CARDIFF CITY 2 SWANSEA CITY 1

Chopra celebrates most important derby goal (ever?)

Football derbies all over the world can generate passions unrivalled by any other sporting event. Where ever you go in the world, whether it be Boca Juniors v River Plate in Argentina, AC Milan v Inter Milan, Spartak Moscow v CSKA Moscow, Milwall v West Ham or Celtic V Rangers, grown men lose the plot and want their team to beat their local rivals more than any other team in the world. The local derby can take on more importance than the FA Cup, promotion or a game against a footballing giant like Chelsea or Arsenal.

The passion often goes beyond the pitch and spills into violence between fans. Some teams have fans that cause agro wherever they go, but throw the derby element into the mix and even the most mild-mannered supporter will be overcome by an irrational hatred of 'them from down the road'. Add into the mix two sets of fans with a reputation for violence and you have an explosive combination.

There are several rivalries within British football that are a nightmare for the local constabulary, but Cardiff v Swansea is an event that over the years has built a reputation for being one of the most violent clashes in the UK. Last year's games, the first for over ten years, saw police operations on a scale second only to the G8, with plod from five police forces involved in escorting a convoy of coaches along the M4 from one ground to another and no independent travel allowed.

Today we have a few extra ingredients to make the encounter even spicier than usual. This was to be our first meeting at the shiny new Cardiff city stadium - and both teams are in ‘play off’ positions, with the prize of premiership football potentially only six games away. The Welsh media have been building it up as the most important derby the two clubs have every played – EVER.

So how do the hardcore prepare for a game of such importance? No idea. Our little posse prepared by hitting the pub. Following on from last year's 11am Sunday morning kick off, this year -much to the displeasure of the police - we had a 5:20pm kick off on a Saturday afternoon (just goes to show, SKY have more clout then the old bill!). So instead of queuing outside the pub at 7am on a Sunday, we strolled into town for noon then slowly worked our way to the ground stopping off at most of the pubs on the way. When we finally got into the ground the atmosphere was bumping with the 25,000 crowd all on their feet and singing their hearts out.

A packed Ninian Park was a daunting place for away teams (and fans) to visit and no-one has been surprised that the atmosphere in the new stadium does not come close to replicating the old amphitheatre, but today we came close and as the two teams walked out of the tunnel the whole place had the vibe of gladiators about to do battle to the death - with potential new investor, Dato' Chan Tien Ghee, watching over like an Emperor with the power of life or death.

Then there was some football.

Swansea have the best defensive record in the division and Cardiff have one of the best scoring records in the division; so it was a case of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object. In fairness, the Jacks had most of the possession, passing the ball about amongst themselves thus denying us goal scoring opportunities (if you aint got the ball you can’t put it in the net!). Then on the half hour they moved forward and put it in our net.

The jacks went wild but after a moment of stunned silence the Cardiff faithful were back on full song and got 110% behind the Bluebirds. Just before half time Chopra rewarded the crowd’s loyalty and banged in an equaliser, silencing the travelling Jacks.

The second half was more of the same, Swanesa passing the ball about but not really threatening to do anything with it. A draw was starting to feel like a reasonable result in this top of the table clash then after 92 minutes Chops banged in a cracking goal and the stadium exploded. Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat - with no time for a response - was sweeter than a sweet thing on Saint Sweets Day.

Fortunatley a Youtube roving reporter managed to capture the winning goal where we were stood (look carefully and you will catch our gang celebrating!)

After having hope dangled in front of them for much of the match, the last gasp winner must have been heartbreaking for the jacks (bless em). As the final whistle blew it was obvious the ground was not going to empty for a good while to come. People just stood their ground, cheering, singing and savouring the moment. Despite the intense rivalry and emotions, the massive police presence and the design of the new stadium meant there were only 8 arrests, mostly connected with the Jacks smashing up and setting fire to the bogs.

Eventually we had to move on and finish the day the way it started, in the pub. But this time, instead of being filled with hope, trepidation, excitement and a little bit of apprehension, it was just pure joy.

We had beaten the Jacks in the most important derby EVER ----- but will there be a more important game before the season is over?

