape to combat the Swindon pressure after 72 minutes with Chris Barker and Earnshaw going on for Thorne and Andy Campbell.

Cardiff changed to three central defenders and wing-backs with Earnshaw joining Fortune-West up front.

It was a hot, sunny afternoon in Wiltshire, but City players gave everything in the cause as they fought to hold on.

Legg blocked a Gurney effort, while goalkeeper Neil Alexander dealt with anything which flew his way.

Weston went down, apparently suffering from cramp, and had to be helped off the pitch. It was Layton Maxwell who went on after 78 minutes.

Maxwell was immediately into the action, his energetic and committed style making life difficult for Swindon.

The home side and in particular their fans were becoming frustrated by Cardiff City's defensive web which was restricting their team to half chances.

Davis was booked when he held back Earnshaw, who was bursting away on the break after a Swindon attack was halted.

Swindon were throwing everything forward and that left room for Earnshaw and Co. Kavanagh tried a long range effort which was saved by keeper Griemink.

After 85 minutes, Swindon sent on Alan Young for Invincible.

City had appeals for a penalty turned down after 88 minutes when Earnshaw raced clear and touched the ball past Griemink. Willis rushed across and as Earnshaw caught the ball wide of goal the challenge sent him crashing off the pitch.

It could easily have been given, but referee Knight signalled that he felt it was Earnshaw's momentum which sent him tumbling and not the challenge.

When Fortune-West went down soon after it looked a clear foul, but this time Knight cautioned the City player for diving.

Cardiff 1-2 Northampton

(Report from www.icwales.co.uk)

CARDIFF City's title favourites were given a footballing lesson by veteran striker Marco Gabbiadini at Ninian Park today.

A total of 13,321 spectators - 25 more than the attendance for the win against Port Vale - watched in near disbelief as their Bluebirds were beaten by a Northampton team who were worthy of the victory.

And it was Gabbiadini who scored both Northampton goals, one in each half, with City able to manage only one, from skipper Graham Kavanagh.

Cardiff City would have set a new club record had they beaten Northampton, having never won three successive matches at the start of a season in their 82-year Football League history.

But Northampton tore up the form book to defeat an out- of- touch Cardiff City.

This was a poor offering from Cardiff on a day when they just didn't find fluency in any area. There was plenty of effort and no little character, but it was Northampton's day.

City had 12 shots on target and numerous others just wide of the mark - twice as many as the visitors - but they couldn't score the goals needed.

And those four goals against in three Second Division games is another statistic which makes disappointing reading.

City fielded a starting line-up unchanged from their midweek victory against Port Vale, sticking with the inspirational and committed Andy Legg in midfield.

All four of City's main strikers - Robert Earnshaw, Andy Campbell, Leo Fortune-West and Peter Thorne - had already scored a League goal this season, an encouraging start.

Earnshaw was again the forward to start on the substitutes' bench, which is a frightening prospect for opposing teams. The Welsh international can be thrown on just when their defenders are beginning to tire.

Northampton Town, who opened

their season with successive 1-1 draws against Wycombe Wanderers and Crewe, were led out by captain Paul Trollope, a Welsh international who is a central midfield player.

The Bluebirds endured a disappointing first half in which they failed to match the standards they set in wins against Oldham Athletic and Port Vale.

They gave the ball away too often and could not reproduced the sparkle and accurate passing which tore Vale apart in the first 20 minutes during midweek.

Gareth Whalley was first to slip up when he lost the ball to Marco Gabbiadini and the former Sunderland striker's low shot flew across goal and out of play.

Northampton started with a high tempo and looked dangerous as they attacked through Gabbiadini and Jamie Forrest, a striker who was a target for Cardiff a few seasons ago.

The visitors were rewarded for their enterprise when Gabbiadini struck with a magnificent goal after 11 minutes.

City had been pressing hard, via an Andy Legg corner on their right and then a Legg throw from their left and Northampton were relieved to clear the danger. Goalkeeper Lee Harper took possession and launched the ball downfield.

Forrester, one of the smallest men on the pitch, got his head to the ball and nodded square for Gabbiadini.

The 34-year-old former England in international, who has played for Derby County and Birmingham City during his long career, let the ball bounce twice as he lined up a shot.

There wasn't a Cardiff player within reach and Gabbiadini smashed in a shot from 40 yards which flew over stranded goalkeeper Neil Alexander and into the net.

