By Chris O'Brien
December 12 2002

The dream of an LDV Vans final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium is over for the Bluebirds, after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth. The Bluebirds' dream of a final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium ended last night as City were knocked out of the competition by AFC Bournemouth.

Substitute, Gavin Gordon grabbed a late equaliser for Cardiff, which cancelled out Wade Elliot's 78th minute strike for the home side. The tie then went to Golden Goal, but City didn't perform any better, and Welshman, James Hayden got Bournemouth's winner, 6 minutes from time.

I was one of about 150 Cardiff fans who wished they hadn't bothered making the trip South for this fixture, after a very disappointing performance from the Bluebirds.

People have often hyped up the strength of our squad, saying the reserves could win the Third Division. I'm starting to think these fringe players are not as good as they thing they are.

For me, the only players who could have left Dean Court with any pride on Tuesday were new signing, Fan Zhiyi who made his much anticipated debut, Martyn Margetson and City scorer, Gavin Gordon.

Bournemouth deserved their victory; they didn't fear the Cardiff side, which in total was worth over £3million! Bournemouth sides cost only £15,000 - perhaps some Cardiff players need to have a good hard look at themselves.