Wednesday 17 April 2013

Charlton the Bridesmaid. Cardiff the Bride.

Cardiff City 0  - Charlton Athletic 0.

This game was never about Charlton.

The only thing that mattered, as far as anyone not connected with SE7 was concerned, was the potential return of the side from the Welsh capital to the top flight of English football, for the first time in over 50 years.

Due to Watford fluffing their lines, Cardiff didn't even need to beat Charlton to get promoted.

We had the rather odd scenario of thousands of delirious people swarming onto the pitch to celebrate the result of holding Charlton to a 0-0 draw.

Having lived in Cardiff, (Cathays and also Roath) as a student, I was most dismayed not to witness any men who were short in stature and wearing red 'V' neck sweaters, teamed with Freddy Mercury moustaches.
I guess things have moved on.

The commentator on the live feed I was watching may as well have been sitting there wearing his Cardiff (red?) scarf, such was his lack of impartiality throughout the game.

At the end, he even managed to announce that Cardiff were in dreamland after "beating Charlton", before he caught hold of himself and added, "well, it certainly feels like it!"

Cardiff have been the standout team in the Championship all season and deserve to get promoted.
(They have, after all, managed to grab a whole 1 point from their games against us).

I'd rather they'd done it while maintaining their historical blue shirts but I don't suppose there'll be many people complaining about selling out their heritage tonight.

The game was a scrappy affair, with few real chances from either side.

The one moment of real drama hinged on Jackson hitting the post from what looked like around 30 yards from goal. A great effort but tonight was all about Cardiff. It just wouldn't do for the Charlton captain to poop the party.

In summary, a very well earned point against a very well drilled side.

The 'traditional' Charlton slump once we head into British Summer Time has been shoved aside for the second season running.

Bring on the Wolves!

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