August 11th 2007:
Cardiff City secured a win on the opening day of the season against a solid Preston North End on a blistering hot summer’s afternoon at Ninian Park.
After an un eventful opening 35 minutes, Cardiff created a sole chance with Robbie Fowler heading wide from Stephen McPhail’s free kick.
The game would change a few minutes later when Preston defender Youll Mawene brought down Peter Whittingham in the area. The referee quickly showed the red card to the big defender leaving the away side to play over 50 minutes with 10 men.
Robbie Fowler stepped up to cooley slot the penalty past goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to put the bluebirds in front.
The heat continued to stifle any real urgency from either side in the second half. Both sides created a few half chances but Cardiff were given the chance to make it 2-0 with less than 10 minutes remaining when they were awarded a second penalty when Callum Davidson was adjudged to have pushed Darren Purse in the penalty box.
Steve MaClean coolly placed the ball past Lonergan and it was game over, Cardiff City had got off to a winning start under new manager Jonathan Walker.
The manager gave his views after the match: “It was a bit disappointing that we didn’t go in for the kill when the opposition had been reduced to 10 men, but I am pleased that we have got our season off to a win start and with a clean sheet”.
On loan centre back Jonathan Evans was awarded the man of the match following a re-assured performance alongside Darren Purse.
Cardiff City: Schmeichel, McNaughton, Evans (MOM), Purse, Sepsi, Sinclair (Torje 61), McPhail (Collins 78), Rae, Whittingham (Ledley 61), Fowler, MaClean
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Johnson.
Goals: Fowler 38 pen, MaClean 82 pen.
