Cardiff City Rally To Grab Crucial Point

Cardiff City grabbed a point from the brink of defeat by scoring two late goals against Charlton Athletic last night. Whilst a point against the bottom club appears disappointing - it was a crucial comeback and should lift the spirits of our boys who looked nervous and lacked conviction and quality.


Dave Jones made a few changes as expected, most notably recalling Tom Heaton at the expense of Stuart Taylor. Neither side settled particularly well but Bothropyd was suprised twice and miscontrolled when well placed. Chopra also went close before Charlton grabbed the lead with a terrible goal to concede as Lloyd Sam's cross dropped to Shelvey who had minutes to hit home from close range.


After the break, we looked more likely to score but were lucky when Zheng Zhi's effort hit the post. The introduction of Chris Burke brought balance and an attacking edge to our play but midway through the second period, Jay Bothroyd did score only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul on the keeper. Bothroyd didn't touch him. With 10 to go, the Addicks won a corner and looked to have won the game as Nicky Bailey smashed home from well inside the area.


Just as it seemed all was lost, Chris Burke scored his first City goal with a great solo effort. He was afforded far to much time and space but continued his run and burst into the Charlton area before prodding home.


With just minutes to go, we found another unlikely hero as GABOR GYEPES showed all the poise and skill of a seasoned finisher to swivel and fire a low shot inside the post - a great finish!


The comeback and the point were both absolutely critical. A defeat would have been bitterly disappointing and added intense pressure onto our squad. Don't underestimate the importance of this result as it takes us within a point of a guaranteed play-off place and will have left the players feeling upbeat rather than disconsulate as they left the pitch.

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