Cardiff City were indebted to a Bothroyd brace, Chopra finish and Lee Naylor strike as we waltzed away from Elland Road with a deserved victory – though the scoreline was admittedly flattering.
Though it was Bothroyd who scored the decisive first (latching onto a mistake by Bruce & Schmeichel) and put the game beyond doubt (finishing a crisp team move) – it was team captain Craig Bellamy who ran the show, despite playing back-to-back games following his return from knee problems.
Bellamy was lively throughout and showed the presence of mind on numerous occasions to open up the Leeds defence. His dummies, truns and deft flicks were a joy to behold – even more so because the likes of Bothroyd and Chopra were on similar wavelengths and able to capitalise.
It was evident from the off that Bellamy was up for the game, despite the booing he got from the home crowd. Above all, the work-rate was impeccable as he chased harried and made himself available all over the pitch. Second half, the combative Welshman was literally everywhere! He started the third goal off from near his own corner flag….Naylor’s fourth also came from a pass by the Welsh captain.
This was Bellamy’s best performance yet in a Cardiff City shirt and while he was marshalled reasonably well by Leeds – it allowed other players more space, with Whitts, Burke, Chopra and Bothroyd – that’s just not an option for opposition teams and Leeds were made to pay the price.
Bellamy is likely to bes rested now, avoiding playing a third game in a week when Norwich City visit CCS this Saturday. His ommission allows a chance for McPhail or Koumas to come in, and crucially will allow Bellamy to remain fit and ready to go when Swansea City are the visitors the following week.
Fingers crossed for no training mishaps!
Cardiff City fans will (almost) always give 100% backing to our players on the pitch, you can also support a fantastic cause by donating to the Craig Bellamy Foundation. Further information about Bellamy`s excellent work to promote footballing and academic development for African youngsters is available via the links. Please help support if you can.
Share this article
Related Articles
