By Chris O'Brien
August 27 2004

Let's make no bones about it - Cardiff City are extremely lucky to be in the second round of the League Cup following a penalty shoot-out victory over Kidderminster Harriers. The home side should have won the game in normal time, but hit the woodwork twice as the two teams drew 1-1 at Aggborough.

'Lucky' was the word on the mouth of most Cardiff City fans as they left Aggborough, having watched their side pull off a penalty shoot-out victory over Kidderminster Harriers after the two sides had drawn 1-1 with 90 minutes and extra-time unable to find a winner.

Robert Earnshaw had given the visitors the lead on 28 minutes, but the scores were levelled before half-time with Simon Barton headed home from a set-piece with the Cardiff defence making Swansea's backline look world class.

Cardiff had been reduced to 10-men for the final 9 minutes of extra-time for a second bookable offence, and the Australian will now be suspended for the visit of Stoke City to South Wales this Saturday.

City began brightly and attacked with pace, with a fast front line of Earnshaw and Andy Campbell. There were few chances of note before the deadlock was broken, with Jobi McAnuff finding Earnshaw, who completed a one-two with Paul Parry before the Zambian-born forward rifled a shot with his left-foot from 15 yards.

However, the slick attacking move that gave the Bluebirds the lead was followed by evidence of the team's defensive frailties only three minutes later. Steve Burton's free-kick found the head of Simon Brown, the smallest player on the field, who headed past Tony Warner in style. It was shocking that the player had been left unmarked, with Collins and Weston both bystanders as Brown headed past a helpless Warner.

More to follow...

Full Time - Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Cardiff City (After Extra Time)
Attendance - 1,897