tag:,2008:/102 2008-05-17T16:56:13Z Reaction from the expert... and the fans Movable Type 3.31 tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47061 2008-05-17T16:42:31Z 2008-05-17T16:56:13Z

CARDIFF City have lost the FA Cup final....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF City have lost the FA Cup final. They went down fighting, but were beaten by a soft goal scored by Kanu during the first half. It was the end of a remarkable Cup run, but luck was against the Bluebirds at Wembley. The match was close, but Portsmouth just about edged it.over the 90 minutes. Once they were in front Portsmouth were tough to break down, playing the ball around with an easy rhythm. Trevor Sinclair replaced Gavin Rae and Milan Baros went on for Kanu - slowly, it hss to be said - as Portsmouth ran down time. Kanu was named man of the match. Why though? For me, he didn't have a great game. In a last minute assault Ramsey's shot was blocked. Bluebirds fans were magnificent - and cheered their team all the way to the end. Where you at the final? Did you have a good day despite the result? See a full report and verdict in Monday's South Wales Echo. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47060 2008-05-17T16:34:02Z 2008-05-17T16:41:26Z

PAPA Bouba Diop was introduced by Pompey after 78 minutes....

Terry Phillips PAPA Bouba Diop was introduced by Pompey after 78 minutes. City were beginning to press - and Ramsey was a key figure. He crunched in with some key challenges as Portsmouth wobbled just a little. Loovens saw his header spin over the bar from a corner. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47059 2008-05-17T16:24:31Z 2008-05-17T16:32:44Z

CARDIFF City made a second change on 69 minutes when Steve Thompson went on for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF City made a second change on 69 minutes when Steve Thompson went on for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The Dutchman had failed to ignite a big City display. They had to find something better on the day. Will that be Hasselbaink's final display in a City shirt. I think it was. Portsmouth made their first change when David Nugent took over from John Utaka. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47058 2008-05-17T16:17:04Z 2008-05-17T16:23:59Z

AARON Ramsey was called to the bench after an hour - and he was sent into the action....

Terry Phillips AARON Ramsey was called to the bench after an hour - and he was sent into the action. City had to score and they were struggling to create chances. Rambo, 17, took over from Peter Whittingham, who had started brightly and faded. It was a crucial move for the Bluebirds, sending on the player Portsmouth had said they feared above all overs from City. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47057 2008-05-17T16:09:25Z 2008-05-17T16:16:16Z

CARDIFF City went in 1-0 down at half-time after an error by goalkeeper Peter Enckelman....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF City went in 1-0 down at half-time after an error by goalkeeper Peter Enckelman. Both Enckelman and Portsmouth's David James made mistakes - the difference was that Kanu punished the Bluebirds after 37 minutes. Nigerian Kanu had missed a golden chance after dancing around Roger Johnson and then Enckelman. Then, with the goal at his mercy, Kanu fired against a post from a few yards. Kanu scored when Enckelman failed to hold a John Utaka cross and the ball popped up for an easy finish. At the other end James failed to collect a corner and when the ball ran loose Glenn Loovens lobbed home superbly. Unfortunately the ball had popped up and struck an arm before Loovens' immaculate finish. At half-time City were a goal down and regretting missed chances. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47055 2008-05-17T14:24:41Z 2008-05-17T14:29:32Z

A POEM for Wembley: 'I had a dream'...

Terry Phillips A POEM for Wembley: 'I had a dream' 'City win the semi-final and head back Wembley way. We're going to play Portsmouth you know on FA Cup final day. Hasselbaink gets the winner and jumps the hoarding boards. 25,000 fans erupt and salute with a roar. McPhail lifts the trophy, the FA Cup awaits. Pompey fans gone home crying, while City fans stay to celebrate. London is a sea of blue and white without a Pompey fan in sight. All roads back home are happy. The valleys await. For now the sleeping giant is suddenly awake.' A tribute to City from a loyal Bluebirds fan - lets hope it comes true. My view? A 3-1 win for City - and Roger Johnson to score the first goal of the match. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47054 2008-05-17T14:19:04Z 2008-05-17T14:23:28Z

THERE were 25,000 City fans at Wembley today - and they had a ball....

