By Chris O'Brien
October 27 2004

Cardiff City have booked a place in the fourth round of the League Cup following a penalty shoot-out victory over AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court. A thrilling game saw the two sides gridlocked at 3-3 following extra-time, with Lee, Bullock and Jerome netting for the travelling Bluebirds.

In a topsy turvey game at Dean Court, Cardiff City booked a place in the fourth round of the League Cup for the first time in 17 years following a penalty shoot-out victory over a spirited AFC Bournemouth side.

90 minutes of normal time couldn't separate the two teams, and with the League One and Football League Championship outfits gridlocked at 3-3 after extra time it took penalties to decide which side went through to the last 16. The Bluebirds, reduced to 10-men in the closing minutes, fought back from one goal down to take the lead and were in control at 2-1. However, the visitors were guilty of wasting chances and the Dorset side netted late equalisers in normal time and extra time.

Cup fever hit the seaside town of Bournemouth, with kick-off delayed by 15 minutes to pack the home fans into Dean Court. An estimated 600 supporters made the journey from South Wales - a third successive away trip in this seasons League Cup following a close victory on penalties at Kidderminster and then the second round demolition of Milton Keynes Dons.

Sadly, crowd trouble ensued around the ground prior to kick-off. Reports are, as always, mixed as to how it started and who were to blame but thankfully there was little hooliganism inside the ground as the two sets of fans witnessed a memorable cup tie which didn't finish until nearly 11pm!

The visit to the south always looked a tough trip for The City. Only 7 Football League appearances separate the two clubs, and Bournemouth have won 4 successive third flight games as they continue their search for promotion. Sean O'Driscoll's side also have the scalp of Premiership strugglers Blackburn Rovers, after winning at Ewood Park in round two after more penalty drama.

Lennie Lawrence shuffled his pack slightly for the trip to Bournemouth. Neil Alexander was given another chance to impress between the sticks making his first appearance since the second round, defending a back four of Weston, Vidmar, Collins and Barker. Teenagers Nicky Fish and Joe Ledley were in midfield alongside skipper Kavanagh and Bullock whilst Thorne and Lee continued their strike partnership. Danny Gabbidon was rested, whilst loan players Darren Williams and Gary O'Neil were not allowed to take part.

Roared on by a passionate home support, Bournemouth started by far the stronger. The Cherries were excellent down the flanks as the City defence looked very shaky. They deservedly took the lead early on after 7 minutes of constant pressure. A long ball caught out the Bluebirds backline and Wade Elliot squaring the ball for James Hayter who drilled past Alexander from about 15 yards out.

The hosts remained the better team, but Cardiff were unlucky to be denied a chance to equalise after a penalty shout was turned down. Peter Thorne had been sent clear on goal by Bullock, but was brought down by Bournemouth 'keeper Moss - the referee waved play on. However, that was all forgotten on 25 minutes as Irish forward Lee netted an equaliser. The impressive Ledley found Thorne with a cross, who headed the ball towards Lee who headed the ball past Moss to restore parity. Bournemouth ended the half stronger with Steve Fletcher finding the net with a header only for his goal to be disallowed, so the sides went in at the break on level terms.

Lawrence changed things around at the break, replacing the poor Fish for Paul Parry. This left with City having Barker, Ledley and the former Hereford winger on the left hand side where Cardiff now dominated. After a mediocre first period, the Bluebirds were the better side in the latter 45 minutes and showed some of the form that will hopefully help propel us away from relegation danger in the Football League Championship.

Only two minutes into his appearance, Parry made a dangerous run that resulted in City taking the lead for the first time. A mazy run was followed by a cross to Ledley who saw his shot blocked and the ball went behind for a corner. Lee Bullock sent a glancing header towards goal from the set piece to give the Bluebirds the advantage.

Cardiff started to dominate proceedings and should have finished chances which would have secured a place in round four without the bother of extra-time and the lottery of penalties.

More to follow...

Full Time - AFC Bournemouth 3-3 Cardiff City (After Extra Time)
Cardiff City win 5-4 on penalties
Attendance - 8,598

 

Bournemouth: Neil Moss, Young (Holmes 79), Maher (Browning 85), Howe, Broadhurst, O'Connor (Connell 79), Stock, Spicer, Elliott, Fletcher, Hayter.
Substitutes Not Used: Stewart, Coutts.

Cardiff: Alexander, Weston (Anthony 74), Vidmar, Collins, Barker, Fish (Parry 45), Kavanagh, Bullock, Ledley, Thorne (Jerome 84), Lee.
Substitutes Not Used: Warner, Gabbidon.