That was a major blow for Cardiff, but it always looked likely that the home side would hit back. Their pace and ability began to stretch the visitors.

Rhys Weston saw his low shot from 20 yards zip just wide of goal and then, after 14 minutes, came the equaliser.

City were pressing again and Northampton managed to block their way a couple of times before Legg lifted the ball high into the area.

Fortune-West went up with 'keeper Lee Harper and, when the ball bounced loose, Kavanagh got there first.

He stooped to head the ball from 15 yards and it looped neatly over Harper and into the net.

Forrester went close to regaining the lead for Northampton when his free-kick clipped the defensive wall and flew just wide of goal.

At half-time the score was 1-1, but Cardiff had been far from convincing. Northampton were well organised and up for the battle as they worked hard and disrupted the Bluebirds. HT: Cardiff City 1, Northampton Town 1.

City went close to going ahead immediately after the interval when a Kavanagh free-kick was half-cleared by the visitors.

Legg chested down on the edge of the penalty area and lashed a shot just over the bar.

City, though, were far from convincing. They looked fragile and Northampton exposed them again when Gabbidini scored his second.

It was a goal which underlined the defensive inadequacies which had been all too apparent.

Gabbidon twice rescued City with near-goal line clearances, hooking one Paul Harsley effort clear after it had gone past Alexander and then heading away, again from Harsley.

But Cardiff's poor defensive work and woeful marking left Gabbiadini free. He slid his shot in off a post and through the legs of an unsuspecting Gabbidon, who could not quite clear a third goalbound effort.

There were seven Cardiff defenders, plus Alexander, inside the home penalty area and yet Gabbiadini still found the space to score.

City reacted by sending on Earnshaw for Campbell and Spencer Prior, for his first appearance of the

season, in place of Barker.

They immediately switched to a wing- back system, with Prior, Gabbidon and Weston in the centre and Legg and Croft on either side.

The home fans were growing impatient with their team as Northampton continued to compete fiercely.

The result was an increase in tempo from Cardiff and growing pressure, with Northampton forced to hang on.

Kavanagh hit a right-foot blast which was beaten away by the 'keeper and the Cobblers were defending desperately as they fought to retain their lead.

City were throwing themselves forward more and more, but that left gaps at the back.

Gabbiadini was proving a major handful whenever he had possession and it took both the attention of both Weston and Gabbidon to block a shot.

Layton Maxwell was sent on to add new zest in midfield after 75 minutes, taking over from Gareth Whalley.

But there was a drive and purpose about Northampton which Cardiff just could not match in the sunshine.

Gabbidon shot low and wide following a Kavanagh corner, but the visitors were dealing comfortably with City attacks.

Young striker Derek Asamoah took over from Forrester as Northampton sought to inject more running to ease the growing pressure on their defence.

City should have equalised when Earnshaw ran free only to see his shot towards the roof of the net turned away for a corner by 'keeper Harper.

Daryl Burgess became the first player booked in the match, for a foul on Fortune-West, while Steve Morison took over from Gabbiadini in the last minute.

Earnshaw was lively and went close, but he was denied by the alert Harper in Northampton's goal.

CARDIFF 3-1 PORT VALE

Nutty Sounds Match Report

Port Vale come to Ninian Park has the first visitors of the new season, and if this game is anything to go by, what a season we are in for. A crowd of 13,200+ witness the craziest opening15th minutes seen at Ninian Park for some time.

The Bluebirds hit the net twice and had a penalty saved.

Kick-off saw the Bluebirds just take-off with the crowd egging them on. The Cardiff players were pushing the ball around and Port Vale who lost 4-1 to Tranmere on Saturday looked as if they were being lined up for the kill and the game had only just started.

The fans didn’t have long to wait, Peter Thorne scored on 4^th minutes, a long throwing from Legg who was playing in place of the suspended Boland found it away to the back post and found Thorne,0-1.

Leo Fortune-West doubled the lead five minutes later much to the joy of the majority for the City fans with his new found God status. His shot rocketed into the back of the net from what seemed an acute angle; well it did from the back of the Grange End, 2-0.

If two goals in the first 9^th minutes were not enough on the 15^th minute the ref pointed to the penalty spot. I missed the reason for the penalty because of all the heads popping up and down in front of me.

