" Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 7:12 am
Millwall 0 - 2 Cardiff City: Noone and Whittingham fire Bluebirds to win
Sep 18 2012
Scorers: Whittingham, 52; Noone, 54
THE Bluebirds earned a first win at Millwall in 30 years thanks to a convincing Championship display at the Den.
Peter Whittingham, with his fifth goal of the season, and Craig Noone scored second half goals in a two minute spell to hand Malky Mackay’s men their first away win of the season.
Cardiff stay fifth in the Championship, just a point behind leaders Blackburn Rovers, and are right in the promotion mix.
City had only beaten Millwall once in 12 previous league clashes between the clubs, 2-1 in 2010, and their last win against the Lions in London was 4-0 in 1982.
Cardiff City player ratings v Millwall
They went on to earn promotion in that season and underlined their intentions to repeat that feat in 2012-13 with an emphatic victory last night.
City suffered a blow after getting their goals when Nicky Maynard was carried off on a stretcher. He seemed to catch his studs in the pitch and looked in pain as he went off,
Heidar Helguson sent on in his place.
Millwall threw themselves forward in the second half in a desperate attempt to snatch at least some reward from the match, but City were ready for the assault and stood firm.
City were even able to send on South Korean international winger Kim Bo-Kyung for his first appearance.
Kim, wearing squad number 13, was given a rapturous welcome by the jubilant 400-odd Bluebirds fans behind the goal where their team had scored both goals.
They chanted for Kim to do the Ayatollah and cheered wildly when he responded in the tradition manner.
This was a solid and impressive team display from City, who worked hard to get a grip on the match and then stood firm as Millwall fought back.
Centre-backs Mark Hudson and Matt Connolly were again outstanding as Millwall fired balls into the penalty area from all areas.
City switched to a 4-5-1 formation against a Millwall team who had struggled to cope with that system at Hull City. Manager Kenny Jackett matched Hull’s five-man midfield but watched his team go 4-0 down by half-time.
Last night, the Lions reverted to their usual 4-4-2 with Darius Henderson and ex-Bluebirds striker Andy Keogh in attack.
Cardiff added Aron Gunnarsson in midfield with fellow Icelandic international Helguson on the subs bench.
Craig Bellamy was rested, but will return to the squad for Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Millwall started brightly and Henderson created a shooting chance for James Henry with a short pass across the edge of the penalty area. The shot was fierce, but left-back Andrew Taylor flung himself to block.
Both teams looked vulnerable at times, though Cardiff did find the net on 21 minutes.
Peter Whittingham’s free-kick from 25 yards, outside the right-hand corner of Millwall’s penalty area, was whipped in with venom. Goalkeeper Maik Taylor could do nothing as the ball curled beyond his outstretched arm and high inside the far post, but referee Simon Hooper was blowing his whistle as it went in.
He had spotted shirt pulling by Gunnarsson inside the penalty area on Jimmy Abdou and ruled out the effort even though Taylor was not impeded at all and could do nothing to stop Whittingham’s effort.
Jordon Mutch was the next City player to go for goal, but his flick header from Kevin McNaughton’s cross bounced just wide of the far post.
At the other end centre-back Keyleigh Osborne went up for a set-piece and his shot on the turn went just wide from 15 yards, while keeper David Marshall went full length to turn away Henry’s low shot from a free-kick just outside the penalty area.
Wingers Craig Noone and Tommy Smith pressed forward to support Maynard whenever City had possession, immediately switching from a five-man midfield into a three-pronged attack. McNaughton and Taylor were then encouraged to add the width going forward when the time was right.
Both matches between these teams ended goalless last season, while five of their last six clashes have been drawn. And it remained stalemate after 45 minutes of this latest clash.
City had a slight edge over the opening 45 minutes which was fiercely contested, but neither side could come up with an inspired moment.
Only Whittingham could find that extra touch of attacking quality to find the net and it was harsh on City’s playmaker that his effort was ruled out.
Malky Mackay’s men upped the tempo after the break and Millwall found themselves under pressure. Alan Dunne was booked for a foul on Noone and then Shane Lowry saw yellow when he crashed into Jordon Mutch.
But the Bluebirds took a firm grip with two goals in two second half minutes.
Whittingham got the first, firing home from open play after Noone slid a pass across the edge of the penalty area after 53 minutes.
Then it was the wily Smith who took a hand. He ran at defenders just outside the penalty area, committed them to vain attempts to stop him and then slipped the ball in for Noone.
The winger’s technique was faultless and he bent his shot across goal from 15 yards beyond sprawling goalkeeper Taylor.