Urban75 view of things

BBC Report

CHELSEA 4 CARDIFF CITY 1 (FA Cup round 4)

We managed to knock Leeds out of the FA cup when they were top of the Premiership and we got to the FA cup final in 2008 (after beating Barnsley in the semi-final, who had knocked out Chelsea en route). The chances of repeating this sort of success are pretty slim, but they are always in the back of the mind when travelling away to a big club. So, full of vim and vigour, we set off for the big smoke with our hearts full of hope. Although, with a team littered with injuries and a reputation for inconsistency, it was mainly hope that we did not get an embarrassing thrashing.

The 12 noon kick off meant an outrageously early start for a trip to London. On the bus stop by 06:30 and ever so slightly tipsy by ten of the clock, at which time we were in Heston Services just out side London.

After a short ride through London's west end, the busses were all parked up in the car park for Earls Court


Then it was just a short walk around the corner for the first refreshments, an off licence next to the car park. Just as well, cos it turns out most of the pubs in the area were closed.


We then had to walk through Brompton Cemetery. It is an impressive Victorian park full of lovingly crafted mausoleums, it would be interesting to visit it properly some time, but I am not sure it is appropriate to use it as a route for football fans heading to and from the football ground.

Then it was into the legendary Stamford Bridge. This was my first visit to the ground since the days when Chelsea were in the old second division, back in 1983. Things have changed a bit since then, both on and off the pitch.

Chelsea is one of the most expensive grounds to visit in the country, which has led to it becoming very much a ‘prawn sandwich’ venue, many of the old ‘working class’ fans that would sing their heart out being replaced by a more sedate crowd. Today the place was very much livened up by 5,800 boisterous and vocal Cardiff city fans. The usual we love Cardiff type songs would today be supplemented by cheeky songs about John Terry’s philandering and ultimately, “Four One - and you still won’t sing”.



We lost, but it was no walk over. Despite them scoring within two minutes (shocking refereeing to allow a goal so obviously off side) we kept them on their toes for much of the first half and eventually Chopra banged in an equaliser. At half time we were full of hope but it was no real shock when Chelskei went up a gear to eventually knock us out of the cup. The score line was slightly flattering to them though and Cardiff can be proud of their performance. BBC REPORT HERE


Then it was out of the ground for the walk back to the bus. Despite the biggest police presence at Stamford Bridge for 15 years (allegedly) the crowds pretty much mingled and there was quite a lot of ‘robust interaction’, many of Chelsea’s old Head Hunters coming out of retirement to say hello to their old friends the Soul Crew. Having seen it all before many times it was not too difficult to get back to the bus unscathed ready for the journey home.

One day a real rain is gonna come and wash all the scum off the streets.

For some pictures taken nearer the pitch with a better camera and by a more sober photographer, go to Urban 75

CARDIFF CITY 2 DONCASTER ROVERS 1

There is one thing that can be said about following Cardiff city, life is never boring. In the last week we have come from behind to beat Leicester 4-2, knocking them out of the FA cup; we have been drawn away against Chelsea in the next round of the cup; Severnside locals Bristol City were given a six nil hiding, our first victory at Ashton gate for 40 years; and Chairman Peter Ridsdale has apologised publicly for misleading the fans, he had promised new players this January if people bought season tickets early, but the money is going to the tax man instead.

All of this made for a tense atmosphere as we took on Doncaster Rovers today. There had been much internet chatter about protests during the game, but fortunately common sense prevailed and everyone got behind the team.

For 45 minutes we dominated the game, attacking the goal from the word go and keeping their goalie busy; but come the half time whistle only Michael Chopra’s 8th minute goal separated us.

The second half was a different story, with Doncaster running rings around us, soon equalising and pressing for more. But perseverance, a trait City have not been renowned for prior to this season, paid off as city dug deep and finished the game with a flurry that resulted in a last minute winner from jay Boothroyd.

The victory relieved the tension, but some still felt the need to protest and call for Ridsdale’s head; we just head home happy.

NINIAN HOMES

CARDIF CITY'S FORMER 'HOME' GROUND, IS NOW A 'HOME' GROUND

Cardiff City : 1970s - 2008 : a fans perspective

first shown on the BBC in the run up to the FA cup.... one of the best little doccumentaries on football i have ever seen ..... spot on in every way

The Road to Wembley.... in lego!