Graham Kavanagh step up to take it, but his firmly struck spot kick was guessed by the Vale keeper who dived to his right and saved the strike, still 2-0

Cardiff had full control of the game and sooner or later the Bluebirds would add to the score-line. But in the 37^th minute Sam Collins was dismissed after receiving a second yellow. He trotted off to the mass of Bluebird fans chanting cheerio and waving at him.

Port Vale needed something to get back into the game and it was headed to them within two minutes of seeing Port Vale reduced to ten men, Kavanagh handled in the box to give Vale the chance of reducing the deficit with a pen.

The crowd showed their displeasure has Mark Bridge-Wilkinson place the ball on the spot, a chorus of boo’s. Mark Bridge-Wilkinson struck his shot firmly to the back of the net and Vale was given the glimmer of saving a match.2-1.

H/T 2-1

After the break it has to be said that Port Vale came out with more fire but did nothing in front of Alexander with the defence soaking up any pressure. The crowd where start to get nervous, could they snatch a point but roll-on the 68th minute and Andy Legg’s goal.

Legg fire off a screamer of a strike from the edge of the area to make it, 3-1. Home and dry now for the Bluebirds with know way for Port Vale to get back into the game.

With the game all but over the Bluebirds show off their passing skills, on came Earnshaw for Campbell in the 74^th minute and three minutes later Maxwell was on for Whalley.

At was a well earned three points in the bag with Northampton the next visitor’s to Ninian Park on Saturday.

(Report from www.icwales.co.uk)

CARDIFF City's veteran midfielder Andy Legg was the toast of Ninian Park last night after he inspired the Bluebirds to their first home victory of the season against Port Vale.

Legg, who recently celebrated his 36th birthday, was given the nod ahead of Layton Maxwell to replace the suspended Willie Boland and the evergreen Welsh international did not disappoint, setting up City's first goal and scoring their third to ensure the Bluebirds made it two wins out two.

Legg, in his fourth season at the club, made an immediate impact by creating City's fourth-minute opener with a staggering long throw.

The Bluebirds won a throw-in near the corner flag and Legg threw the ball 25 yards to the far post for Peter Thorne to head his first goal of the season.

Thorne then turned provider as City bagged a second five minutes later. The former Stoke man picked out Leo Fortune-West who brought the ball onto his left foot before beating Mark Goodlad with an stunning angled drive.

The Valiants, beaten 4-1 at home by Tranmere last Saturday, were being cut to ribbons and the rampant Bluebirds had the perfect opportunity to make it 3-0 in the 14th minute after Rhys Weston was hauled down by Phil Charnock following a free-flowing move involving Fortune-West and Thorne, but Goodlad saved Graham Kavanagh's spot-kick.

It got worse for Brian Horton's side in the 36th minute when they were reduced to 10 men after defender Sam Collins was sent off for a second bookable offence. Just minutes after being booked for catching Gareth Whalley he scythed down Andy Campbell near the touchline.

Just when it seemed the visitors were about to drown in a blue tide they were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot eight minutes before the break when referee Paul Rejer ruled that Kavanagh had handled Stephen Brooker's shot.

Mark Bridge-Wilkinson coolly beat Neil Alexander from 12 yards with Kavanagh, not having the best of evenings, and Weston both booked for dissent.

Bridge-Wilkinson's penalty changed the complexion of the match. The Bluebirds had, until then, been in total control but suddenly the result was in doubt.

Gary Croft, who piped Legg to the man of the match award, nearly restored City's two-goal advantage in the 52nd minute but his deflected drive flew wide of Goodlad's goal.

However, the 13,000-plus crowd were now seeing a different, vastly inferior, City. The link-up play between the midfield and attack which tore Vale apart in the opening quarter of an hour had fizzled away.

Confidence had now been replaced by hesitancy and one would never have known City were playing with an extra man.

Vale were beginning to grow in confidence and Ninian Park breathed a collective sigh of relief when Legg made it 3-1 in the 68th minute with a brilliant strike from the edge of the area.

Kavanagh's corner was cleared as far as Legg who controlled the ball before drilling it into the corner of Goodlad's goal with his sweet left foot.

This win followed the 2-1 success at Oldham last weekend.

With another home match on Saturday, against Northampton, Lennie Lawrence's men have a fine opportunity to make it nine points out of nine, making it an excellent start to the season for the ambitious Bluebirds.

