POOR START, WORSE STEWARDING, SUPERB FINISH

Fantastic trip on the road again, got to our pub for 11.30am, made the journey in good time and had another good welcome at a pub we have used for the 3rd time in 12 months.

We got to the ground for around 14.15 and made our way in and to our seats, it was bitterly cold up here today but City had a decent following to cheer them on. Within minutes it became apparent that Bolton FC and in particular their stewards were behaving in the exactly the same manner as when we visited the Reebok last season.

The bars and food kiosks were shut shortly after the kick off and we were informed that they would remain closed for the remainder of the game because of safety issues, even though there had been no issues before kick off or up to the point of closing the bars and kiosks.

Fans were getting wound up not because of the alcohol not being served but more so because there was no hot drinks or food being served, it was the coldest away game of the season and there was no reason for Bolton to take the course of action they did.

Back in the ground and some of the stewards started behaving in the same manner as last season, over zealous and acting like they were the law. As a result this brought about flashes of confrontations between the stewards and fans and then police had to intervene.

On the pitch the first half offered very little entertainment and City struggled to get any rhythm going and we looked a very ordinary side against a team a division lower than us.

Eikrem's passing didn't look anywhere near the accuracy and calmness that we have seen of him in his substitution appearances so far. Cornelius looked well off the pace and I am trying to stay very much on the fence with the kid but today I really felt was particularly poor.

The second half was very different to the first because of Ole's substitutions, each of them had a positive impact on the game.

Noone came on and started running at Bolton and delivering quality ball in the box, he wax dangerous and effective for the whole of the half.

Campbell got the only goal of the game and he gave the Bolton defence the runaround with his movement and work rate, his celebration for the winner was absolute class. He scored from an acute angle and ran behind the goal and pulled his shorts up to mimic Vincent Tan's high waisted trousers, he certainly got the crowd cheering with that celebration.

Then the standout player of the game entered the fray, Matrs Moller Daehli.

What a player, what a cameo appearance! Wow.

We have read many reports about the youngster but seeing him perform like he did was special, the kid is a talent beyond his years. I tend to hold judgement on new players until a few games but everyone who was there this afternoon will be talking about Daehli on their journey home this evening.

The Norwegian got tricks, skill and flair and an eye for the game that belittles his tender years, on this appearance it really looks like Cardiff City have bagged themselves a star and a top player.

David Marshall deserves praise yet again for making top quality saves.

But I cannot finish without mentioning Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and his substitutions, they were the difference that won us the match and they made the last 15 minutes entertaining to watch.

It looks like a bright future the way Ole is revamping the team, onward and upward!

Thanks, Carl

A great win for The Bluebirds and hopefully a home tie to come

Ole appears to "see" the game very well and makes adjustments accordingly, which all bodes well

One question, though:

When were Bolton given the penalty of playing the game "behind closed doors" for home supporters??

I said a couple of weeks ago Carl, all the Norwegian media said to me Matts Moller Daehli was not just Quality but prob the best player to come out of Norway for years and one hell of a player for the future

As to the other Norwegian players so far I haven't heard to much and I am sitting on the fence on them.

The stewards at Greater Manchester clubs always have been, and always will be utter scum. And the reason for this, is they are backed up by the Greater Manchester police. They take a zero tolerance policy to away fans full stop. anyone is fair game for them because they know that they will get away with assaulting football fans! I remember an FA CUP game at Oldham about 10 years back. After the game about 40 of us were having a drink in a pub just outside Picadilly station. The police were outside and when we left to get the train they piled out of their vans and battered us all the way to the station. When Wales played England at Old Trafford, a mate of mine was pulled away from his 12 year old son and dragged out of the stadium and beaten into a police van. His crime? he folded up his paper wales flag from his seat and threw it into the air and it landed on the pitch! Even had to travel back up there to receive his caution! If the police behave like this, it's no wonder the stewards follow suit. I'm suprised that the FFS haven't attempted to do anything about it. If they are aware of it then they need to up their game!

I'm glad Tan got a bit of praise today, cause he ain't all bad.
Well done Fraiser.

Not go go over old ground but I asked the question as to whether Malky would have ever been brave enough to make the tactical switch and substitutions so early in the game as ogs did.

I though cornelius showed a few good touches and although we didn't pressurise or go at them there where plenty of periods across the first half when we were comfortably controlling play.

I thought Daehli looked quality when he came on but for now lets hope he can keep it up,

On norwegian telly when they talked to Ole he said that Eikreim had some issues with hes calfs might be why he dident play like he normally does. That was also why he took him off after 45 mins.

Their loss in revenue with closing the bars and food kiosks

Eikrem's passing didn't look anywhere near the accuracy and calmness that we have seen of him in his substitution appearances so far. Cornelius looked well off the pace and I am trying to stay very much on the fence with the kid but today I really felt was particularly poor.

Good article to be honest Carl and good read. In fairness to Eikrem the pitch was full of ruts and terrible. Even Daehli was stumbling now and then and got his foot stuck late on because of it. I thought that pitch would have been better to be honest. It was shocking.

The stewards at Greater Manchester clubs always have been, and always will be utter scum. And the reason for this, is they are backed up by the Greater Manchester police. They take a zero tolerance policy to away fans full stop. anyone is fair game for them because they know that they will get away with assaulting football fans! I remember an FA CUP game at Oldham about 10 years back. After the game about 40 of us were having a drink in a pub just outside Picadilly station. The police were outside and when we left to get the train they piled out of their vans and battered us all the way to the station. When Wales played England at Old Trafford, a mate of mine was pulled away from his 12 year old son and dragged out of the stadium and beaten into a police van. His crime? he folded up his paper wales flag from his seat and threw it into the air and it landed on the pitch! Even had to travel back up there to receive his caution! If the police behave like this, it's no wonder the stewards follow suit. I'm suprised that the FFS haven't attempted to do anything about it. If they are aware of it then they need to up their game!

I have been to old Trafford twice in the last month and had no problems with the police at all. In fact they were very friendly.

Daehli was class, stewards were crap, weather was four overcoats colder, sums up my day really.