By Chris O'Brien
September 1 2002

Cheltenham Town grabbed only their second point of the season yesterday, after a 1-1 draw with the Bluebirds. Andy Campbell got Cardiff's only goal, and his second of the season. Cheltenham Town 1-1 Cardiff City

Report from "Sam's Cat":
Anticipation was high, there was even a choice of route for the 1,200 City fans who made the 70 mile trip to Whaddon Road yesterday. Unfortunately wether to go over the bridge or up the M50 was about the highlight of the day. Once again Sam's expensive team of highly paid individuals lacked both ideas and cohesion, resulting in a very poor overall performance.

The game started well enough for City in a compact and virtual non league standard stadium, although the playing surface looked like a snooker table which was still being watered just before kick off. Unfortunately City did not do the surface any justice.

After taking the lead with a very well taken goal from Andy Campbell following good work in the midfield by Peter Thorne, the Bluebirds should have gone on to put more scores on the doors and ensure the game was out of reach for Cheltenham who looked a very poor team for the opening half hour.

As is becoming a common problem this season City cannot kill off teams and become frustrated when things don't go to plan.

Much possession did not lead to anymore goals for the men from the capital and it was not real surprise when after a short spell of pressure and a corner, that Cheltenham equalised following a melee in the City penalty area.

Heads dropped and many fans knew before the half time whistle that a win was going to take a good deal more effort than had been originally thought. City huffed and puffed throughout the second half. Chances went begging, notably from Campbell who following his opening goal should have gone on to score a hat trick. Earnshaw come on later in the half, to much applause - however he was unable to unlock a Cheltenham defence who played as if it was their last game of their lives!

City fans gave Paul Brayson a marvellous reception, he did the Ayatollah at least three times and played very well before being taken off towards the end, why did we let him go?

Cheltenham could have snatched all 3 points towards the end when City cleared off the line, however the view from the tiny away end was poor even this cat could not see who made the clearance.

That's 4 points dropped in the last two games against teams from the wrong end of the table, and with the transfer window now shut - Lennie has got to get them sorted out because things on the pitch look pretty mediocre at the moment. Early season championship favourites are being made to look very ordinary at the moment.

13,000 will not turn up at the next home game I fear.

Still if the crowds smaller I'll be able to get to my litter tray easier at half time....