OLDHAM 1-2 CARDIFF CITY

Match report of the Oldham game from the BBC plus audio interviews with Andy Campbell and Lennie Lawrence >>HERE<<

(Report from www.icwales.co.uk)

GOALS from Andy Campbell and substitute Robert Earnshaw gave Cardiff City a winning start to their Nationwide League Division Two campaign in front of almost 4,000 away fans at Boundary Park. Oldham Athletic pulled one back two minutes into injury time, with Lee Duxbury on target, but City collected all three points.

Campbell's first half cracker put the Bluebirds ahead and then Earnshaw fired his first goal of the new campaign, having failed to find the mark in pre-season matches.

Earnshaw went on off the bench with 21 minutes left, earned a booking for a foul and then scored the goal which clinched victory. The Welsh international stripped off his shirt, ran over to City fans behind the goal and then performed Kate and Jonny's `Big Brother' style chicken dance. Thankfully, referee Eddie Wolstenholme allowed Earnshaw his celebrations and took no action.

Cardiff supporters behaved impeccably before and during the match with only one led away - a middle-aged man who ran on at half-time and rolled over on the grass. He even walked away quietly with a steward.

Lennie Lawrence made two changes to what had been his expected team earlier in the week with Scott Young and Robert Earnshaw sitting out the match.

Young was ruled out by a minor leg muscle injury, as revealed in yesterday's South Wales Echo, while striker Earnshaw was named among the substitutes. Lawrence thought long and hard about his strike force before opting for Leo Fortune-West instead of Earnshaw, who has not displayed his usual sparkle in pre-season.

There is no doubt Earnshaw will play a major part in City's promotion bid this season, but on day one it was Peter Thorne, Andy Campbell and Fortune-West who formed City's three-pronged attack.

City were without Spencer Prior due to suspension, while Oldham manager Ian Dowie was missing Clint Hill, a new signing from Tranmere Rovers, and Darren Sheridan, who is serving a nine-match ban.

He was sent off four times last season, served three games at the end of the campaign and has another five to go after today.

The Bluebirds had two players making their Nationwide League debut for the club with Chris Barker moving to centre-half with Young ruled out and Gareth Whalley in midfield.

Oldham's new striker Chris Killen, signed from Manchester City, led their attack.

City, wearing their yellow away kit, looked a little anxious in the opening minutes, although Barker got up well for two powerful headed clearances. Willie Boland's infectious enthusiasm and commitment was clear as he battled to help City settle down, but they were several nervy moments and Killen's shot from 20 yards swerved just wide.

Campbell went down heavily after an accidental off-the-ball collision, but he was able to resume after treatment.

At the other end Whalley sidestepped a defender and went for goal from just outside the penalty area. Fortune-West flicked it on with his head and Aussie keeper Les Pogliacomi had to react smartly to turn the effort away.

But the Oldham man was soundly beaten after 21 minutes when Thorne's raid down the right resulted in a corner. It was taken by skipper Graham Kavanagh and, after Barker headed on,
Campbell pounced at the far post to hook home from 15 yards.

"We want seven" came the cry from the packed ranks of the City supporters behind the goal at the other end of Boundary Park, hoping for a repeat of last seasons one-sided score line.

That goal rattled Oldham and their fans, who immediately started yelling abuse at the home dug-out and their players.

City settled well after their nervy opening, passing the ball with great fluency and defending solidly.

There was an all-round commitment in the City team, a willingness to throw their bodies in the way of shots and work for the cause. They were outnumbered in midfield, but the sheer work-rate of Kavanagh and Co. left Oldham on the back foot.

Frustrated Oldham, who had altered their shape to get more play-ers forward, had Julien Baudet and Fitz Hall booked for fouls as they tried to knock Cardiff out of their stride.

The Bluebirds were good value for their lead at half-time - and home fans were becoming increasingly annoyed that City were on top.

Half-time: Oldham Athletic 0, Cardiff City 1.

Oldham stepped up the pace at the start of the second half and created three half chances as City were pushed back.

The best of those fell to Baudet, who chested down and volleyed wide from 12 yards. It was a sharp chance, but he should have hit the target.

These were uneasy moments for Cardiff, but Boland was filling any holes in midfield with his own brand of non-stop running and tackling. Oldham were attacking hard down the right where David Eyres and former City player Tony Carss were doubling up to create problems.

