Gordon saves Citys' Blushes
Super Sub
By Chris O'Brien
February 8 2003
Gavin Gordon's late equaliser gave City a point in today's 1-1 draw at Ninian Park. Bruce Dyer had given the visitors the lead from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half after Jason Bowen was adjudged to have handled the ball.
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Gavin Gordon's late equaliser spared City's blushes today, in the 1-1 draw against struggling Barnsley.
Lennie Lawrence stuck with the same starting line-up that drew 1-1 with Oldham Athletic last Friday, and won 1-0 mid-week against Northampton Town. Spencer Prior returned to the bench after missing the trip to the Sixfields with a neck injury. The Bluebirds who were looking to make it back to back wins for the first time since November, rarely showed the form that their league position suggests and failed to take chances. With the money that has been spent on this 'Star Studded' team you would expect City to collect three points against a side like Barnsley, especially at Ninian Park, but the Terriers defended very well and have come away with a credible point to the delight of their 360 travelling supporters who were in good voice throughout the 90 minutes. No complaints about the manager today, Lawrence made the right substitutions at the right times, and the disappointing result was purely down to the players. It really is time that the some of the team started to show some of the form they are being paid for, and in many cases overpaid. It often makes me wonder what all the hype is about when you see performances like this afternoons. Personally, I was delighted to see Gordon score. He has been treated a bit unfairly this season, but he took his chances in the LDV Vans Trophy and FAW Premier Cup and has now got himself firmly back into contention for a regular place at least on the bench. Gordon's header was his fourth goal of the season, and he has still only started one game! Cardiff probably deserved their point today, but if Barnsley battle as hard as they did today for the rest of the season then they should be playing Division Two football next season, whether Cardiff will be too is another matter. Full Time Score - Cardiff City 1-1 Barnsley
Cardiff City - Alexander, Weston, Young,
Barker, Croft (Legg 79), Boland (Gordon 79), Kavanagh, Bowen (Bonner 66),
Mahon, Earnshaw, Thorne. Barnsley - Marriott, Neil, Crooks, Kay,
Austin, Mulligan, Ward, Donovan, Gary Jones, Dyer (Sheron), Fallon. Referee - Fraser Stretton
It was difficult to chose a star player from today, as nobody stood out but I thought Chris Barker put in a good performance in defence, and will definitely be in contention for a regular spot in City's defence judging on his recent performances.
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Gordon's
90th minute header cancelled out Bruce Dyer's penalty which had given the
Tykes the lead in the 51st minute. Referee, Fraser Stretton awarded the
penalty after Jason Bowen was adjudged to have handled the ball in the
visitors' penalty area. The decision looked harsh, although Bowen did seem
to touch the ball.
I
was tempted to award my Man of the Match award to Gordon, but as he only
played 10 minutes this might be a bit unfair!|
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