Cup Cheer As Cardiff City Beat Foxes

Cardiff City fans who turned up at the CCS were rewarded today after a topsy-turvy encounter that sees us through to the Fifth round of the FA Cup.

City left Chris Burke on the bench with his rib injury and Darcy Blake was called upon in midfield. He was excellent, providing bite power and determination alongside Joe Ledley who now looks twice the player he was at the start of the season.

City took the lead in the 17th minute with a well worked goal, Ledley picked out Chopra whose first time cross was headed home by JAY BOTHROYD. However, the Bluebirds stepped off the gas at this point and Leicester City began to dominate with Matt Oakley impressive. The Foxes duly equalised when Morrison headed home a free-kick. The Bluebirds defence was given a tough examination and looked shaky throughout with Mark Hudson laboured and under-par.

Moments later Leicester scored again when the lively N’Guessan was too strong for Quinn and slotted home. At this stage Cardiff City were poor, lacking any direction and clearly second best.

Following the interval, the Bluebirds failed to muster any meaningful momentum until the introduction of Chris Burke. The winger immediately balanced the side and even Whittingham, who had been anonymous til that point, found more space. It was PETER WHITTINGHAM who equalised with a fluke goal as his corner went directly in – even after a poor performance, Whitts can’t stop scoring!

Both sides looked for a win and Darcy Blake was lucky not to concede a penalty for a trip on N’Guessan. Kermorgant was denied by a superb save by Marshall but McCormack, Chopra and Burke all went close for Cardiff. With just minutes remaining, the Bluebirds scored a third with CHRIS BURKE picking up a loose ball and driving home through a crowd of players.

There was even time for a fourth, and it was significant as Chopra raced clear to see his shot saved but ROSS McCORMACK had followed up and finished the chance for his first (and well deserved) goal of the season. Hopefully he can kick on from here.

Guernsey businessman and prospective investor Ben Steele was present, and hopefully will have liked what he saw. It wasn’t pretty at times, but the support was good and we got there in the end – a very entertaining cup tie.

Cup fever is once again to be found at the home of Cardiff City and with James Fox’s FA Cup final song and Don’t Stop Believing chosen by Ali after the game – all eyes will be on the draw for the next round…..at least we didn’t draw, our crocked squad couldn’t have coped with the replay!

Cardiff City 4-2 Leicester City.