Cardiff Survive Scare To Beat Bulls

Cardiff recalled Steve Thompson in place of Hasselbaink, while Kevin McNaughton was fit after suffering a blow to the head last week.


Cardiff nearly made a dream start wehn Thompson headed down but Parry's well struck shot was brilliantly saved by Wayne Brown in goal for Hereford United.


Cardiff were the slightly better side but neither side were able to create clear shooting opportunities although Kevin McNaughton was played in by Whittingham only to hit the side netting from a tight angle. Parry and Benjamin were both causing early problems.


Bulls top scorer Theo Robinson replied for Hereford with a 25 yard shot well saved by a diving Michael Oakes. Just as a even first half was coming to a close, Cardiff took the lead courtesy of a superb volley from KEVIN McNAUGHTON whose 20 yard stunner was a great way to open his account for the club.


HT: Hereford 0-1 Cardiff


Cardiff looked more settled after the break but Oakes had to be alert to save from a Collins header. Again chances were at a premium but Hereford were limited mostly to set-pieces.



Cardiff extended their lead and put one foot into the fifth round when the goalscorer Kevin McNaughton burst into the Bulls' box and was bundled over for a clear penalty by substitute Clint Easton, only brought on moments before. The undisputed penalty was coolly dispatched by STEVE THOMPSON for a 2-0 lead.


Cardiff were looking comfortable and there was very little action until a the City defence switched off allowing Theo Robinson to escape and fire home from the edge of the box and give the underdogs a lifeline with 15 minutes to go.


The tempo and direction of the game changed immediately. Hereford pressed hard with Johnson instrumental for the Bulls and there were a few nervy moments in the Cardiff box.


Ledley hit the bar for Cardiff, and Parry nearly connected with a free header but it was Hereford who were pressurizing and Diagouraga saw a good shot saved by Oakes.


As the game headed into injury time, it was typical cup action and Simon Johnson and Robinson both saw shots smothered by Oakes, the shots causing trouble but not looking likely to beat him as the Cardiff defence stood strong.


FT: Hereford 1-2 Cardiff


Despite the late pressure, Cardiff saw the game through and go through to the fifth round after an exciting cup tie. A great effort by Hereford who could count themselves slightly unlucky after a tightly contested affair.