Today’s game between Cardiff City and Burnley was supposed to be a dead rubbber, a nothing at stake match between two mid-table sides. That’s exactly what the game appeared to be to begin with.
After a slow tempo opening, neither side showed much quality but The Clarets took the lead in unfortunate circumstances. Alexander’s strong run and well worked one-two saw the assistant raise his flag for offside – Alexander finished superbly but as the City players were preparing to take the free-kick, the referee overturned the decision after brief consultation with his assistant deeming Akinbiyi to not be interfering.
After half time, it looked as if we were in for more of the same. Burnely extended their lead through a typical Andrew Cole goal – prodding home from 6 yards although there were again suspicions of offside.
However, just before the bitter disappointment and frustration began to set in, City hit back. Trevore Sinclair did well and won a penalty which JOE LEDLEY finished comfortably.
City were spurred on and enjoyed the better possession before finding the equaliser. Ledley turned creator and squared for AARON RAMSEY to smash an unstoppable shot into the roof of Burnley’s net.
The Clarets, understandably, were hurt by this and fought back. The introduction of the lively McDonald caused problems and Burnley seemed to have won it late on after a deep cross was headed in by Clarke Carlisle.
City however were more stubborn than I’d expected and hit back in the 89th minute when Whittingham’s shot took a deflection and ent in off a defender I thought although Steve Thompson was also creditted (he didn’t celebrate and after 1000 goal-less minutes, I’m sure he would if he could claim!).
3-3, two equalisers and a dramatic comeback – but it didn’t end there. Darren Purse lost control on halfway and rashly lunged in on Andy Cole – the Cardiff captain received a red card and will miss the FA Cup final. As if that weren’t enough, Cole raced off the field after Purse, followed by Subs and the police. What happened in the tunnel, we don’t know but I’m sure we’ll be hearing more….
Burnley 3-3 Cardiff City
Share this article
Related Articles
