Match Report

The Bluebirds buried a curse lasting over 17 years last night with a pleasing 2-1 victory over play-off chasers, Blackpool.

After the good point away at on-form Tranmere, City were in desperate need off their first home victory since January to keep up the pressure on second placed Crewe.

Lawrence made 2 changes from the side which drew 3-3 at Prenton Park last Friday, with Gary Ainsworth making his debut in replace of Mark Bonner and Steve Jenkins returning to first team affairs instead of the injured Scott Young.

City started the game the better side, and really took the game to Blackpool with Alan Mahon and Gary Ainsworth both delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Peter Thorne and Robert Earnshaw both went close in the early minutes.

Despite City's good start, it was the visitors who took the lead with Scott Taylor slotting in from 6 yards. The offside shouts from the City defence were ignored by referee Mathieson. The 180 travelling Blackpool fans jumped up and down on the Grangend with delight, with the 11,000 City supporters dreading a home defeat.

City though, upped the tempo of the game and really pushed forward. After 5 minutes of constant pressure they got their reward courtesy of Robert Earns haw's 33rd goal of the season, after tapping in the rebound from a powerful Willie Boland strike. The goal makes Earnshaw the highest ever Cardiff City goalscorer for a season, beating Lee Richards' 32 set in Cardiff City's FA Cup winning season 76 years ago!

Alan Mahon got his first goal for the Bluebirds since joining from Blackbrun Rovers on loan 5 minutes into the second half to put the Bluebirds in front. Blackpool failed to clear the corner from Graham Kavanagh, and Mahon calmly picked up the ball and neatly finished.

Despite breaking the record, it wasn't the best of nights for Earnie, as he had a golden opportunity to seal up 3 points for the Bluebirds from the penalty spot after Gary Ainsworth had been pulled down in the box. Earns haw's strike though, went well wide of Barnes' goal. Had he scored, Earnshaw would have equalled the club league scoring record of 30, which is also currently held by Lee Richards!

With 15 minutes left, Earnshaw had another great chance to finish off the game when Mahon sent in a cross to the far post. Earnie could probably have calmly slotted the ball home, but being Earnie he jumped in the air attempting a volley. The volley ended up at the back of the Grangend!

There was no late equaliser for Blackpool though, as City tightly defended the remainder of the game, desperate to avoid what happened against Oldham and Plymouth in recent home games.

It was an excellent win for the Bluebirds who remain in third due to Crewe's impressive 3-1 away win at Plymouth Argyle.

Full Time Score - Cardiff City 2-1 Blackpool

Cardiff City - Alexander, Jenkins (Legg 79), Prior, Barker, Croft, Boland, Kavanagh, Mahon (Bonner 86), Ainsworth, Earnshaw, Thorne.
Unused Subs: Gordon, Bowen, Margetson.

Blackpool - Barnes, Grayson, Flynn, Hendry, Richardson, Wellens, Coid, Southern, Bullock, Murphy, Taylor.
Unused Subs: Hughes, Thornley, Dalglish, Walker, McMahon.

Referee - S W Mathieson

It was given over the Tannoy as Gary Ainsworth, but it seems all you have to do is make your debut and you get the Man of the Match this season! Mahon, Zhiyi etc...

Boland was easily my top man last night, as always giving 100% and winning the midfield battles for the Bluebirds.

Well Done Willie!

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