What an evening of mixed emotions last night.
From the highs of seeing City win away for the first time since the beginning of April to the foolishness of Tony Vidmar. From the penalty shoot out joy to the underlying issues that we cannot beat a team two leagues below us over 120 mins.
City controlled large parts of the game at Kidderminster but it was the home team that created the better chances. They were content defend deep and hit City on the break and when they did we were stretched. Some lucky breaks came City's way especially from 2 superbly struck shots that hit the City woodwork.
Earnie opened the scoring when he found space to control and turn in the box and blast it past Danby. Earnie could have scored in the opening 30 seconds with Danby saving well down to his right after City broke at speed.
Unfortunately City were more lethargic in their approach for large parts of the game.
A huge plus for me was Jobi McAnuff. He was a box of tricks, speed and imagination and he domiated the right hand City attack. With no target man striker his effort to the by-line and his crosses went to waste.
Inevitably City conceded a sloppy goal. The referee allowed an advantage after a Kidderminster player was fouled. When he lost possession the ref then pulled the play back to award the free kick.
From the cross no one picked up Simon Brown, the smallest player on the pitch, and he headed past Warner.
After that it was plug away by City then panic defend as Kidderminster showed how to break and atack with speed.
Kidderminster spurned the best chances while City racked up 16 efforts on goal.
When the 90 mins were up Kidderminster had every right to feel they should have been in round 2.
During the second half Tony Vidmar produced a moment of madness. He was penalised and the remarkably seemed to try and kick the referee. Maybe he was swinging his leg in frustration but from where I was sat the ref was close to being clouted by Vidmar. A yellow card followed and the out of sorts Vidmar was jeered by the home crod every time he touched the ball.
To me it seemed inevitable that he would sin again and in injury time he was given a second yellow for a trip on a Kidderminster attacker and off he went. Thankfully the shot from the free kick was saved by Warner.
Both teams went close as the clock ticked down and then it was penalties.
Kidderminster went first and the scored, Kav took City's first to make it 1 - 1. Kidderminster then missed, Tony Warner making the save. Earnie stepped up and despite Danby getting strong hand to it the ball went in. 2 - 1 to City.
Kidderminster made it 2 - 2 then Stuart Fleetwood stepped up. His effort was saved but then like divine intervention the referee ordered a re take after encroachment by Danby. Fleetwood scored this time to make it 3 - 2. The next two kicks were scored, Boland with City's effort. Kidderminster made it 4 - 4 but of course they had taken 5 kicks. Up stepped John Robinson to fire Cardiff into round 2 of the Carling Cup.
Some 450 or so City fans saw the game at Aggborough.
I can't end without mentioning the catering. Burgers, hot dogs, roast pork and stuffing rolls (with apple sauce), cottage pies, hot soup and balti pies that appeared to be a tray of curry with a pastry crust on top. Plenty of food, all hot, an excellent effort.
So then City and Lennie get a win, the draw is later today for round 2. City must now focus on Stoke at Ninian Park on Saturday and Wigan at the JJB next Monday