What the Cat thought - Cardiff 1-2 Northampton

First Defeat!
By Sam's Cat
August 17 2002

Cardiff City have lost their first game of the season, after a dissappointing performance against the Cobblers. Graham Kavanagh put in a poor performance, despite getting his name on the scoresheet. Here's our very own, Sam's Cat's, view on today's defeat.

City let down the fans with a very poor performance against a workmanlike Northampton Town who were inspired by Marco Gabbiadini.

In the sunshine in front of a healthy crowd of well over 13,000. City never really managed to dominate the game and despite coming close were punished for poor finishing, and some exceptional saves from the Northampton custodian, Lee Harper.

Northampton went ahead when Gabbiadini lobbed Neil Alexander from fully forty yards to send the travelling support into raptures.

City equalised through a scrabbled Graham Kavanagh goal, despite strong protests from Northampton that their goalkeeper had been impeded during the melee leading up to the goal.

A strong talking to was required from Lennie Lawrence at half time but his words must have fallen on deaf ears as the Bluebirds never hit top gear, and it was no surprise when Gabbiadini put the visitors up once again. The second goal was more a comedy of defensive errors and nowhere near the quality of the opening goal, but it was no more than the Cobblers deserved.

Gabbiadini left the pitch in the last 5 minutes and was warmly applauded off by many City fans who appreciated his efforts. A rare sight and sound at NP these days, but pleasing to see and hear.

Only one booking in the game perhaps highlights the lack of passion, with many of City’s players performing well under par. Robert Earnshaw came on late in the game but was unable to score the equaliser.

Shots were off target from Thorne, Leo Fortune West and Earnshaw with additional headers being saved by the Northampton keeper who was inspired.

The crowd was very quiet for long patches of the game, and many of the new found fans have come to expect more than were served up today.

The travelling Northampton players and fans celebrated as if they had won the FA Cup.

This was a real wake up call for City, who promised to make Ninian Park a fortress this season! They have now lost half their league games at home already!!!!

A change of attitude will be needed before the Bank Holiday fixtures next week against Swindon Town and Luton Town!