Well, that was fun! I went up on to my computer at five to three to watch Cardiff City’s opening day game with Sheffield Wednesday today having, I thought, sorted out my streaming pass for all of the behind closed doors home matches this season on Wednesday morning. After all, I had received an e-mail confirmation from the club that I had been given a streaming pass following my logging on to my account and doing all of the required things.
Now, it is a convoluted procedure which surely could be made easier, but someone on the messageboard I use helpfully put together an illustrated guide on what you need to do in much simpler to understand terms than the club’s guidance – it confirmed I had followed all of the required steps. Anyway, I knew I had done so because when I got to the last stage where I had to redeem the streaming pass, my computer had remembered the one I had from last season and I had to replace it with the new one.
Since the game I have rechecked and both of the passes I’ve been given have been saved by my laptop and they are both telling me that they have already been used.
So, can anyone tell me why, when I tried to go to the game, I was told that I was not allowed to watch it? When I tried to go to the ticketing section of my account to sort out the problem, I was immediately put in a twenty five minute queue and, when I was finally able to get access to the site, it was clear that I had just been put into the same procedure as the one I had gone through on Wednesday morning, and, not surprisingly, the system was not going to allow me to try and get a fresh streaming pass to let me repeat the procedure I had gone through three days earlier.
By the time it became clear that I was not going to allowed to watch what I had paid for through my season ticket, the game was forty minutes old and, as I was certainly not going to give City more money after the way they had messed me around, there was nothing more to it – I decided to listen to the rest of the match on Radio Wales.
I knew we were losing 1-0 because I had been looking at the messageboard for updates and the first thing I heard was a description of Wednesday’s second goal – Keiffer Moore nodded just wide shortly afterwards to suggest there was still a way back into the game for his team, but they never came as close to scoring again.
Half time allowed Radio Wales’ match summariser Nathan Blake to give his thoughts on what he had seen so far. His view was that it had all been pretty easy for Wednesday so far and that we had contributed to this by having both of our wingers checking inside continuously, thereby making life simpler for the visiting back three. Not only that, Junior Hoilett and Sheri Ojo’s preference for coming into the middle was leading to a congestion which was bringing about to a loss of patience in City players which saw hit and hope balls being lumped up to our target man – so it was that Moore was being given an early introduction to what the likes of Kenneth Zohore, Gary Madine, Callum Paterson and Robert Glatzel have experienced for much of the time in recent seasons.
Having seen nothing of what had happened and listened to barely any of it, I can’t judge whether that was a fair summation or not, but I would say it had a ring of truth to it based on the experience of watching us play since the days when Russell Slade was manager..
I have now seen the game’s two goals. A few weeks ago, Leandro Bacuna gave away the winning goal against Blackburn with a careless and dangerous cross field pass played with very few defenders behind him. Well, he clearly didn’t learn his lesson that night, because, just four minutes in today, he did much the same thing in presenting the ball to Josh Windass, who is making a habit of scoring against us on the first day of the season, enabling him to run on and easily beat Alex Smithies.
If anything, the second goal was even worse, as we lost not just the first and second ball, but also the third one to leave Jordan Rhodes with a tap in from inside the six yard box – that is not what an “on it” Cardiff City side is all about, but then when were we last on it? Fulham in the Second Leg of the Play Offs I’d say.
Rob Phillips was the commentator today and I like him for a few reasons, one being that he clearly wants the Welsh sides he commentates on to win, he also is an optimist who naturally tends to look for the good in what he is watching.
Today, Rob Phillips spent the second half trying to find different words meaning “rubbish” when describing our play, while, apparently, Paul Merson on Sky was saying Cardiff are never going to do anything here with about half an hour still to go. Again, not being able to see the pictures, I can’t say too much about these views, but I did hear Smithies being much the busier of the two goalkeepers – in fact, I can only recall visiting keeper Cameron Dawson being required to make a save once from what sounded like a none too testing Sean Morrison effort.
What I did hear was Messrs Phillips and Blake in agreement that Bacuna was fortunate to escape a straight red card within seconds of the restart for a kick at Izzy Brown and Blakey say he thought Wednesday should have had a penalty late on for a foul by Morrison.
This all tends to form an impression that we were fortunate to escape a heavier beating than 2-0. Last week, we did get a heavier beating (3-0 at Northampton in the League Cup) and I put that down to the fact that a cup draw which pits a lower division side against Cardiff in its early rounds is tantamount to a bye for them considering the attitude various City teams have shown in such games down the years.
I surmised that it would be different next week when the “normal” Cardiff turned up because there were league points at stake, but I listened to us today in exactly the same disinterested manner as last week – disinterested, because it was clear we were never going to make inroads into the deficits we faced because we were never going to score.
I’ve only seen us play once this season and we weren’t great by any means in beating Cheltenham in our final warm up match, but the league season is only one game old, so this is no time for panic or knee jerk reactions.
