Ledley fires City into FA Cup final

Last updated : 07 April 2008 By Michael Morris
And what a day for us fans as well. We decided to stay in London the night before so we could up and around Wembley nice and early to soak up the atmosphere. Little did we exepced to wake up on matchday morning to 3 inches of snow and arctic conditions. It was quite simply "bloody freezing".

Still with our little picks and snow shovels we headed to the North West of the City and to Wembley stadium.

The newly built ground is huge and the arch that dominates the skyline is visible from some distance. We alighted at Wembley Park tube station and walked into a vibrant mix of blue and red with both Cardiff and Barnsley fans taking in the enormity of the occasion.

Just being stood on Wembley way was enough to make one emotional. I've been to the new Wembley before, last summer to see "Metallica". The feeling this time walking towards the ground was way different. It's still difficult to grasp the size of what we have achieved just being there.

Once inside the ground the weather had improved. The snow had gone as quickly as it had come and the temperatures were rising. The nerves were on the up as well. Still it only took 9 minutes to see our side score at Wembley. There wasn't many people of the planet still around from the last time we scored there in 1927 so it was a special moment. The goal was great as well. Ledley on the volley, over his shoulder from 20 yards. Breathtaking. Maybe it will be added to the Top 10 FA Cup goals they will show before the final, the top 10 they showed before the semi included Kevin McNaughton's at Hereford and at No.1 was Jimmy's goal against Wolves.

I felt City started the game better, got the goal then dropped back a bit and allowed Barnsley too much possession. A similar pattern to games we've seen the club play this season. 2nd half though the Barnsley attack faulterered. Their centre half missed a sitter when through on goal and they never recovered from that. In the end City saw the game out comfortably enough and could have scored a couple more with Gavin Rae (twice) and Peter Whittingham going close.

Final whistle was bedlam, dancing singing, hugging, crying. I really should stop all that, a man of my age. Cardiff City, winners of the FA Cup semi final and now back at Wembley on May 17th to face Portsmouth in the final.

A quite remarkable day and we get to do it all again.