By Sam's Cat
August 5 2004

City have conceded 12 goals in six friendlies in a series of games which doesn’t leave much “time for action” with the league starting on Saturday at Gresty Road.

Manager Lennie Lawrence watched his Bluebirds lose their sixth and final pre-season friendly, against Lazio at Ninian Park on Monday evening in front of over 12,000 fans. His team lost 3-2 to the Serie A outfit, meaning they have leaked 12 goals in their summer run-outs.

 

"I'm concerned about our defending. I've got to try and find an answer. You can see why I'm trying to bring in a holding midfielder," the experienced boss said after the game.

 

It looks like the team based around the defensive qualities of Welsh internationals Page and Gabbidon has some improving to do, and the Bluebirds therefore travel to Crewe on Saturday for their “Coca Cola Championship” curtain-raiser without a  win under their belts, however results in friendly games count for nothing once the league gets under way.

 

Ahead of Saturday’s game the Bluebirds  are waiting fitness tests results on Danny Gabbidon, Peter Thorne and Willie Boland. Apparently  talks continue on the £400,000 bid for West Brom's midfield Sean Gregan.