Press previews of Wigan game

Last updated : 30 September 2003 By Michael Morris

Lawrence: We have the flair to beat Latics

SECOND-PLACED Wigan Athletic visit Ninian Park tonight – but Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence believes the Bluebirds have more potential and flair than the Latics.

High-flying Wigan – promoted alongside City last season in winning the Second Division – will present another stern test for Lawrence’s men.

Paul Jewell’s unlikely lads have made a storming start to the First Division campaign amid the backdrop of their impressive JJB Stadium home.

But Lawrence insists once Cardiff’s new stadium is in place, the Bluebirds will be able to match Wigan on all fronts while having the added advantage of a potentially massive fan base.

“They haven’t got the fan base,” said Lawrence. “We’ll have the stadium soon and then we’ll have it all, won’t we?”
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Barker closing in on first Bluebird goal

CARDIFF CITY defender Chris Barker believes his first goal for the club is just around the corner.

The Bluebirds left-back came the closest yet to finding the back of the net for Cardiff on Saturday in the 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra at Ninian Park, but his effort was disallowed for handball and the 23-year-old has been forced to wait again for his first goal.

“It was definitely handball,” admitted the former Barnsley player. “I had to hold my hand up for that.

“But it was nice to do it on Saturday and sneak a goal even though it was disallowed. It was a nice little finish in the corner though.”

Barker’s storming run down the left in the second half preceded a low shot that beat Crewe goalkeeper Clayton Ince at his near post, but referee Alan Wiley ruled it out.
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Kavanagh fears no one

"WE fear no-one" - that's the message from City skipper Graham Kavanagh ahead of the duel with high-flying Wigan Athletic tonight at Ninian Park.

The City skipper is in the best form of his career and tonight his side will be tested to the maximum, to see how seriously the Bluebirds' challenge for Premiership status has really become.

Wigan were crowned champions of the Third Division last season, a full 19 points ahead of Cardiff, and have started this season in the same fashion, currently lying in second place behind Sheffield United at the top of Division One.

But Kavanagh is champing at the bit and said: "We'll be up for this game. Wigan will certainly not relish coming here tonight, knowing that our home form has been exceptional this term.
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Lawrence looks for flair

LENNIE Lawrence is banking on Cardiff City's extra flair through midfield to break down a tough Wigan Athletic team at Ninian Park tonight (7.45pm).

Lawrence's Bluebirds are the top scorers in Division Two this season, having already plundered 19 goals, and skipper Graham Kavanagh is the king-pin in a team brimming with confidence.

Their latest success was Saturday's 3-0 triumph against Crewe at Ninian Park and Lawrence said: "Wigan are strong, well organised, powerful and dangerous on the break.

"We have more flair, more goal potential.
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Wigan Evening Post.

Paul Jewell is relishing Wigan Athletic's clash with free-scoring Cardiff at Ninian Park tonight.

Latics travel to Wales hoping to maintain an unbeaten record which stretches back to the second game of the season.

And with the Bluebirds having bagged 19 league goals already this term, Jewell envisages a belting game. He said:

"It will be a hostile atmosphere but one you should relish as a player.

"Games under the floodlights are always that bit more special and this will be a good test.

"It will be tough, but there is no easy opposition in this league, and we're looking forward to getting out there.
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