Bothroyd Bouncer Bags Point For Bluebirds

Cardiff City gained a creditable point last night courtesy of a classy Jay Bothroyd strike and an eagle-eyed linesman who immediately flagged for a goal despite the protests of the Royals. Bothroyd's 25-yarder deserved a goal, but bounced off the underside of the bar and back into play. Replays suggest is may well have crossed the line but are largely inconclusive - yet the assistant referree was best placed and awaded a goal.

That cancelled out Noel Hunt's early strike and while Simon Chuch spurned a golden chance for Reading, the Bluebirds will rue missed chances and two marginal offside decisions that saw Chopra and Olofinjana goals disallowed. Chris Burke missed several opportunities to score, including a late curling effort after fooling veteran Ian Hart.

Nevertheless, City will be satisfied with a point, especially after 3rd place Swansea City lost at home to lowly Bristol City - we now have a 4 point gap over our rivals. The return of Bothroyd inspired City, and though the big man's contribution was limited initially, he gre in confidence and scored the all-important leveller. Another bonus for the Bluebirds was a bright cameo by Jason Koumas, and subs appearance for Danny Drinkwater who looked three times the player he was on Sunday against Swansea. Hopefully, he can continue his return and reach the high standards he set at the start of the seasaon.

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