Match Report

After the disappointing boxing day defeat at Kenilworth Road, City needed to bounce back with a win to stay in touch of Second placed Bristol City, and with Huddersfield Town currently sitting rock bottom of the Division Two table, City entered the game firm favourites.

Graham Kavanagh was missing through suspension, so Fan Zhiyi took his place in the midfield with Gary Croft returning to the defence. Jason Bowen made his much anticipated return to the starting XI, and in the absence of Kavanagh, Andy Legg took over as skipper.

Cardiff had the early possession, and Gary Croft's long balls to City striker, Robert Earnshaw were really testing the Terriers defence, but the wet pitches make life more difficult for Earnshaw and he failed to capitalise early on.

Cardiff's early pressure paid off, with Jason Bowen giving the Bluebirds the lead on the quarter of an hour mark with a real cracking goal. Bowen picked the ball up in the midfield, before making a charging run forward, running passed several Huddersfield defenders, then rifling a shot from just outside the penalty area, giving Bevan in the Huddersfield goal no chance.

The goal was a wake up call for the visitors who started to string some passes together, but failed to create decent chances, and Alexander wasn't overworked.

Cardiff doubled their lead just moments before half-time, with Robert Earnshaw latching onto a clearance from Neil Alexander, and tucking the ball underneath the Huddersfield 'keeper - Bevan probably should have done better, but that certainly didn't bother the Bluebirds who were well on course for their first home victory since the FA Cup Replay victory over Tranmere on November 26th.

As the clock ticked ever nearer to 45 minutes, Huddersfield found themselves with only 10-men after Town defender, Danny Schofield was shown the red card after dangerously bringing down Jason Bowen on the right hand side - Schofield had already been booked earlier in the half.

Half Time Score - Cardiff City 2-0 Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield started the second half with some new found confidence, and created a couple of chances early on, but poor finishing let Town down. The Terriers best chance of the match so far fell on the 50 minute mark, with a header flying inches over the bar.

Cardiff didn't sit back though, and secured the three points on the hour, with another Jason Bowen goal created by Robert Earnshaw. Earnie's dummy let Bowen cheekily flick the ball into the Huddersfield net - Game Over!

Cardiff continued to pile pressure on the Terriers defence, Jason Bowen and Peter Thorne both went close as City searched for a fourth goal.

City's 4th arrived with 20 minutes to go, Robert Earnshaw taking his goal tally to 23 for the season after a neatly tucking the ball past the Town 'keeper, after being set up by Willie Boland. During half-time I was told rumours that Liverpool are lining up and £8million bid for the 22 year-old, and it's hardly surprising with the number of goals he has scored for the Bluebirds!

With the game won, Lawrence made some changes, with Leo Fortune-West replacing Peter Thorne and Scott Young coming on for Spencer Prior. The crowd were delighted to see Young back in action, and he received a fantastic reception from the 13,000 Bluebirds fans in Ninian Park today.

Huddersfield had some late pressure, but again poor finishing denied them a goal. The four-nil score was a little harsh on the visitors, and they probably deserved a goal, but they failed to convert good chances.

The victory isn't quite enough to see the Bluebirds return into the automatic promotion positions, but it keeps Cardiff level on points with rivals, Bristol City and was also a healthy boost to the goal difference.

Full Time Score - Cardiff City 4-0 Huddersfield Town

Bowen marked his return to the league starting XI with a fantastic display, showing some fantastic skill and getting himself on the score sheet twice. I was one of many fans desperate to see Bowen back in the side, and the fans were delighted to have Jason back on form today.

Bowen could be the answer to City's problems on the right side of midfield, and has certainly given Lennie Lawrence something to think about.