Cardiff Beat Ipswich To Lift Gloom

Cardiff City ground out a crucial and hard-fought win against the visitors of Ipswich Town. Recalled to the side were Chris Gunter and Glenn Loovens as City chased only a second home win of the season.


Returning to Ninian Park were former Bluebirds Neil Alexander and Alan Lee, and the match could have been so different if returning Lee had scored in the first minute after pouncing on hesitation from Darren Purse. The striker lifted the ball over Schmeichael but the ball clipped the bar - a huge let off for Cardiff City.



Glenn Loovens was booked for diving (yes-diving) and a half-decent handball shout was also turned down in a scrappy opening. There was much at stake for both sides, and the play was edgy and poor quality.


Paul Parry was a threat on the right, superbly backed up by teenager Chris Gunter who showed energy and determination to attack - showing he team-mates what they have been missing. The youngster found space to cut in but saw his left foot shot pass the post.


Cardiff broke the deadlock just after the half hour when Gavin Rae fed Parry on the right, the Welsh Winger strode forwards before cutting inside and unleashing a superb shot into the corner - a rare moment of class in the game.


We deserved to lead at the break, and Ipswich had failed to create much - Counago particularly quiet in attack. Ipswich pushed forwards more after the break and while both sides counter attacked to reasonable effect, clear chances were rare.


Whittingham sent a dangerous free-kick into the ITFC box, but no-one was there to finish, although had Fowler been on the pitch, he surely would have.



Ipswich looked to have gained a last minute reprieve when Tommy Miller's shot beat Schmeichel, I thought it was Gunter who cleared superbly off the line although press reports suggest it was Parry - either way it was a crucial clearance.




The result was the most important thing, a clean sheet extremely welcome and some confidence can now return. We need to build up some momentum, and have that chance today against Leicester City. It could be Dave Jones' last game in charge, however, the win over Ipswich will most likely have bought him until Christmas.





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