PART ONE



PART TWO


created by weevil888

LIKE A DAY AT THE SEASIDE: Cardiff 3 Blackpool 1

"There's only one Ninian park!"

Today we opted for something we have not done for a VERY long time. There was a time when football specials used to take us all the way to Ninian Park halt without needing to change. These days, if you want to go to Ninian Park you have to change at Cardiff Central… no big deal but for some reason it is something we have never bothered to do…. until today. Living next to a railway station it’s almost door-to-door for me, so maybe we will try it again.

"Easy, easy, easy!"

Anyway…. Today’s opposition were Blackpool. No matter who the opposition were it was always going to be a good atmosphere with it being the first home game since the victory in the FA cup Semi final. As it turned out City were on top form and we were unlucky to go into half time with only one goal in the net.

Anarcho Prawn

You can tell it is coming close to the end of an era, even on the Grange end people are starting to sample the joys of prawn sandwiches.

Watching the game on a TV plonked on top of the Grange End bogs

The atmosphere underneath the Grange was relaxed as everyone was trying to get their heads around the fact that we are in the final of the FA Cup. Yes, it was fun… and only slightly annoying that we ended up watching Sinclair’s second goal on the TV in the bar.

The rustic charm of the Grange end. I will miss it when it's gone

Then it was back up to watch the game in the flesh, again we missed the third goal, this time because it was obscured by a haircut!

The station next to the ground. Why on earth do we not use it more?

The consolation goal by Blackpool did not dent the atmosphere and soon it was back to the platform to get the train straight home.

The new ground shaping up nicely in the distance

QUE SERA, SERA, WE'RE GOING TO WEMBELEY... AGAIN!

A slightly longer and more in depth football blog than unusual … but hey, these are unusual times, you never know when we might be in this position again.

02:00 Sparky was around. We were unable to sleep due to being like kids on Christmas eve, we decided to stay awake all night.

02:30 fell asleep knackered

Wayne with his traditional welsh kilt

06:30 up and ready for the charabang to Wembley

Sparky... can't stay awake, wont stay awake

08:00 on bus. Due to recent problems with bus company, bus was strictly ‘dry’. I think this is probably the first time EVER I have been on a dry bus to football. Started out listening to the special ‘road to Wembley’ singalong cd I prepared earlier. No one sung along. Sparky went straight back to sleep.

Sparky finally comes to life... ish

11:00 Arrived at a pub in the middle of no-where on an industrial estate near Heathrow. It had been pre-arranged, so they were expecting us, but you wouldn’t have guessed it. Within an hour they had run out of Strongbow. Several people ordered food. The ginger whinger ordered lamb shank. Lamb shank arrived but did not have enough veg on the plate to keep the whinger happy. He whinged. When he cut into the lamb it was uncooked. He whinged and took it back. Chef had to cut short his shift cleaning out the blockage in the toilet to stick the lamb in the microwave. Some of us retired to the beer garden for fresh air.

Ginger Whinger wishes he had gone for the curry, Ashes gets ready to stab him if he touches it.

The legendary lamb shank finally arrives

Fresh air in the beer garden

Wet heads ready to get on a dry bus

13:15; Back on the bus for final leg of trip. Bus still dry but spirits slightly wetter after the pub stop. We have ‘Top gear greatest driving anthems’ to keep us ‘entertained’.

No room at the Inn

14:30(ish) arrived near Wembley. Pubs all full so we took advantage of the off licence and had a drink outside Mahatma Ghandi’s house.

Spot the regular city fan

Mmmmmm....

Something special must be happening... is that a smile?

Cardiff in the area

15:30 (ish) headed into the stadium. Had a quick look at the prices behind the bar (Pie and a pint £7) and agreed that standing in the street drinking cans had definitely been the best option.

15:50: met up with the Cardiff branch of the gang (the ones that had queued for hours to get our tickets and without whom this trip would not have been happening, bless ‘em) and found seats

16:00… this is it, Cardiff city really are playing at Wembley!

"Sit down and behave yourself!" Would you want to sit behind this bunch?

16:04 middle aged, middle class couple ask really nicely if they could swap seats with a few of us.. if we were going to stand up they could not see.