City weathered the early storm and began to regain control with their easy, relaxed passing game. They weren't creating chances, but were defending their one goal lead with great conviction.

Oldham made a switch in their attack after 61 minutes when Carlo Corazzin replaced Killen.

Barker had a good debut at the heart of the defence, while Whalley got on with his `get and give' game accurately without being able to make a major impact. On the left-hand side of defence Croft worked hard and defended well, but was unable to get forward as much as he would have liked.

His priority, though, is to defend and he did that efficiently.

Corazzin became the third Oldham player booked, for a foul only four minutes after going on.

With 69 minutes gone City sent on Earnshaw for Campbell, while Oldham gave Laurenco Da Silva his debut at the same time. He took over from Carss.

The match was delayed almost immediately after those substitutions. Groundstaff were called and it seemed that an underground sprinkler had surfaced and was too dangerous for play to continue. That was quickly sorted out, though, and City resumed their quest for three points.

Fortune-West had played a key role in attack, causing the home defence real problems, and helping to ease the pressure on the back-line.

Oldham made their third substitution after 80 minutes, sending on Lee Duxbury for John Sheridan.

Earnshaw was booked for a foul after 82 minutes, while Cardiff sent on James Collins for Thorne soon after as manager Lawrence set out to ensure his team held their advantage.

Almost immediately Earnshaw hit Cardiff's second goal, hooking into an empty net as a Kavanagh free-kick ran loose after Fortune-West challenged the 'keeper.

City produced a display full of intensity and movement, commitment and tenacity to earn all three points against an Oldham side who had started the day intent on revenge for that 7-1 home beating last season.

Andy Legg was Cardiff's third substitution, going on for Whalley after 86 minutes.

Deep into seven minutes of injury time, substitute Duxbury pulled one back as 'keeper Neil Alexander failed to hold onto a high cross and the ball ran loose.

That goal gave City a nervous last few minutes, but they held on.

----------------------------------------
Full-time: Oldham v Cardiff
Soccernet.com


Andy Campbell returned to Boundary Park to haunt Oldham as title favourites Cardiff opened their account with a 2-1 win.

Campbell scored a hat-trick last season as Cardiff inflicted Oldham's record home defeat, and he struck again to put the Welsh side ahead.

A Graham Kavanagh corner on 21 minutes picked him out and he volleyed home from six yards out.

Cardiff put the game beyond Oldham's reach with six minutes left when goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi dropped a Kavanagh cross under challenge from Gareth Whalley. Substitute Robert Earnshaw clipped the ball into an empty net. The home side grabbed a consolation goal in injury time through
substitute Lee Duxbury.
 

MERTHYR 0-4 CARDIFF

Cardiff City enjoyed a comfortable victory over neighbours Merthyr Tydfil in the first match of their pre-season campaign. Two goals in each half secured the win, but the home side gave a better account of themselves than the scoreline suggests. Bluebirds manager Lennie Lawrence used the occasion to give each member of the club's sizeable squad a decent work-out.

He fielded two separate teams to play in each half, and both of those did enough to please the boss. Andy Campbell opened the scoring on six minutes and captain Graham Kavanagh added the second 20 minutes later.

Leyton Maxwell's thunderous 20-yard drive after 76 minutes was the pick of the goals, but the biggest cheer from the 2,000-strong crowd came four minutes from time when Leo Fortune West found the net. Lawrence and the Cardiff fans would have been particularly encouraged by the performance of Robert Earnshaw.

The striker looked in electrifying form which bodes well for the forthcoming season.

Ayr Utd 1-3 Cardiff City

City took the lead after eight minutes following a slick move involving their two former Stoke players. Peter Thorne rode two challenges before feeding Kavanagh who neatly slipped the ball past John Dodds.

Midway through the first half City goalkeeper Neil Alexander, watched by his father Jim who made the two-hour trip from his Edinburgh home, showed just why Welsh international Danny Coyne will start as second fiddle at Ninian Park if he does decide to leave Grimsby. Alexander saved Eddie Annand's far-post header brilliantly with his legs.

Andy Legg should have extended the Bluebirds' lead just before the half-hour when Thorne put him through but Dodds produced a fine save. Kavanagh then went close with a 25-yard free-kick before Thorne squandered a chance seconds before half-time.

