Website reaction to win over Huddersfield.

Last updated : 30 December 2002 By Michael Morris
City were never in trouble against lowly Hudersfield who racked up their seventh straight defeat on the road.

Lennie made changes with Fan Zhiyi moving into midfield to cover Kav's place. Chris Barker moved to centre back to allow Gary Croft to resume at left back. Andy Campbell was dropped to the bench to allow Man of the Match Jason Bowen to start.

Bowen varied from a right winger to the man in the hole but his contribution was immense. A pass into Bowens path on the half way line from Zhiyi saw Bowen rum unopposed to the edge of the Terriers box before he unleashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom left hand corner.

On more than one occasion Bowen was scampering down the right wing and it was refreshing to see we have some width. Ironically though all four goals came through the middle of the park.

City's second was as route 1 as route 1 is ever going to be. An Alexander kick out was allowed to bounce and Earnie was inbetween the defender and the advancing keeper to steer the ball home with the most delicate of touches.

2 - 0 and the fate of Huddersfield was sealed when Danny Schofield crudely took out Jason Bowen and earned himself a second yellow card.

The second half was less of a spectacle with the driving wind and rain making it impossible to play flowing attractive football.

Jason Bowen scored a cheeky third for City, his deft backheel embarrassed the tallest keeper in the world (no joking, the bald Bevan in the terriers goal was about 6' 8 at least). Earnie rounded off the scoring when he had the simplest of tasks to score past Bevan after Willie Boland played him in.

Earnie's goals were his 22nd and 23rd of the season in all competitions and 19th and 20th in the league.

Bowen was the touch of class we've been looking for for so long. He can blow hot and cold but today the thermostat in his engine was cranked up to boiling point at times.

Holes can be picked at but that would be picking for pickings sake. City were not at their best but still ran out 4 - 0 winners.

Next it's the New Years Day clash with Swindon at Ninian Park. Another win making it 9 points from 12 Christmas points on offer will make it a festive return. Graham Kavanagh is available after suspension. If he is to come in then it must be for Fan. No other part of the team needs changing.

Special mention for Scott Young. Missing all season the Rhondda born centre half chalked up his first appearance today when he came on as a 75th minute sub.

City remain in 3rd place behind Bristol City on goal difference. Wigan lead the table 7 points ahead. Oldham beat Crewe in the days other game.

4 goals, 3 points, 2 double goalscorers and 1 Cardiff City. Happy New Year.