Comeback Kings - FA Cup Match Report

Match Report

Playing Coventry City is a bit like waiting for a bus! You don't get one for 35 years, then suddenly two come along at once! Yes, the Bluebirds face a replay at Highfield Road after a late comeback in today's nail biting FA Cup tie.

The visitors had taken a first half lead through Lee Mills on the 25 minute mark, with Gary McAllister making it 2-0 from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the Second Half after Gary Croft had pulled down Dean Holdsworth.

Cardiff City kept battling though, and I seemed to get the impression that if we got one, the second wouldn't be far away.

The Bluebirds got their reward just fifteen minutes from time from a Robert Earnshaw header after a neat cross from Man of the Match, Jason Bowen. Earnshaw's 25th goal of the season, lifted the whole team and the 14,000 Cardiff fans at Ninian Park, and the belief was there that the equaliser was coming.

It came! And not a moment to soon, substitute, Andy Campbell finding the net from close range. City can find themselves slightly lucky to escape with a draw. Despite playing well in the opening and late periods, the difference in class showed during long spells of the game, and McAllister's men did play some good football.

The crowd of 16,013 was the highest at Ninian Park of the season, and a fantastic away following of just under 2,000 made it a fantastic atmosphere. The Bluebirds will now face a replay at Highfield Road on the 15th which promises to be a fantastic re-match.

Jason Bowen put in another excellent performance today, creating many of City chances through his darting runs and smooth passes.

Bowen played a big part in City's first goal, after setting up Earnshaw for his 25th goal of the season.

He has now started in Cardiff's last three games, and I see no reason why he shouldn't stay there, he could well be the answer to City's problems on the right side of midfield.

The only thing which can let Bowen down it that he is lightweight, and can often get pushed off the ball easily, still he put in an excellent performance today and deserves the BTTB Man of the Match Award.