" Match report Cardiff v C Palace 5 November 2011 "

Crystal Palace came to this game without letting a goal in for 6 hours of play. They were considered the surprise package of the season so far as they looked comfortable in a top 6 spot. Considering not long ago they were fighting against administration their showing this season seems more remarkable. Adding to that this was Cardiff third game in a row where their opponents have been above them. That has not happened for a few seasons so another hard game was envisaged for the new look working hard new Cardiff on the block.

Tome Heaton made his first start of the season due to Marshall still feeling the ill from the Derby game where Heaton replaced him. Everything else was at it was from Wednesday night with McNaughton, Hudson, Turner and Taylor in defence, the 5 man midfield of Conway, Cowie, Gunnarson, Whittingham, Kiss and finally the one man up front show of Miller.

Cardiff started the game off lively attacking the goal to the family stand Conway made a run down the left wing and sent a teasing cross in that Miller flicked on only for the ball to go wide of the far post.
From this early scare Palace took hold of the game and seemed to be winning the midfield battle. However they failed to create a decent chance until 15 minutes into the game when a snap shot from outside the penalty area forced Heaton to tip the ball over the net. Heaton was called into action a couple of minutes later when he got down to stop another shot from distance.

Palace was controlling the game by now with most of the play being in the Cardiff half. Cardiff was to sloppy in defence and this allowed the away strikers to take advantage. Hudson made a determined block just outside the area as a Palace forward tried to burst through the defence.

Cardiff eventually got the ball into the Palace half but hardly threatened their goal. However they nearly took the lead halfway through the half when Whittingham picked the ball up from 35 yards out and volleyed the ball against the crossbar. Then a few minutes later Conway made a solo effort down the left, cut inside and sent a low shot in that was collected by the away keeper. Palace responded to this by having their own chance when one of their forwards outfoxed the Cardiff defence on the 18 yard line but could only scuff his shot that Heaton saved easily.
Just before half time both teams had the chance to take a lead into the break. McNaughton found Conway in space and the winger forced a fine save out of the Palace keeper. From the throw out Palace broke away and from just outside the Cardiff area Turner made an excellent block from a shot that looked goal bound.

The half ended with no score.
The first 15 minutes of the second half created nothing as both teams tried to get their game going. However on the hour mark Cardiff took complete control of the game. McNaughton set Miller free and with only the keeper to beat the home striker forced a good save from the Eagles keeper. Moments later Whittingham had a chance on the edge of the area where he found the side netting. Then Cowie had a half volley that spurred over the crossbar. Cardiff was now in complete control as Palace well out of it now.

With 70 minutes gone Cardiff got their deserved lead. McNaughton laid the ball back to Miller from a cross and the Scotsman powered a low shot across the area and into the far side of the net leaving the Place keeper no chance.

This was the first goal the visitors had left it in for 6 games and it clearly knocked their confidence. Cardiff took advantage and controlled the game from midfield. Although disheartened the Palace defence did hold their own in this time of pressure and Cardiff failed to force a decent save out of their keeper. However 10 minutes later the game was won.

Cardiff was awarded a free kick from 25 yards and to the right of the Palace goal. This was ideal territory for Whittingham who sent a curling free kick into the top right corner of the goal. Apparently the ball hit the upright but rebounded back onto the diving keeper only to rebound back into the net.
For the remainder of the game the Cardiff defence held firm s the away team tried to come away with some consolation. Heaton was not called onto make a save and the home side saw the game through without being breached.
The referee brought the game to an end with 5 points going to the home side.

Summing up. I use to listen to Robbie Savage on 606 on my way home after a game. I remember after the Derby home game last season where he played against us someone asked him what he thought of the game. He replied the game bypassed him. Savaged played in midfield and what he was implying was that the game missed out the midfield. Well that can’t be said for this season can it?

Ian, Cheers once again for a great match report.

I really enjoyed yesterday and we really have the feel good factor finally back.

A good and honest report Ian.Well done m8!!!

Nice One Ian .....Cracking read as per usual......agree about midfield, vast improvement and Whitts just gets better and better.......must have missed you yesterday, I went to the Toby Carvery

Good report,but where did you get the 5 points from at the end of it.

Good report,but where did you get the 5 points from at the end of it.

Ummm,

good report.

Good report,but where did you get the 5 points from at the end of it.

Ummm,

LOL, 5 would of been better

Thanks Ian once again, keep them coming.