Cardiff City enjoyed a fruitful season, ultimately ending in bitter disappointment though one solitary goal would have seen a completely different finale to the season. Vital Cardiff City look at three specific days where events conspired against us and contributed to our overall failure.
Turning point number 2
22nd March 2009 Cardiff City 0-3 Sheffield United
Precisely 1 month after Dimi`s howler, we had another loan goalkeeper and again faced one of the top sides in the Championship when Sheffield United were the visitors to Ninian Park. We had no reason to be afraid however, and Bluebirds fans were confident ahead of the game.
This game was a disaster start to finish for Cardiff City and I have rarely seen the like. The game was over as a contest after 20 minutes, when a beautiful pass picked out Blades striker Darius Henderson – his control was also excellent but allowed Gabor Gyepes to just recover and nip in. Henderson didn`t appeal, but referee Mr P Taylor had no hesitation in trundling the length of the pitch (yes – he was that far away) to send off Gyepes and award the penalty with no consultation.
If it was to be tricky against promotion rivals a goal and a man down, it was nothing compared to just a few minutes later when Ross McCormack was also given his marching orders by our friend Mr Taylor. This red card was later rescinded by the FAW after video evidence showed no hint of violent conduct.
Ward added a header, and Quinn rifled in a third in the second half. Cardiff City fought, with McNaughton imperious but in truth the Blades were never forced to get out of second gear. When you look at the fine margins that saw us miss out, this game was effectively a write-off due to poor refereeing decisions. Henderson told Bothroyd he felt there was no Gyepes foul, Blades manager Ian Blackwell confessed himself mystified as to McCormack`s crime.
This result sparked Sheffield United on a useful run and effectively ended our automatic promotion hopes. The previous game saw us net a dramatic late winner, raising hopes but these were dashed straight away but a no contest game denying us not just the chance at points, but also of a genuine football match – the 18000 present witnessed a training game.
Turning Point Number ONE
Turning Point Number THREE
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