Maynard’s injury was a blow for City, but Helguson’s introduction ensured they had a strong physical presence and an outlet in attack.
Millwall sent on Chris Taylor and new striker Chris Wood, signed on loan from West Brom, as they went in search of goals. City had to stand firm against strong pressure as the home team were roared on by supporters.
The resilience and sheer defiance of City’s team gave them a first away victory. There will be more to come if they maintain this attitude and level of performance. * Goalkeeper Elliot Parish and Dekel Keinan have moved on from Cardiff City.
Parish, 22, has joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan, while central defender Dekel Keinan has returned to Israel.
He has rejoined his former club Maccabi Haifa. The season in Israel has just started and clubs still have a transfer window open to them.
Wycombe Wanderers Parish and he went into their squad for last night’s League Two match at Exeter City.
Manager Gary Waddock moved for the keeper after Wycombe’s first choice Nikki Bull aggravated a thigh strain. Another Wanderers goalie Martyn Ingram is ruled out after knee surgery.
“This is an opportunity for me and hopefully I take it,” said Parish.
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z26th0Qg2i
Sep 18 2012
Scorers: Whittingham, 52; Noone, 54
THE Bluebirds earned a first win at Millwall in 30 years thanks to a convincing Championship display at the Den.
Peter Whittingham, with his fifth goal of the season, and Craig Noone scored second half goals in a two minute spell to hand Malky Mackay’s men their first away win of the season.
Cardiff stay fifth in the Championship, just a point behind leaders Blackburn Rovers, and are right in the promotion mix.
City had only beaten Millwall once in 12 previous league clashes between the clubs, 2-1 in 2010, and their last win against the Lions in London was 4-0 in 1982.
Cardiff City player ratings v Millwall
They went on to earn promotion in that season and underlined their intentions to repeat that feat in 2012-13 with an emphatic victory last night.
City suffered a blow after getting their goals when Nicky Maynard was carried off on a stretcher. He seemed to catch his studs in the pitch and looked in pain as he went off,
Heidar Helguson sent on in his place.
Millwall threw themselves forward in the second half in a desperate attempt to snatch at least some reward from the match, but City were ready for the assault and stood firm.
City were even able to send on South Korean international winger Kim Bo-Kyung for his first appearance.
Kim, wearing squad number 13, was given a rapturous welcome by the jubilant 400-odd Bluebirds fans behind the goal where their team had scored both goals.
They chanted for Kim to do the Ayatollah and cheered wildly when he responded in the tradition manner.
This was a solid and impressive team display from City, who worked hard to get a grip on the match and then stood firm as Millwall fought back.
Centre-backs Mark Hudson and Matt Connolly were again outstanding as Millwall fired balls into the penalty area from all areas.
City switched to a 4-5-1 formation against a Millwall team who had struggled to cope with that system at Hull City. Manager Kenny Jackett matched Hull’s five-man midfield but watched his team go 4-0 down by half-time.
Last night, the Lions reverted to their usual 4-4-2 with Darius Henderson and ex-Bluebirds striker Andy Keogh in attack.
Cardiff added Aron Gunnarsson in midfield with fellow Icelandic international Helguson on the subs bench.
Craig Bellamy was rested, but will return to the squad for Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Millwall started brightly and Henderson created a shooting chance for James Henry with a short pass across the edge of the penalty area. The shot was fierce, but left-back Andrew Taylor flung himself to block.
Both teams looked vulnerable at times, though Cardiff did find the net on 21 minutes.
Peter Whittingham’s free-kick from 25 yards, outside the right-hand corner of Millwall’s penalty area, was whipped in with venom. Goalkeeper Maik Taylor could do nothing as the ball curled beyond his outstretched arm and high inside the far post, but referee Simon Hooper was blowing his whistle as it went in.
He had spotted shirt pulling by Gunnarsson inside the penalty area on Jimmy Abdou and ruled out the effort even though Taylor was not impeded at all and could do nothing to stop Whittingham’s effort.
Jordon Mutch was the next City player to go for goal, but his flick header from Kevin McNaughton’s cross bounced just wide of the far post.
At the other end centre-back Keyleigh Osborne went up for a set-piece and his shot on the turn went just wide from 15 yards, while keeper David Marshall went full length to turn away Henry’s low shot from a free-kick just outside the penalty area.
Wingers Craig Noone and Tommy Smith pressed forward to support Maynard whenever City had possession, immediately switching from a five-man midfield into a three-pronged attack. McNaughton and Taylor were then encouraged to add the width going forward when the time was right.
