CARDIFF CITY

Top Class!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

 Chasetown 2 Cardiff City 2

What would the Scholars have given for this score line in the last game
between these two sides? Cardiff City, FA Cup finalists, were the guests
in this last home pre-season friendly for Chasetown in a replay of the
Scholars historic third round FA Cup tie last season and were made to
sweat as the part timers produced a fantastic display at Church Street
writes Russell Brown.

Dave Jones fielded six players with senior experience in the opening
line up among them two of the goal scorers from the original cup game in
Peter Whittington and Paul Parry. Joining them were former Villa keeper
Peter Enckleman in goal, Welsh u19 international Darcy Blake, captain
for the night Ricky Scimeca and appearing at Church Street for the
second time this season new signing Joy Bothroyd fresh from putting pen
to paper from Wolves.

Chasetown fielded trialist Tony Onokah, picked up from Wednesfield and
what a debut it turned out to be for the big centre forward.

The game was delayed by a Motorway snarl up and kicked off 25 minutes
late, but the visitors wasted no time in attempting to take the lead as
Bothroyd collected a pass from Aaron Morris and fired across the face of
Lee Evans goal line.

Onokah was proving to be troublesome up front for the Cardiff defenders
and he was just off target with a header from Ben Steane's accurate
cross.

The visitors took an 11th minute lead with a slick piece of play. Morris
again provided the ball in from the Chasetown right and Parry repeated
his scoring feat in the first game by driving in the ball without
missing a stride.

With the expectation of more to follow, it was surprising that Cardiff's
game got a little sloppy. The defence gifted Dave Woodvine a free shot
that he drove straight at Enckleman and that was followed by a Mark
Branch free kick that was helped on by Joe Williams, the Bluebirds
failed to react quickly to prevent Andy Penny scoping the ball just
wide.

It was beginning to concern the Cardiff bench and when Danny Smith raced
clear to plant the ball just wide of the post, the warning signs were
there for the Championship side.

On 25 minutes the crowd erupted as Onokah headed in the equaliser after
Enckleman's punch gave the new boy a chance to react instantly to the
rebound and four minutes later Church Street was in uproar as Chasetown
took a deserved lead.

Onokah was again involved and when Steane released Danny Smith there was
only going to be one result as the striker raced through to slot the
ball wide of the advancing Cardiff keeper.

After the break Enckleman saved at full stretch to deny Mark Branch and
it was Chasetown who were beginning to ask the questions once again. So
it was a blow when out of the blue, Cardiff gained an equaliser in the
69th minute.

A corner was cleared to the edge of the area and Wilson Oruma rifled in
a stunner from 22 yards that picked its way through a crowded area.

Far from letting their heads go down Charlie Blakemore's men raised
their game again and had a decent shout for a penalty turned down as Lei
Brown was flatted by Enckleman as the substitute tried to break through
on goal,

Finishing the stronger, the home side just could not find that final
touch, but at the final whistle it was clear that the Scholars had
deservedly enhanced their reputation with the Cardiff fans and team as
they were warmly applauded off the pitch.

Chasetown: Evans, J.Branch, M.Branch (Harris), Miller, A.Smith (Thomas),
Williams, Steane (Batchelor), Woodvine, Onokah (Hurley), D.Smith
(L.Brown), Dyer. Subs not used:Teesdale, Holland, Simcox, Price.

Cardiff City: Enckleman, Blake (Matthews), Edwards, Denneny, Morris,
Simeca (Willdigg), Oruma, Whittingham (McGuinness), Parry (J.Brown),
Bothroyd (Kecleher), Connigues.
Subs not used: Bloom, Evans, Sak, Hudson.

Referee: Mr O.Langford. Att 411.  

REPORT FROM BBC SPORT WALES 

 match action   http://www.chasetownfc.co.uk/scripts/photogallery.asp?collection=172

Picture Tony  Onokah celebrates his first goal for  The  Scholars