Match Report - Unbelievable

Had hope when I got there. Turned up to hear Hayes in for Shuker and thought that it was our best XI and Ritchie had got his team selection right.

Straight from the word go, we were up for it. However, so were Huddersfield, closing Macca and Howard down constantly again. Atmosphere first half wasn't quite electric. Devaney shot saved, Colgan great save from their midfielder, but a lack of clear-cut chances, and I was particularly annoyed at the way only Andy Booth seems to be able to legally challenge for a header, and the linesman didn't seem capable of raising his flag.

Halftime 0-0, couldnt see where a goal was going to come from.

Then..bang! Long ball into the box, Hayes barged from behind (inside the box? Was close) Penalty given. Hayes demanded the ball..did a stupid run-up...I thought he was going to miss. But he must have been the calmest man in the ground - PERFECT penalty right in the corner.

Then on top...self-destruct. McPhail of all people with a dreadful error...Worthington slides in...ouch.

I thought it was over.

Then, from corners (which we never score from by the way), Bobby Hassell somehow towers over Booth to nod across goal, and Reid heads home. Cue pandemonium. But more was to follow.

Howard breaks from midfield...smashes a shot..keeper parries...and the rest was almost slow-motion. Nardiello slams home. Looked to see if the flag was up, but all I saw was a Hudders fan running towards us and being clotheslined by a police officer. 3-1...surely not.

But we were comfortable. Thought Ritchie made the right changes at the right time.

Player Ratings
Colgan 8 - flawless, big save when needed, didn't seem to be at fault for the goal.

Hassell 8 - Typical Bobby. Committed, excellent.

Reid 8 - Pushed up to 8 by the goal. Was solid, excellent in the 2nd half but a bit dodgy in the 1st..but who cares after that goal?

Kay 9 - MOTM for me. Generally kept Booth very very quiet, and was absolutely outstanding. Full credit to you Antony lad.

Hecky 7.5 - Solid, no real mistakes at all, some good passes.

Hayes 8.5 - Anyone who thinks hes lazy can watch that and shut up. Brilliant challenge in his own box, great linkup with both Heckingbottom and McPhail, won a penalty, scored a penalty. Unlike Shuker, he can beat a man AND cross. Leave him there for the final.

McPhail 7 - Good until the howler. Just what was he doing?

Howard 7.5 - On first half showing, a 4. But his second half performance epitomised everything about this club. Passion, drive, workrate, and when it counted, he was willing to have a shot.

Devaney 8 - Too good for them again.

Nardiello 7.5 - I pray he's not banned. Poor for much of the game but when it matters, always pops up. VERY VERY STUPID if he got himself suspended, which I DONT THINK he has.

Richards 7 - Worked his socks off. Much better first touch.

EVERYONE played their part, 10/10 for the fans in the second half. COME ON YOU REDS, ALL THE WAY TO CARDIFF!

 

And apparently..

Swansea fans on a messageboard I'm on watched tonight and think we're crap. Gee whizz.

 

We were awesome in second half.

Kay MOTM. Get in!!!

 

Spot on with that as usual mate!

Good report (Y)