Bluebirds draw with Baggies. Website reaction

Last updated : 09 August 2006 By Michael Morris
Following on from a decent performance against Barnsley City showed the massive crowd that they could play quick one touch football.

They didn't start so well. 4 minutes in and WBA won a corner. When it came in the ball was pushed against the bar before dropping to Zoltan Gera to score. The 1000 or so travelling fans were rather happy.

From that moment on though City took control. The passing and movement was exquisite at times. Players overlapping, one touch football and intelligent runs saw City entertain the fans and also get rewarded with a super goal from Riccy Scimeca.

The ball was moved out wide right where Stephen McPhail crossed for Scimeca to emphatically head home.

Albion made inroads but hardly troubled Neil Alexander for the rest of the night.

In the second half City continued to dominate possession but could not get that break in front of goal. Chances came and went but Zuberbuhler in the Baggies goal held firm.

In fact Scimeca's goal against 'Zubi' was more than any of Switzerland's World Cup opponents could do. He kept clean sheets against France, Togo, South Korea and Ukraine during Germany 2006.

Thankfully John Hartson was kept quiet. He won the corner that WBA scored from in the opening minutes but after that he had little to contribute. His best effort a shot onto the roof of the Canton Stand in the second half. Hartson was the main target of the City fans taunts. Songs asking where his wife had gone and such like were being sung as well as "you jack b%$&*£d". One of the biggest cheers when Hartson appeared to be running clear. Glenn Loovens took up the chase and overtook Hartson before running the ball across the penalty box outpacing anoter West Brom player before attempting to clear. Glenn's final clearance was poor but his taking of Hartson was a joy to watch.

Any errors from the former Welsh international were greeted with huge cheers. Both sets of fans appreciated each others former players. When Kevin Campbell came on for Steve Thompson he was given a great reception from the visiting fans and likewise when Junichi Inamoto came on as a sub he was warmly applauded by the City fans.

Michael Chopra almost won it for City with a volley that whistled just wide.

With WBA sen as promotion favourites a draw is an OK result. I guess so but City will feel their dominance for long periods deserved more but at this early stage no one is promoted yet (or relegated) and the style of play and the committment from the players will hopefully see most of the 18,506 come back on Saturday.

Those at Ninian Park saw a great game, none of this lumping it forward. Plenty of passing and intelligents runs.

We are at home again on Saturday. This time to face Coventry City. Don't miss it.