Cardiff City Gain Costly Draw At Blackpool

Cardiff City rode their luck at times but came away from a wet Bloomfield Road with a valuable point after a disappointing performance from the Bluebirds.

Both sides started brightly but it was the seasiders who made the early headway and forced a number of corners for their massive side to attack. However, it was Cardiff City who were to take the lead after Ledley set Chopra away and his effort looped over the ‘keeper for the second weak in succession with a deflection off Welsh defender Rob Edwards.

A major incident of the first half was a nasty injury to McCormack, the Scotsman was all alone when he pulled a hamstring and had to be stretchered off. That brought Chris Burke onto the field though you’d hardly have noticed as I’m sure he didn’t touch the ball for at least 10 minutes. However, his arrival was marked when a mazy run saw him beat three men only for Chopra to get in his way.

Just moments before half time, Blackpool deservedly equalised as Ian Evatt produced a quality finish to beat Marshall. The composure and placement was not expected from a big lump of a defender but 1-1 it was.

The second half was a scrappy affair and Cardiff City never really had a grip on proceedings. Chopra looked dangerous at times but had little service with McPhail subdued and Whittingham’s delivery poor.

Jason Euell rolled back the years to create two good chances, one with a sublime flick and shot that Marshall did well to save. Chris Burke had a rasping shot skim the crossbar but in truth we were second best. McPhail was replaced by Rae but we still failed to get a grip in midfield and were outplaced by the impressive Vaughan and Southern.

Both sides had glorious chances to win it at the death with Baptiste’s header well saved by Marshall and Mark Hudson somehow missing from 5 yards out after Gerrard’s header with the last kick of the game. That would have been incredibly harsh on Blackpool who more than matched us and looked altogether more comfortable. A valuable point though injuries to McCormack and Quinn (also carried off late on) could prove costly.