Hull City 0 (Eyre Sent Off 43)
Att. 10,074
Not Used - Evans, Jordan
Not Used - Bracey, Burton
Cardiff, unbeaten at home, started brightly, but City had the first real attempt on goal. The Bluebirds failed to clear a corner but David Brown's long rage shot was held by Walton. Cardiff then had a great chance inside 10 minutes. Andy Legg's long throw was not reached by Paul Musselwhite as he came out, and Justin Whittle's headed clearance found Matthew Brazier, but his lob went wide with Musselwhite retreating. The home side were on top slightly, but Mike Edwards had an opportunity for City. Kevin Francis headed the ball to Rodney Rowe, he passed the ball to Edwards who found himself in a good position in the box but fired over.
However, the game turned in the 43rd minute. John Eyre, already booked, brought down Matt Brazier near the touchline in his own half, and the referee showed him his second yellow and then a red. Until then, the Tigers had just about matched Cardiff, but the sending off severely hampered them.
The second half was a different story. City really were up against it with 10 men and sure enough conceded a goal on the hour. Andy Legg played a one-two with Jason Bowen on the edge of the area and latched on to the ball before hammering the ball in to the bottom corner. And Cardiff effectively sealed the game on 74 minutes when Jason Bowen dribbled to the byline and continued in to the box. He hit the ball across goal, and unfortuantely Mike Edwards turned the ball in to the net attempting to clear.
The home side had another couple of chances towards the end of the 90 minutes, most notably when Brayson just failed to meet the substitute Earnshaw's cross on the edge of the six yard area. But City had none, despite bringing on Harris, Morley, and Wood. The Tigers did not have a shot on target in the entire second half.
A sub himself, Cardiff top scorer Robert Earnshaw had to go off because of a clash of heads with Justin Whittle. Whittle managed to carry on after treatment but had to be senn to again towards the end of the match.
So, credit to the Bluebirds for a good performance, and credit to the Tigers for battling so hard, especially when down to 10 men. They need to come back on Tuesday night at home to Halifax with a win if they are to maintain their current position.