The home side equalised just after the interval. Paul Sheerin floated a corner to the edge of the box and David Craig headed past Alexander.

The Bluebirds were back in front nine minutes later and again the Stoke connection outwitted Ayr. This time Kavanagh was the provider with Thorne heading his free-kick home.

Robert Earnshaw came close to making it three. He pounced on Iain Nicholson's back pass but Dodds tipped away his strike. But Kavanagh had better luck, volleying Chris Barker's cross between Dodds and his near post.

Alexander, Barker, Croft (Weston 61), Young (Collins 61), Maxwell (Hamilton 65), Campbell (Earnshaw 69), Kavanagh, Fortune-West, Thorne (Boland 69), Gabbidon, Legg (Whalley 73). Sub not used: Margetson.

Berwick 0-1 Cardiff City

CARDIFF City defender Rhys Weston last night scored the first ever goal of his career as the Bluebirds defeated Scottish Second Division outfit Berwick Rangers in a drab pre-season friendly.

Weston, who joined City two years ago from Arsenal, fired the only goal of the night in the 67th minute and afterwards he said, "It was nice to score - now I'm aiming to get a few in the league.

"It would be nice to score a few goals for the team but as a defender it's more important that I help keep clean sheets.

"But I'm minus one when it comes to goals," added Weston, referring to his injury time own-goal at Southend in January 2001. "I'd like to get even on that."

City's second friendly in this three-match tour was football's own version of a general anaesthetic. It was a wonder the 240-strong crowd managed to stay awake.

However, the Bluebirds will be hoping that some of that Shielfield Park magic now rubs off on them. In recent years teams who have played pre-season friendlies here in Berwick-upon-Tweed, an historic town just a mile over the English border, have gone on to win promotion in the same season. They include Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Blackpool, Bury and Lincoln.

It wasn't until the 45th minute that a goalkeeper was called on to make a save, City's Martyn Margetson, on a week's trial, stooping to hold fellow trialist Mark Mc-Cormack's 25-yard drive.

Just as he did two days earlier at Ayr, Lawrence fielded a 4-3-3 formation. He experimented with Willie Boland, Des Hamilton and Gareth Whalley as his midfield trio and suffice to say it wasn't successful. Plenty of muscle but little craft.

The City manager is persisting with a three-man forward line, a strategy that served him so well in the final third of last season. But the trouble with this system is that it means there is no width in the side and it's not bringing out the best in Peter Thorne.

The former Stoke man is an out and-out predator, yet at the moment is being used as a target-man and spent much of this game in his own half.

The Bluebirds had to wait until the 58th minute before they worried Berwick's part-timers. Thorne set-up Leo Fortune-West who only had Rangers goalkeeper Ross Godfrey to beat, but the striker's finish can only be described as woeful.

The Borderers, who include a wine merchant, a mature student, a bank clerk and a fitness instructor, train twice a week but they matched City in every department and their manager Paul Smith, who runs an off-licence, should hand each of his players a complimentary four-pack for the way they performed.

Fortune-West nearly made amends for his earlier miss but Godfrey tipped his header onto the crossbar. Moments later, on 67 minutes, the visitors took the lead from the unlikliest of sources - right-back Weston.

Gordon Forrest cleared Gareth Whalley's ball into the box straight to the Wales international who drilled the ball into the corner of the net. Berwick substitute Mark Bradley came close to wiping out City's lead inside the last 20 minutes but his effort flashed inches wide.

Margetson, Weston, Collins (Barker 77), Prior, Thorne,
Hamilton (Maxwell 70), Boland (Legg 73), Earnshaw, Whalley, Croft,
Fortune-West (Campbell 67). Subs not used: Gabbidon, Young,
Alexander.

Motherwell 1 Cardiff 0

No Report

 Alexander, Weston (Prior 77), Young, Gabbidon, Barker (Croft 46), Whalley (Hamilton 69), Kavanagh (Maxwell 59), Boland, Campbell (Croft 46), Thorne, Earnshaw (Fortune-West 77).
Subs not used: Collins, Margetson.

Cardiff City 0-1  Wolves

Mario Risoli At Ninian Park, The Western Mail

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY: Cardiff City 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 WOLVES manager Dave Jones last night warned promotion favourites Cardiff City - "You've got to earn the right to go up."

