NATHAN BLAKE : 'THE GREATEST ATMOSPHERE I HAVE EXPERIENCED'

Monday 26th August 2013.

Can it get any better than this? I really hope so, but Cardiff have set the bar at an amazing height following their amazing first ever Premier League match at the stadium.

Only once last season did Manchester City lose after taking the lead.

That was the size of the task faced by Cardiff after Dzeko scored with his long range blast – which did take a deflection off Andrew Taylor’s backside.

It was a superb strike by Dzeko, but either David Marshall would have saved or the shot would have hit a post without that touch.

At that stage, 1-0 down against one of the title favourites, it looked a forlorn hope for the Bluebirds. But the fans stuck with their team and the players responded.

They faced up to the challenge, took it on and emerged triumphant. What an achievement. What a result.

I have never experienced anything better than Sunday’s atmosphere at Cardiff City Stadium. The occasion brought back memories of Ninian Park. That’s how good it was.

Nathan Blake's Cardiff City column - in association with Mercedes Cardiff and Newport
There were key battles, of course.

Two-goal Fraizer Campbell against Manchester City was one – and there are no doubts about who came out on top in that one.

Cardiff’s centre-backs, Turner and Caulker, against Dzeko and Aguero was another. And what about Gunnarsson and Medel faced with Toure and Fernandinho?

Cardiff can reflect with massive satisfaction on how they fared in all three areas, indeed throughout the team.

It’s difficult to pick out who was man of the match, even though Campbell scored two and played a huge role in Aron Gunnarsson’s goal.

Every player on the Cardiff team deserves huge ratings. They gave everything they had for 90 minutes, stayed disciplined and rarely put a foot wrong.

City followed the game plan every step of the way and earned the result they deserved. Manchester City fans looked shell-shocked well before the end. There were 2,700 or so of them on the far side from me and boy did they look fed up.

This, after all, is supposed to be the season Manuel Pellegrini and his boys take the title and leave Manchester United in the shade.

How then did Cardiff City came out on top?

Captain Craig Bellamy and his team earned the right to three points because they did things the right way, they worked their way back after going a goal down and maintained a belief they could fight their way back.

Now, of course, the Bluebirds must build on this win. They must produce the same tempo, the same levels of belief when Everton come to the stadium next Saturday. Nobody went into this match expecting Cardiff to score three goals and win.

But they did and this could be the launchpad for a decent season at the top level. And hands up those who were shouting for Mark Hudson to start ahead of Ben Turner.

Nobody can argue Malky Mackay wasn’t right, now. Caulker and Turner are a strong pairing – while Huds must wait a little longer for his Premier League chance.

He doesn’t want to do that, but the club captain will have to sit back and enjoy the view from the subs bench if this City team produce performances of this stature.

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

It was not quite as good as Leeds but it beat the man city game 18 years ago. Defo best at ccs

It was not quite as good as Leeds but it beat the man city game 18 years ago. Defo best at ccs

I was surprised how good it was but Doesn't beat either, Blake is paid to be upbeat and cheerlead.

On slightly different note, I walked back from the Fred Keenor statue after the BU walk. On 3 occasions I saw boys from my estate who claim to be die hard Man Utd supporters going to the game. I've tried to get them involved 2-3 years ago but they weren't ever interested and would always discuss Man Utd as 'we' and CCFC as 'your lot''. it's nearly come to fisicuffs in the past and was very strange seeing them going to the game while I was walking away on a boycott over the colour.

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

Ninian Park was on it's own for atmosphere when full, I cant see how the CCS can be compared with the old lady, totally different stadiums that you would never get the same sound from. That was the best atmosphere at the CCS since it's been opened

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

Leeds was a cupset as was Manchester City, at an old traditional ground close to play with terracing, yesterday's atmosphere was incredible, why are we even comparing the atmosphere's, why not just praise how good it was yesterday?

Wonder if Blake heard his song as well, nice touch

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

Ninian Park was on it's own for atmosphere when full, I cant see how the CCS can be compared with the old lady, totally different stadiums that you would never get the same sound from. That was the best atmosphere at the CCS since it's been opened

Totally agree

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

Leeds was a cupset as was Manchester City, at an old traditional ground close to play with terracing, yesterday's atmosphere was incredible, why are we even comparing the atmosphere's, why not just praise how good it was yesterday?

Because that's what opinions are for and this forum for debates,we all have opinions.

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

Leeds was a cupset as was Manchester City, at an old traditional ground close to play with terracing, yesterday's atmosphere was incredible, why are we even comparing the atmosphere's, why not just praise how good it was yesterday?

Because that's what opinions are for and this forum for debates,we all have opinions.

No doubt but there was nothing in that article to say it was better, just saying it felt like Ninian Park, you can't really compare the two as it was a different stadium

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

Leeds was a cupset as was Manchester City, at an old traditional ground close to play with terracing, yesterday's atmosphere was incredible, why are we even comparing the atmosphere's, why not just praise how good it was yesterday?

Because that's what opinions are for and this forum for debates,we all have opinions.

No doubt but there was nothing in that article to say it was better, just saying it felt like Ninian Park, you can't really compare the two as it was a different stadium

True, you can't compare the Stadiums.

