Cardiff City Hold Out For Valuable Draw At Forest

Cardiff City gained a valuable point away at Nottingham Forest to continue the unbeaten run and maintain the momentum./ It was a vital point given the earlier results in the Championship with Swansea City, Leicester City, Blackpool and Middlesbrough all winning their games as the play-off race intensifies.

The first half saw Cardiff City on top, comfortable in possession and solid at the back. However, it was former Bluebirds favourite Robert Earnshaw who should have opened the scoring after running clear on goal following Darcy Blake’s misjudgement.

A series of corners, a blocked Ledley effort from 5 yards and a Darcy Blake header from 8 yards that flew over were the highlights for Cardiff City while Forest managed to create the Earnshaw chance and a golden opportunity for Chris Cohen at the far post in aa lively first half.

The second half was a low key affair, and Nottingham Forest were on top for the majority. Dexter Blackstock caused problems throughout and nearly took advantage of another Blake mistake but Marshall again was on hand to save well.

Bothroyd’s blocked shot and a McCormack 30 yard effort that Camp saved well were as good as it got for Cardiff but with Marshall and Gerrard on top form – we showed good commitment and determination to leave with a share of the points. Indeed those two players showed a little two much passion and a lack of communication led to an ugly confrontation between the pair with Marshall grabbing Gerrard by the throat. Both were lucky to escape without referee intervention and it was left to Joe Ledley and Darcy Blake to separate the pair.

In the end, it was a point earned at a Forest side who are simply superb at home. We never really got Chopra involved and missed the creative influences of Burke and Whittingham – to take a point from Forest, the third highest team and City Ground specialists is certainly a decent return and keeps us in a very strong position for the play-offs.