By Chris O'Brien
March 12 2005

Despite all the off-field problems, Cardiff City put in a gritty, admirable performance to beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Ninian Park. With most of the struggling Championship clubs taking three points, this was a vital win for the Bluebirds with the threat of relegation on everybody's minds.

Pride and passion. Plenty on show as Cardiff City players show they still care despite the absence of their recent pay cheque. A 1-0 win over play-off hopefuls Sheffield United with a second-half strike from Joe Ledley, ironically replacing the sold Graham Kananagh, was a huge boost to supporters and kept the club ahead of the improving relegation pack.

Sam Hammam showed his face, tucked away in the dugout for the first-half before making a quick exit back to his home in London moments into the second-half. He had probably reached the Severn Bridge by the time Ledley turned in a cross from close range to separate the two sides and give City a vital trio of points. However, one thing Hammam would have witnessed is the abuse he took from the terraces throughout the 90 minutes.

"Oh Sam Hammam, is full of shit."
"We hate you liar, we do."
"We want Hammam out."

Just three of the choruses that rang from the Bob Bank and the Grangend. Oh, how things have changed! Supporters rebelled against the Lebanese businessman with passion, but also raised the Ninian Park roof with an impressive atmosphere to really get behind the players. The crowd of little over 12,000 was disappointing, but to be honest, we never have been 'bigger than Barcelona'. When was the last time the Catalan giants didn't pay their players?

The game was by no means a classic. Sheffield United were the slightly better side in the first period, but failed to create any decent chances. With the wind against their backs, the Blades pumped long balls towards the City defence which were dealt with easily by James Collins and stand-in captain Daniel Gabbidon. There was little in the way of urgency on show, and the deadlock didn't look like being broken throughout the opening 45 minutes.

It was a different story in the second period, as the Bluebirds came out to attack and look for the opening goal. With news filtering through that results in other games were not going our way, the fans urged Cardiff to attack and the hosts obliged as Lennie Lawrence's team began to dictate proceedings. 120 minutes against Arsenal during mid-week saw Sheffield United looking tired and fatigued, and Cardiff took advantage using the pace of Jobi McAnuff to cause real problems. The winger created the only goal of the game, crossing from the left and Ledley bundled home the loose ball in front of the Grangend. There was delight on the terraces - this was three crucial points for Cardiff City.

Wins for Gillingham, Forest and Coventry make the situation no better in the Championship, but after one of the worst weeks in the clubs history the supporters celebrated like the Bluebirds had won the F.A Cup. More players departures look imminent, administration could even be lurking, but for now it's a great performance and a memorable win for Cardiff City as the battle against relegation continues.