It was a superb strike by Dzeko, but either David Marshall would have saved or the shot would have hit a post without that touch.

Dont agree fully with this statement. Deflection or no deflection Marshall had no chance of getting to the ball. That shot went passed him before he could react. Hope we don't get many of those efforts against us this season.

It was a superb strike by Dzeko, but either David Marshall would have saved or the shot would have hit a post without that touch.

Dont agree fully with this statement. Deflection or no deflection Marshall had no chance of getting to the ball. That shot went passed him before he could react. Hope we don't get many of those efforts against us this season.

I was right behind that and it was going in deflection or not. In fact the deflection sent it closer to Marshall but it was hit with so much power he had no chance.

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

I was at the Real Madrid, Man City and Leeds game when the atmosphere was unbelievable, games i'll never forget. The Wales v Romania at Cardiff Arms Park 1993 will take some beating as well. But Sunday was something special, Don't confuse big attendances and atmosphere I have been to City games with four or five thousand and its been outstanding.
You can't really compare 'atmosphere' because there is no measure, its how you feel on the day.
What WILL happen in the CARDIFF CITY STADIUM this season is more 'GREAT' atmospheres than the total of the last 40 years

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

City needed me in them days, now they have thousands of fans.
Everyone suddenly supports them nowadays, how times change.i hope they all stay with them if they ever hit bad times again.
I am proud to say 9 years in Division 4 never missed a home or away game
And for you Mac then, which one was your best atmosphere ever?

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

City needed me in them days, now they have thousands of fans.
Everyone suddenly supports them nowadays, how times change.i hope they all stay with them if they ever hit bad times again.
I am proud to say 9 years in Division 4 never missed a home or away game
And for you Mac then, which one was your best atmosphere ever?

So many to choose from, but yesterday was definitely up there with the best. Cheers

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

City needed me in them days, now they have thousands of fans.
Everyone suddenly supports them nowadays, how times change.i hope they all stay with them if they ever hit bad times again.
I am proud to say 9 years in Division 4 never missed a home or away game
And for you Mac then, which one was your best atmosphere ever?

So many to choose from, but yesterday was definitely up there with the best. Cheers

Had 100 euros on them yest to just win at 8/1
7/2 now to beat Everton, Will be there on Saturday, we need another great atmosphere

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

City needed me in them days, now they have thousands of fans.
Everyone suddenly supports them nowadays, how times change.i hope they all stay with them if they ever hit bad times again.
I am proud to say 9 years in Division 4 never missed a home or away game
And for you Mac then, which one was your best atmosphere ever?

So many to choose from, but yesterday was definitely up there with the best. Cheers

Had 100 euros on them yest to just win at 8/1
7/2 now to beat Everton, Will be there on Saturday, we need another great atmosphere

Drinks on you on Saturday then.

Leeds cup match was the most insane/intenese/hostile athmosphere I have ever witnessed....

Was at City in the Cup.

Missed yesterday..

Even watching the Leeds cup game on DVD is spine tingling
Sunday was just incredible, I felt proud and privileged to be among such incredible fellow fans
Just watched the highlights on MOTD 2 and not ashamed to say I shed a tear

Was at both the Man City and Leeds Cup games, plus I've experienced every promotion since 1983. For me, yesterday was better than the lot of them, didnt have the hostility of the Leeds game, but for sheer emotion by the fans the game yesterday swings it for me. Awesome! Absolutely awesome!

The noise for that equaliser literally made my ears pop!

The only people saying it wasn't the best ever weren't there which is strange because surely they have no fair, testable measure from which to compare.

For me the Leeds game was something completely different and even as a youngster (13) it taught me a lot about following CCFC.

But it was different.

Yesterday was just a 51 year frustration being vocalised for 90 minutes. And it was something that I don't believe can be truly comprehended unless you were there. Amazing.

One to tell the grandkids!

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

City needed me in them days, now they have thousands of fans.
Everyone suddenly supports them nowadays, how times change.i hope they all stay with them if they ever hit bad times again.
I am proud to say 9 years in Division 4 never missed a home or away game
And for you Mac then, which one was your best atmosphere ever?

So many to choose from, but yesterday was definitely up there with the best. Cheers

it beats the time i was there to see us lose 7-2 to cambridge (i think) at home haha u remember that one??? were beating man city now ha

Had 100 euros on them yest to just win at 8/1
7/2 now to beat Everton, Will be there on Saturday, we need another great atmosphere

Leeds home and Man City home in the FACUP games were bigger/better atmospheres

For you of course they were. You were there, not in Spain

City needed me in them days, now they have thousands of fans.
Everyone suddenly supports them nowadays, how times change.i hope they all stay with them if they ever hit bad times again.
I am proud to say 9 years in Division 4 never missed a home or away game
And for you Mac then, which one was your best atmosphere ever?

So many to choose from, but yesterday was definitely up there with the best. Cheers

it beats the time i was there to see us lose 7-2 to cambridge (i think) at home haha u remember that one??? were beating man city now ha

Had 100 euros on them yest to just win at 8/1
7/2 now to beat Everton, Will be there on Saturday, we need another great atmosphere