Match Report

Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to lob City into the Second flight after an 18-year absence. 

His extra time strike was the only goal of a very tense and nervous Playoff Final with Queens Park Rangers this afternoon. Campbell latched on to a forward ball from Gareth Whalley, shrugged off Danny Shittu and went on to lob the ball past Chris Day in the Rangers' goal.

It was a fantastic moment for Campbell, and I am delighted for him. He has spent the majority of the season in Earnshaw's shadow, has received stick from many supporters and has had a long spell out with a Hernia, but it all came good for the former-Middlesbrough striker this afternoon, who ironically replaced Earnshaw with 10 minutes of normal time to go.

The stadium was filled with huge followings from both sets of supporters, making a carnival atmosphere in the sunshine! 35,000 Bluebirds were in attendance, and an impressive 31,000 QPR supporters made the journey from London. 

Expectation was high but nerves got the better of both teams and chances were few and far between. Man of the match Graham Kavanagh and Spencer Prior had City's best chance of the first 45, with Paul Furlong and Kevin McLeod both going close for Rangers. In all honesty, Rangers were slightly the better side, but they carved out few chances and despite good build-up play, their finishing was rushed and poor. 

The Second half was much the same; both sides were beginning to look nervous and were taking few risks. 

The opening exchanges of the second period were dominated by QPR, with Kevin Gallen having a golden opportunity to give Rangers the lead just two minutes in. He ran onto a loose ball inside the Cardiff box, but his shot was weak and was comfortable controlled by Alexander, who kept his third consecutive clean sheet this afternoon. 

Paul Furlong also went close on the hour mark, but QPR were still not turning their possession into clear-cut chances. 

As the game began to reach its climax, it was Cardiff who were getting the better of the game with Kavanagh and Prior both going close – but there was no way through and the game went to extra time. 

One more significant moment in normal time was the substitution of Andy Campbell for Robert Earnshaw on the 80-minute mark. Earnshaw had had a torrid time and had struggled against the 6’4 Danny Shittu. 

Extra time was even more tense, and there was little action to talk about except of course Campbell’s winner which sent the Bluebirds back into the Second flight!

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