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City succumbed to their second pre-season defeat against higher league opposition but were far from disgraced in the two nil reverse to Second Division Cardiff City. There were again a series of encouraging signs that show that, despite the huge number of changes over the summer, new manager Alan Pridham has built a side that should be more than able to cope during the forthcoming season. Striker Graham MacLean continued his return to form, following his double strike against Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, before a cut head forced him out of the action and fellow front man Paul Milsom was always a handful for the Cardiff defence. At the back Mark Hervin produced a number of excellent stops and full-backs Gary Thorne and Gary Powell again turned in impressive performances. However, it was fellow defender Iain Harvey, returning after his neck injury, who prevented Brayson giving the Bluebirds an early lead with a great goalline clearance. Following this City gained the upper hand for a spell. A powerful Thorne header brought a great block from keeper Kendall after 12 minutes before Powell's dipping shot just cleared the bar. City were punished for these misses when they fell behind on 29 minutes. Maxwell burst forward and his pass found Brayson, who had the time and space to pick his spot past Hervin. Eight minutes before the interval a strong run by MacLean ended with Evans blocking his initial effort and then Kendall saving from the follow-up. Three minutes later the 19-year old was caught by a high boot and replaced by Australiam trialist Clinton Green. The second period saw both sides continue to create chances, Crandon heading over from close range and Brayson being denied his second goal by a fine stop from Hervin. The keeper was again at his best to prevent Fortune-West doubling his side's advantage around the hour mark. At the other end Milsom headed over after an excellent build-up involving Powell and Crandon, and then Thorne saw another header clear the league sides bar. The 73rd minute saw the Welsh side seal the victory with their second goal. Jeanne's cross was headed back across goal by Fortune-West and Brayson converted from close range. City, to their credit, continued to try to get back into the game but the game ended on a disappointing note with the referee ordering Milsom substituted after a stray elbow felled Jordan. |
