By Chris O'Brien
September 29 2004

The Bluebirds slipped back to 23rd in the Football League Championship with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Lancashire outfit Burnley. Richard Chaplow's late, late strike was enough to separate the two sides following a dull encounter at Turf Moor.

Victories at Milton Keynes and Wolverhampton had reinstated a feeling of faith at Ninian Park and once again a sense of optimism returned amongst Bluebirds supporters. However, Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Steve Cotterill's Burnley has seen storm crowds mount once again as City return to one from bottom in the Football League Championship with a mediocre display at Turf Moor.

The highly-rated Richard Chaplow netted the only goal of the game only minutes from time as Cardiff's defensive frailties were once again evident. Great work from Robbie Blake, who I personally see as the most gifted player in the division, saw Chaplow break through the Bluebirds backline to net the only goal of a dull encounter, leaving the 250 travelling Blue Army in dampened spirits.

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The following report is courtesy of Burnley's excellent SportNetwork site - The Longsider.

It was a poor game of football at Turf Moor with neither side creating much. Robbie Blake had a good chance in the 1st half whilst Cardiff should have scored when Frank Sinclair allowed a Cardiff striker a shot on goal but Danny Coyne produced a good save.

The winning goal came in the 88th minute when Robbie Blake skipped past his marker and released Chaplow on the right side of the box to drill into the far corner. Blake should have double the lead a minute later but he shot over the bar.

The victory means the Clarets have remained unbeaten in September and Steve Cotterill was delighted with the 3 points.