Terry Phillips THERE were 25,000 City fans at Wembley today - and they had a ball. The mixed easily with Portsmouth fans, while the atmosphere within the standard was fantastic. A friend of mine, Ambassador season ticket holder Lee Beames, sent me a text saying: "I have waited a lifetime for this moment. I have followed this club with passion and pride from Rhyl to Southend, Plymouth to Falkirk, Derry to Standard Liege. Now I have arrived, but the journey will start all over again tomorrow." Cardiff-born Beames was with his dad, Mac, 74, brother Nicky plus daughters Leanne and Charlotte. It was a day for families to celebrate Cardiff City's success on FA Cup final day. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47053 2008-05-17T14:14:12Z 2008-05-17T14:18:27Z

PORTSMOUTH opted for a 4-5-1 formation for today's FA Cup final against Cardiff City....

Terry Phillips PORTSMOUTH opted for a 4-5-1 formation for today's FA Cup final against Cardiff City. Kanu was handed a lone role in attack, although manager Harry Redknapp left himself with plenty of option for change. Both Milan Baros and David Nugent were among the substitutes. Goalkeeper David James and skipper Sol Campbell were, as expected, fit and in Pompey's starting line-up. Portsmouth have had far better success playing 4-5-1 then with 4-4-2. They lost their last four Premiership matches - and only managed one goal in the last five games. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.47052 2008-05-17T14:06:41Z 2008-05-17T14:12:41Z

ROBBIE Fowler was left out of Cardiff City's 16 for today's FA Cup final against Portsmouth....

Terry Phillips ROBBIE Fowler was left out of Cardiff City's 16 for today's FA Cup final against Portsmouth. Both Fowler and Riccy Scimeca missed out when manager Dave Jones named his team for the final at Wembley. Michael Oakes, Darren Purse, Aaron Ramsey, Steve Thompson and Trevor Sinclair were on the bench with Darcy Blake, Fowler and Scimeca left out. Jones, it seems wasplaying mind games with Portsmouth this week. Fowler even appeared at the City press conference in the build-up to the game. Was there ever a chance he would play? It always seemed a long shot. Cardiff City: Enckelman, McNaughton, Loovens, Johnson, Capaldi, Whittingham, Rae, McPhail (capt), Ledley, Parry, Hasselbaink. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.45883 2008-05-04T17:19:58Z 2008-05-04T17:23:15Z

CARDIFF City stormed to a 3-0 win against Barnsley at Ninian Park - and finish in the top half of the Championship....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF City stormed to a 3-0 win against Barnsley at Ninian Park - and finish in the top half of the Championship. They have finished 12th among 24 clubs. Paul Parry proved his match fitness for the FA Cup final and scored, while Kevin McNaughton and Joe Ledley were also on target. Now the Bluebirds turn to Wembley, but it looks like Robbie Fowler may miss out. He was not in the 16 against Barnsley, although manager Dave Jones will not rule him out yet. Tony Capaldi was the only player to have an injury problem, feeling a 'twinge' behind a knee. "We took him off immediately and there is no problem," said Jones. "I took Glenn Loovens off because he was booked and we did not want to risk a second." tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.45880 2008-05-04T14:06:14Z 2008-05-04T14:10:04Z

DAVE Jones today named the 16 who will be on FA Cup final duty at Wembley....

Terry Phillips DAVE Jones today named the 16 who will be on FA Cup final duty at Wembley. That, surely now, means no Robbie Fowler against Portsmouth. He has tried, worked incredibly hard, but he is going to come up slightly short. The starting line-up against Barnsley will also surely be the same as against Portsmouth, although manager Jones will surely consider whether teenager Aaron RAmsey should start. Cardiff City: P Enckelman, K McNaughton, G Loovens, R Johnson, T Capaldi, P Whittingham, G Rae, S McPhail (capt), J Ledley, P Parry, J Floyd Hasselbaink. Subs: M Oakes (gk), D Purse, T Sinclair, S Thompson, A Ramsey. Barnsley: L Steele, B Hassell, L Nyatanga, R Kozluk, D Souza, J Butterfield, J Campbe--Ryce, D Leon, M Van Homoet, I Ferenczi, J Macken (capt). Subs: S Togwell, K Christensen, J Adam, K Letheren (gk, D Mattis. Referee: Clive Penton (West Midlands). tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.45427 2008-04-29T09:23:04Z 2008-04-29T09:28:17Z

WHO should Dave Jones select for this Sunday's final Coca-Cola Championship match?...

