Cardiff City 5-0 Gillingham - Match Report

Peter Thorne opened the scoring with his head, with Robert Earnshaw putting his disappointing performance in the Welsh shirt behind him with an incredible four goals.

Lennie Lawrence made only one change from the side that drew 1-1 with Walsall two weeks ago, with Peter Thorne replacing the injured and suspended Alan Lee.

It was Thorne who had City's opening chance of the game, with a powerful drive going inches over the bar on the four-minute mark, with Marlon King going close for Gillingham at the other end.

It was the comeback striker who gave the Bluebirds the lead on eighteen minutes, with a typical Peter Thorne goal. Rhys Weston sent an accurate cross to the former Stoke City attacker, who sent a header over the head of Jason Brown in the Gillingham goal.

City doubled their lead only minutes later through Robert Earnshaw. The Zambian-born striker fired home the loose ball from a Graham Kavanagh corner, which had been flicked on by Peter Thorne.

Gillingham's best chance of the half came with 28 minutes on the clock, when Marlon King had his close-range shot blocked by James Collins. The defender put in another solid performance standing in for the injured Daniel Gabbidon, and the humiliating 8-1 defeat the Welsh Under-21's suffered last week does not appear to have dented the youngsters confidence.

The Bluebirds all-but secured the victory only moments later, as Robert Earnshaw netted his second of the season. A quickly taken Rhys Weston free-kick, caught the Gillingham defence unprepared, and Earnshaw slotted the ball home from only yards out.

Rob Earnshaw completed his hat-trick with what was almost the last kick of the half, from the penalty-spot. Jason Brown brought down Peter Thorne has he ran towards goal, and Kavanagh stepped aside to let Earnshaw fire home for his hat-trick.

Half Time - Cardiff City 4-0 Gillingham

After conceding eight in Italy last week, Jason Brown must have been fearing a similar outcome after City's first-half performance, but the Bluebirds took there foot off the pedal as they cruised to a comfortable victory.

Gillingham created more chances in the second-period, but failed to score a consolation goal thanks to some solid City defending, and very poor finishing.

The best chance that the travelling Gills supporters were treated to was Marlon Kings' close-range drive which was well saved by Neil Alexander, and his header which flew inches over the bar.

Robert Earnshaw netted his fourth and final goal with a neat finish, after John Robinson sent a header into the box. Earnshaw has now netted 6 league goals from 6 games.

As the game approached it's close, Peter Thorne was taken off by Lennie Lawrence and replaced by Gavin Gordon, who will have the chance to get himself back into first team contention over the coming weeks, due to injuries to both Andy Campbell and Alan Lee. Gordon had City's last chance of the game, with his low shot saved well by Jason Brown.

An away support of over 300 helped the attendance to 15,057, the lowest league crowd this campaign.

Full Time - Cardiff City 5-0 Gillingham

Man of the Match - Robert Earnshaw
It wasn't a memorable performance from Earnie, but he took his chances well and ended up with 4 goals to add to his tally!

Next Fixture - v. Reading (A), 16th September 2003
City will face a much tougher test on Tuesday as they take on Reading, who are tipped by many to gain promotion to the Premiership this campaign.

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