By Chris O'Brien
May 18 2004

Robert Earnshaw netted the only goal of the Len Ashurst testimonial only minutes before the break, to give the Bluebirds a 1-0 victory against a Birmingham City XI. 2,456 were at Ninian Park to watch the friendly, with Scott Young making an unexpected substitute appearance.

Robert Earnshaw's 44th minute striker gave Cardiff City a 1-0 victory over a Birmingham City XI at Ninian Park on Monday evening, in a friendly game organised as a testimonial for former boss Len Ashurst.

Ashurst enjoyed two spells as manager of the Bluebirds. The first between 1982 and 1984, and the second between 1989 and 1991. He led the club to promotion in the 1982/1983 season, which was the clubs last promotion to England's second flight before last seasons play-off success. However, his second spell did not have such success, with the club relegated to the basement in 1990. The result of the game was of little importance, but was an entertaining affair, and one which Ashurst should have enjoyed!

The Bluebirds named an almost full-strength side for the game, but several substitutions were made as the game progressed with recently retired defender Scott Young making an appearance in the closing stages to the delight of the small crowd who turned up to watch the encounter. As for the visitors, Robbie Savage, Mikael Silvestre and Northern Irish 'keeper Maik Taylor were three of the more familiar names who started the game, but Steve Bruce's side was understandably slightly under-strength.

The low-key game started at a slow pace with neither side desperate to get anything from the 90 minutes. Birmingham started the brighter side with Forssell going close early on and trialist forward Sisic also tested Neil Alexander as the game got under-way. At the other end, Robert Earnshaw hit a shot straight at Maik Taylor before Rhys Weston was substituted, limping off with a knee problem, and was replaced by youngster Byron Anthony. The deadlock was broken only minutes before the half-time whistle, following a mistake from Savage. The Welsh international got the ball tangled between his legs, and the opportunity was seized upon by Robert Earnshaw who stole possession before slotting the ball past Taylor.

Birmingham made 4 changes at the break and three more later in the game. City target Darren Carter was introduced at the break, with the England under-20 international recently confirming he would be interested in a move to Ninian Park. Premiership regulars Clinton Morrison and Stern John were also introduced at the break as the Midlands outfit gave a number of players a run-out. Lennie Lawrence resisted the temptation to make any substitutions, as City played the game with a competitive spirit.

The game adopted more of a testimonial approach in the second-half, with Birmingham and Cardiff making further changes as the half progressed. Birmingham created more opportunities, but couldn't find the net to the frustration of their 25 loyal travelling supporters, whether they had come from the Midlands I don't know, but there attendance was appreciated! who The crowd was little disappointing if not expected, with 2,456 at Ninian Park for the game. All money was split between the Len Ashurst testimonial fund and the Noah's Arm appeal.

Full Time - Cardiff City 1-0 Birmingham City XI
Attendance - 2,456

Cardiff City: Alexander, Weston (34, Anthony), Barker, Collins, Gabbidon, Croft (81, Perry), Boland (81, Young), Langley (61, Ledley), Parry, Lee (69, Fleetwood), Earnshaw.

Birmingham City: Maik Taylor (45, Bennett), Johnson, Clapham (61, Sadler), Cunningham (61, Motteram), Martin Taylor, Clemence (45, Kilkenny), Savage (45, Carter), Hughes, Barrowman (45, Morrison), Forssell (45, John), Sisic.