16:06 less polite couple ask some of the gang to sit down less politely. Handbags are swung.

"All we are singinging.. is give us a goal"

16:09: Joe Ledley scores (the other end from us.. so no pic)…. Everyone stands up! We then begin 80 minutes of nail biting; have seen us blow it in the last minute too many times to be happy until the last whistle.

Barnsley, whats the score?

Sparky still not sure if he is awake ... or just dreaming

"Lets all have a disco!"

17:50: Tears of joy roll as it sinks in that Cardiff city really are in the final of the FA cup for the first time since 1927. The Cardiff end of the stadium roars like a roaring thing on St Roaring day. We hang around for ages soaking it up.

Lap dancer brings around the champers

18:30: back to bus, which has parked in the perfect place for a sharp exit to avoid all the traffic.

20:30 the final four arrive on the bus so we can now make our exit not worrying about traffic cos everyone has gone. On trip home the dry restrictions were lifted slightly, cider and even champagne flowed. The ‘Top Gear’ cd is ditched and the singalong cd is given a reprieve. Oddly, everyone sings along. ‘Oi Clint, this cd sounds ten times better when you are pissed’ remarks one critic.

Words fail me for this one... i think the picture says it all

We arrive home and try to get our heads around whether or not we are dreaming…. An already thinking of the scramble to get tickets to do it again on the 17^th may, cos ....
CARDIFF CITY ARE IN THE FA CUP FINAL!

FA CUP FINAL REHEARSAL? Cardiff 0 West Brom 0

With both Cardiff and tonight’s opposition, West Brom, both involved in FA cup semi finals later this week, it was always going to be a strange game. Would both teams be taking it easy to avoid injury for the big games? Would they be going flat out to ensure a place in the side at Wembley? Would they be going for the psychological advantage of a win, should it come to a rematch in the final? Would all thoughts of Wembley be put out of mind and thoughts be on the little matter of promotion to the premiership?

Prior to kick off a large, but not massive, special Wembley flag was unveiled and given a trial run across the bottom of the half filled bob bank. Mmmmm. If that comes over my head at Wembley I will not be pleased.

Then on to the game. Both managers were resting top names, City actually played the second half without a striker on the pitch, but that did not deter from the excitement. Those that were on the pitch seemed to be making an extra special effort to impress the respective managers. Trevor Sinclair, fresh back from injury, was on top form, if he does not start on Sunday, there will be something wrong.

In the end, a nil nil draw. In the past I have stated (only half joking) that I would rather us lose than draw nil nil, cos it is just boring, but I have to say this was one of the most exciting end to end games I have seen for ages, shame there were no strikers around to put the icing on the cake.

Oh… and this has little to do with this game, but I love this Trevor Sinclair goal from 1997 when he was playing for QPR... as it happens against our opponents at Wembley this weekend, Barnsley… enjoy

CARDIFF CITY ON THE WAY TO WEMBLEY!!!!!!!

YEEEESSSS!!!!

For the first time since 1927 (when they one the final)
Cardif city are on the way to Wembley
for the semi final of the FA cup. It was never in doubt after going ahead in the first 9 minutes. They dominated the game thoughout and dumped Premiership outfit Midelsborough with ease, final score 2 nill to City.

THINKING THE UNTHINKABLE: Cardiff City 2: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

That third goal was elusive, but in the end un-necessary ;)

With the run at the promotion play off places erratic to say the least, a good cup run would be a welcome boost to the morale, not to mention the coffers of Cardiff City.

And that is what City are doing, a win against Wolves would have meant a place in the quarter finals of the FA cup for the first time since 1927 (the year we won)…. And a win we had, but not just a win, a very convincing win, with two goals in the first 8 minutes they never looked even close to coming back.

Brummie Mark says hello to his brother who has come down for the game

The atmosphere on the grange end was amazing, fans were celebrating the footballing history being made in front of our eyes, but it was made even sweeter by the fact that it was a victory over Wolves, a team with which there is no love lost between fans.City fans march off into the sunset

Victory in the next round means a trip to Wembley!

Wolves fans climb the fence to wish us asafe jouney home

And we wish them a safe journey home!

And everybody goes home safely