Cardiff City Spoil Swans Party With Late Penalty

Cardiff City were awarded a late and dubious penalty allowing Ross McCormack to steal a point and keep the bluebirds well ahead of their rivals in the play-off zone.



Nathan Dyer had given Swansea City an early lead finishing from inside the area after a superb flick from Jason Scotland. Cardiff City had a number of chances to level but Parry saw two weak efforts saved and one trickle wide. Jordi gomez nearly doubled the lead but flashed his volley over the bar. Chopra was then in on the action, unblievably hitting the post after turning Garry monk. Ledley came close to finishing from close range but a defender just nipped in. As you can see, there were many chances.



One nil down at half time, but Cardiff city could count themselves unfortunate. The Swans however started the second half brightly so it was against the run of play that we equalised. bothroyd caught the Swans defence square, they called for offside but it certainly wasn't and michael chopra had the easiest of finishes for 1-1.



Cardiff City looked the more likely side to win it but struggled against the midfield trio of Pratley, Brittain and Gomez. in attack, Scotland was impressive and created problems for the Bluebirds, on one occasion Purse pulled off a sliding clearance off the line. Bothroyd was unlucky not to earn a penalty after some sweet interplay while the same player saw a low free-kick diverted wide. Joe Ledley had a superb chance to score after being put through but he wanted to hit it left-footed and his bodyshape gave away his intention to De Vries who saved well.



Swansea then slowed down, content to knock it around as the game appeared to head for a draw. Disaster then struck as Joe Allen was afforded far too much space and picked his spot to sent the travelling Swans into raptures. It was a sickening blow and the players looked devastated. However, a huge slice of luck handed City a point after a hopeful ball found the head of the towering Bothroyd, his knock-down fell to McCormack who collided with Ashley Williams. The Scot had the ball, but was not in full control and Williams was making a genuine effort to reach it, a flailing arm caught McCormack and the momentum of Williams bowled him over - it was a harch penalty but I think Mike Dean gave it on the strength of this and Bothroyd's earlier shout.



draw was probably a fair result, we had more chances and the better ones but Swansea City looked good in parts and have some useful players. All in all it was a frantic and exciting game, and a great advert for the passion and quality of Championship football.

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