Terry Phillips WHO should Dave Jones select for this Sunday's final Coca-Cola Championship match? Barnsley are the visitors and the match means nothing to either team in terms of promotion or relegation. The FA Cup final against Portsmouth at Wembley is less than three weeks away. With skipper Darren Purse facing a three-match suspension, should Jones play Roger Johnson and Glenn Loovens? Dare he risk either getting injured. And yet there are few options in defence or attack. Can Jones risk Steve Thompson or Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink? Paul Parry will surely play as he begins his return to match fitness - and he will be available for the FA Cup final. What would your team be to face Barnsley on Sunday? tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.45252 2008-04-26T18:09:24Z 2008-04-26T18:16:27Z

CARDIFF City will appeal against the red card shown to Darren Purse during the 3-3 draw at Burnley....

Terry Phillips CARDIFF City will appeal against the red card shown to Darren Purse during the 3-3 draw at Burnley. Purse was dismissed for a challenge on Andy Cole, who was clearly having words with referee Andy Hall (West Midlands) as he deliberated. Skipper Purse was shown red - the only card shown during the match - and that means a three-match suspension which will take in the FA Cup final and the first game of next season. Manager Dave Jones described Cole's reaction as a 'disgrace' and said: "He should take a look at himself." Jones confirmed that an appeal will be lodged with the Football Association of Wales. What can Jones do for the final Coca-Cola Championship match of the season, at home to Barnsley next Sunday? Should he risk Glenn Loovens and Roger Johnson now that Purse could be suspended. It's a tough call for the City boss. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.45250 2008-04-26T18:03:26Z 2008-04-26T18:08:52Z

SKIPPER Darren Purse was sent off at the end of Cardiff City's 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor....

Terry Phillips SKIPPER Darren Purse was sent off at the end of Cardiff City's 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor. The Bluebirds fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 and had a penalty appeal turned down in the dying minutes. Joe Ledley, from a penalty, Aaron Ramsey and Steve Thompson scored goals for the Bluebirds, while Trevor Sinclair was brought down by home goalkeeper Brian Jensen. It looked a certain penalty with Sinclair running clear, but the referee, Andy Hall, said no. Purse was dismissed in injury time after a clumsy challenge on Burnley's Andy Cole. There was drama as Cole ran round the pitch and into the tunnel just as Purse walked towards the changing rooms. Police, stewards and players from both sides charged down the tunnel as well, apparently believing trouble could be brewing, but there was no confrontation. "Stewards went with Darren to the changing room and nothing happened," said City manager Dave Jones. See my full report in Monday's South Wales Echo. tag:echosport.welshblogs.co.uk,2008://102.45251 2008-04-26T18:03:26Z 2008-04-26T18:08:56Z

SKIPPER Darren Purse was sent off at the end of Cardiff City's 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor....

Terry Phillips SKIPPER Darren Purse was sent off at the end of Cardiff City's 3-3 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor. The Bluebirds fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 and had a penalty appeal turned down in the dying minutes. Joe Ledley, from a penalty, Aaron Ramsey and Steve Thompson scored goals for the Bluebirds, while Trevor Sinclair was brought down by home goalkeeper Brian Jensen. It looked a certain penalty with Sinclair running clear, but the referee, Andy Hall, said no. Purse was dismissed in injury time after a clumsy challenge on Burnley's Andy Cole. There was drama as Cole ran round the pitch and into the tunnel just as Purse walked towards the changing rooms. Police, stewards and players from both sides charged down the tunnel as well, apparently believing trouble could be brewing, but there was no confrontation. "Stewards went with Darren to the changing room and nothing happened," said City manager Dave Jones. See my full report in Monday's South Wales Echo.