David Sullivan, The Gold brothers, Karen Brady.....

Last updated : 26 August 2006 By Michael Morris
Alexander foils McSheffrey
What a fantastic day for Cardiff City.

Goals from the Welsh pairing of Joe Ledley and Paul Parry have taken the Bluebirds three points clear at the top of the Championship and with no games that can affect that top spot until September 9th we are there for a couple of weeks.

Just stop and think for a second. Cardiff City are 21st in the whole pecking order of the 92 senior clubs in the Football League. Arsenal, after a draw and a defeat are 17th in the Premiership. We are therefore just 4 places below the Gunners in the big scheme of things.

A bumper crowd of over 20,100 were in fine voice to cheer the City on. Birmingham were a bit noisy to start but when Paul Parry and Michael Chopra pulled off a clever short corner move which saw Parry square the ball for Joe Ledley to score the away fans went quiet.

We did have some action from them later in the game but it's not something their club will be proud of.

City continued to play excellent football and they were able to bat away any Birmingham pressure. Neil Alexander produced a super save at his right hand post to deny Birmingham their best first half chance.

After half time the Blues turned on the pressure. Gary McSheffrey tested Alexander with two free kicks but Scotland's No.1 was equal and better to both of them.

A David Dunn shot was superbly caught low to Alexander's right, most of their other efforts went high and wide.

Steve Bruce threw Cameron Jerome into the fray and he was greeted by the best part of 18,000 boos. I have to say not one came from me. Cameron did well for us last season and earned us a few bob as well. Jerome missed the Blues best chance when through on goal he tried to dink a ball past the onrushing Alexander but he gave it too much and the ball sailed wide.

Birmingham's main weapon was the through ball to beat the back 4 but Loovens, Johnson and the full backs were fantastic.

Michael Chopra hit the bar early in the second half and at the very end Kerrea Gilbert was denied by a super save from Doyle the Birmingham keeper.

City wrapped up the points when Steve Thompson won possession on the left side of the box and his ball back across found Paul Parry who blasted home via a defenders leg. The celebrations were mad.




The police keep a close eye on the travelling fans


Unfortunately the people following Birmingham City could not handle themselves and a ruck ensued between the Birmingham fans, the police and the Stewards. There was plenty of swaying amongst a section of fans and then several seats were thrown. It was reported afterwards that over 20 seats were ripped out and hurled and 8 people were arrested.

For Cardiff City though it has been a perfect day.

We are top of the league, say we are top of the league.