Penalty practice for City

Last updated : 12 May 2003 By Michael Morris

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence has made sure no stone has been left unturned ahead of his teams play-off second-leg with Bristol City.

Lawrence made a select group of players practice their penalty taking just in case it is needed at the end of the Ashton Gate clash.

The Bluebirds go into the game with the advantage after beating Bristol City 1-0 on Saturday.

 

But the Cardiff boss does not want to leave anything to chance and insisted that his players practice their spot kicks.

"You have to have an idea of who will take them and what the order would be," explained Lawrence.

"It's a good thing to have some practice so that we will be equipped to deal with whatever may happen on the night."

Penalties had been a contentious issue between the two clubs prior to the play-offs.

In both the league games earlier in the season Bristol City were awarded penalties which Brian Tinian converted on each time of asking.

"At the end of the day, penalties are all down to luck as well," added Lawrence.

"Tinian took two penalties against us. One went one way, one went the other, so it is sure to be interesting."

Cardiff will go into the away leg of the tie hoping to avoid a repeat of last seasons play-off game against Stoke.

City took a one goal advantage into that game, but ended up losing the tie.

One City player who has suffered a play-off heart break is Chris Barker.

He was involved in Burnley's Division One play-off campaign when he was just 19.

"I've been involved before and lost, so I want to put that right. It's only half-time, we've got the lead and hopefully we will finish the job tomorrow night," said the left back.

"Hopefully we will be able to sneak another goal which would mean that they would have to score three.

"They will have to come out and attack us, but at the same time they will have to deal with us attacking them.

"If we keep a clean sheet we are through, it is a simple as that."