Both matches between these teams ended goalless last season, while five of their last six clashes have been drawn. And it remained stalemate after 45 minutes of this latest clash.
City had a slight edge over the opening 45 minutes which was fiercely contested, but neither side could come up with an inspired moment.
Only Whittingham could find that extra touch of attacking quality to find the net and it was harsh on City’s playmaker that his effort was ruled out.
Malky Mackay’s men upped the tempo after the break and Millwall found themselves under pressure. Alan Dunne was booked for a foul on Noone and then Shane Lowry saw yellow when he crashed into Jordon Mutch.
But the Bluebirds took a firm grip with two goals in two second half minutes.
Whittingham got the first, firing home from open play after Noone slid a pass across the edge of the penalty area after 53 minutes.
Then it was the wily Smith who took a hand. He ran at defenders just outside the penalty area, committed them to vain attempts to stop him and then slipped the ball in for Noone.
The winger’s technique was faultless and he bent his shot across goal from 15 yards beyond sprawling goalkeeper Taylor.
Maynard’s injury was a blow for City, but Helguson’s introduction ensured they had a strong physical presence and an outlet in attack.
Millwall sent on Chris Taylor and new striker Chris Wood, signed on loan from West Brom, as they went in search of goals. City had to stand firm against strong pressure as the home team were roared on by supporters.
The resilience and sheer defiance of City’s team gave them a first away victory. There will be more to come if they maintain this attitude and level of performance. * Goalkeeper Elliot Parish and Dekel Keinan have moved on from Cardiff City.
Parish, 22, has joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan, while central defender Dekel Keinan has returned to Israel.
He has rejoined his former club Maccabi Haifa. The season in Israel has just started and clubs still have a transfer window open to them.
Wycombe Wanderers Parish and he went into their squad for last night’s League Two match at Exeter City.
Manager Gary Waddock moved for the keeper after Wycombe’s first choice Nikki Bull aggravated a thigh strain. Another Wanderers goalie Martyn Ingram is ruled out after knee surgery.
“This is an opportunity for me and hopefully I take it,” said Parish.
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z26th0Qg2i
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 7:40 am
great to finally get a win there.
the big test now will be can we do it again against palace? id be happy with a draw. but the crunch week is coming for me. blackpool and brum home, these will really be the test to see how we can compete.
blackpool are looking class at the moment and we will need to keep tom ince quiet.
the big test now will be can we do it again against palace? id be happy with a draw. but the crunch week is coming for me. blackpool and brum home, these will really be the test to see how we can compete.
blackpool are looking class at the moment and we will need to keep tom ince quiet.
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:18 am
Last time we won at Millwall we got promoted ! 
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:20 am
Blackwood_Bluebird wrote:great to finally get a win there.
the big test now will be can we do it again against palace? id be happy with a draw. but the crunch week is coming for me. blackpool and brum home, these will really be the test to see how we can compete.
blackpool are looking class at the moment and we will need to keep tom ince quiet.
Blackpool will be extremely tough as will Brum but the two games in London against the pub teams this week should warm us up nicely
We have a good home record ,so far,so that will be in the minds of all players, ours and the away team
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:49 am
Just watched the Whiits disallowed goal and for me a shocking decision by the referee. No one was getting near that from the moment Whitts hit it.
His goal was a real class finish as well.
His goal was a real class finish as well.
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 1:44 pm
Good win.
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 2:01 pm
castleblue wrote:Just watched the Whiits disallowed goal and for me a shocking decision by the referee. No one was getting near that from the moment Whitts hit it.
His goal was a real class finish as well.
i havent seen it. what was Gunnerson doing?
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 2:19 pm
paulh_85 wrote:castleblue wrote:Just watched the Whiits disallowed goal and for me a shocking decision by the referee. No one was getting near that from the moment Whitts hit it.
His goal was a real class finish as well.
i havent seen it. what was Gunnerson doing?
Didn't matter what anyone was doing really the ball was on the way to the top corner and no stopping it. One Millwall player ended up on the floor but no way was he involved in play and no way could he have done anything to stop the ball ending in the net, Gunnarsson was close to him but Cardiff players were being pulled everywhere as well.
For me a referee at this level should be able to realise that once Whitts hit the ball nothing was going to stop that ball other than a 8 foot tall keeper.
Re: " Bluebirds first win in 30 years "
Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:10 pm
ok but where do you draw the line? if gunnersson had punched him do you still allow the goal?
if it was nowhere near the ball then more fool gunnersson for pulling his shirt in the first place
if it was nowhere near the ball then more fool gunnersson for pulling his shirt in the first place