Jones's side, like City hot favourites to win their division, inflicted the second pre-season defeat on the disappointing Bluebirds courtesy of substitute Adam Proudlock's late strike.

"The expectations at Wolves are mirrored at Cardiff. We're both big clubs with large, passionate support and that brings its own level of expectancy with it," said Jones.

"I look at the Cardiff squad and I see a lot of good players there. With that comes expectancy but you've still got to deliver when you have those expectations. Players have got to earn the right to win promotion."

He added, "Cardiff have got all the resources to succeed but at the end of the day the players have got to come up with the goods."

This was only a friendly but City were alarmingly short of attacking ideas. Wolves goalkeeper Michael Oakes didn't have a single save to make all night. Things have got to improve before the the trip to Oldham on August 10.

The debate at Ninian Park at the moment is whether Lennie Lawrence should play a 4-3-3 formation or the more conventional 4-4-2.

The City manager persisted with playing three strikers during the recent three-match tour of Scotland, but the performances were indifferent to say the least.

Against Wolves he experimented with 4-4-2 with Graham Kavanagh, one of several players who suffers in a three-man forward system, supporting strikers Peter Thorne and Andy Campbell.

Wolves striker and skipper Nathan Blake was returning to his old stamping ground and the former Cardiff City player - still a firm favourite with the Ninian Park faithful - received a terrific welcome from the Cardiff fans.

This was the first time the Wales international played against his old club since his controversial departure in 1994.

The Bluebirds carved out the first opening in the fourth minute - Campbell centred for Kavanagh who was just outside the six-yard box.

It looked a certain goal but the

Irishman's goalbound volley was blocked by Joleon Lescott, Wolves' burly centre-back.

The crowd had to wait until the 35th minute until City seriously threatened again.

Right-back Rhys Weston, who scored the first goal of his career in the 1-0 win at Berwick last week, forced his way into the Wolves penalty area but blazed over the crossbar.

But the biggest cheer of the half came in the 11th minute when City goalkeeper Neil Alexander's clearance punched a hole in the grandstand roof, not far from the directors' box. "Bill 'im!" shouted one supporter.

Wolves, watched by Swansea City player-coach Nick Cusack and his assistant Alan Curtis (the Swans face the West Midlands club in the Worthington Cup), didn't trouble Alexander until the 50th minute, the Scot stopping Dean Sturridge's shot with his legs.

Alexander was in action again in the 61st minute, beating away Kenny Miller's rasping drive from Sturridge's knockdown.

City seemed bankrupt of ideas so Lawrence reverted to 4-3-3, taking off Layton Maxwell and throwing on Robert Earnshaw.

In the 83rd minute, and after the heavens opened, Wolves broke the deadlock through Proudlock who had not long replaced Blake.

Daniel Gabbidon, whose error at Motherwell four days ago forced him to concede a penalty, failed to get in his challenge allowing Proudlock to slip the ball under Alexander.

Despite this mistake Gabbidon was still named City's man of the match.

In the last minute Peter Thorne tried to salvage a draw but he couldn't latch onto Leo Fortune West's powerful header.

Cardiff City 2 -1 Bolton

Two late goals from Peter Thorne and Danny Gabbidon gave Second Division Cardiff a victory over Premiership Bolton Wanderers.

The visitors began the match with a strong line-up, including summer signings Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff playing alongside each other for the first time.

Cardiff fielded a three-pronged strike force and Andy Campbell was soon in the action with a mazy run stopped by the Bolton defence.

With Robert Earnshaw causing problems, Peter Thorne soon latched onto Gareth Whalley's pass, but Jassi Jasskelainen halted his progress.

Bolton had the two best chances, though, with Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Alexander equal to the efforts of Per Frandsen and Youri Djorkaeff.

The Premiership club took the lead in the 53rd minute when striker Michael Ricketts took advantage of a mistake from Gabbidon to fire home.

Both teams then made the most of the opportunity to make a number of substitutions, though it didn't affect the quality of the game.

Alexander denied Djorkaeff again before Cardiff grabbed victory with two goals in the last 10 minutes.

Firstly, Thorne had time and space to tee up a chance for himself and he blasted the ball past Jasskelainen from 30 yards.

Then, a corner from Layton Maxwell was headed back by Thorne and Gabbidon produced a bicycle kick to force the ball home for the 86th minute winner.