However, Neil Harris is fond of saying what a Cardiff City side under him will be all about – essentially the sort of “in their faces” stuff we have a reputation for. Well, I’ve heard nothing to indicate that sort of attitude from us in our two competitive games so far and I find that concerning – especially when it comes at a club which felt it had to sack a player for misconduct this week.
Of course, I would have a better idea if that concern was justified if I had been allowed to watch a stream of the match by the club, despite me having paid for one and also jumped through all of the hoops imposed by City to enable me to do so. I take some consolation from the unanimous view I’ve seen expressed on the subject by those who did get to watch it that those who couldn’t didn’t miss much, but it would be nice to be able to watch the Reading match in a fortnight.
We were told a few days ago that 13,000 fans have committed to buying a season ticket in these uncertain times. I think that’s a great response under the circumstances, but there were at least two messageboard regulars who had the same experience as me today, so how many of the 13,000 were also denied their right to watch us play I wonder? Not good enough City, on and off the pitch.
Once again, can I finish by making a request for support from readers by them becoming my Patrons through Patreon. Full details of this scheme and the reasons why I decided to introduce it can be found here, but I should say that the feedback I have got in the past couple of years has indicated a reluctance from some to use Patreon as they prefer to opt for a direct payment to me. If you are interested in becoming a patron and would prefer to make a direct contribution, please contact me at paul.evans8153@hotmail.com or in the Feedback section of the blog and I will send you my bank/PayPal details.
I doubt you were the only one who had the computer issue!
In fact I no it wast just you as I had exactly the same problem. I spent 45 minutes trying to rectify it. As I cannot get radio wales I couldn’t even listen to the game.
I have emailed the club as they are on breach of contract and want my season ticket refunded. This virus is not going away so we will not be in CCS this season
I’m with you on us not being able to attend a game this season Pr. My e-mail to the club will be going off tomorrow.
I doubt you were the only one who had the computer issue!
In fact I no it wast just you as I had exactly the same problem. I spent 45 minutes trying to rectify it. As I cannot get radio wales I couldn’t even listen to the game.
I have emailed the club as they are on breach of contract and want my season ticket refunded. This virus is not going away so we will not be in CCS this season
I posted the above prior to reading your full article.
Yes Ccfc do not make life easy for their supporters. They have these people who write up computer instructions in a technical way, not a simplified way that the average person can follow.
Regarding the match. I called my mate and he said exactly as you have.
We do not play to any forward strength. Cutting in is ok but why have wingers if they are not going to whip in crosses.
He also told me their final ball was atrocious.
Is this the death of another Cardiff city striker. We have finished off a fair few in the past 10 years.
I can’t for the life of me understand why we bought Moore, a tricky striker would have been an alternative to glatzel who is more than capable. A striker who can get his foot in and nick a goal. As Rhodes dis yesterday. A real poachers goal.
The Club is living up to its reputation of being shambolic.
Sorry to hear that you, Paul, and others weren’t able to watch a game that you had paid for. Simply not good enough.
As I said before the Northampton game, a tenner seems too expensive to me and I hadn’t thought about paying for streaming, your experience removes any doubt about my decision.
As to the game, it sounds as if we have made the same start to this season as we did to last season’s.
As I said after the Northampton game, “it can only get better”, not so sure now.
Good morning Paul and others – Sorry that you had difficulties. I was fortunate inasmuch on Friday, I spoke with the Ticket Office with a query over my car park pass which was resolved to my satisfaction by a young lady named Lindsey, who then went the extra mile in helping me obtain my “streaming” link. She was excellent, an absolute credit to the City.
So, at 2.30 yesterday afternoon, I was ready to go and when the pictures arrived shortly before kick-off, I sat back in high expectation. Pictures!!!! As one third of the City Stadium was in shadow, and Wednesday’s kit of dark grey or black, when play appeared on the grandstand side of the ground, it was virtually impossible to determine what was happening. And as the shadow deepened as the match progressed, matters deteriorated. But at least I think I saw two thirds of the game. We were dreadful.
We apparently had more of the ball, almost two thirds possession, but not a clue on what to do with it. Perhaps one real chance with Moore’s glancing header going wide, and another possibility with a Morrison header well over the bar from a corner. Individually, no-one had a good game and our two loanees did not impress. Defensively we were poor and it would have been no surprise had the visitors scored at least one or two more.
The three second half substitutes of Murphy, Glatzel and Tomlin replacing Ralls, Ojo and Tuto made no difference whatsoever. Not the start to the season that this supporter hoped for or expected. Last week’s reversal at Northampton was clearly an indication of problems that lie ahead.
I know in recent years we have not had the most penetrating of attacks, but defensively, we have been pretty sound. With five goals conceded from two competitive matches, that is now subject to review. Early days I know, and no need to panic, but……
As for streaming, give the Ticket Office a ring and ask for Lindsey.
I hope this is not true but there is a cause for concern that City reaching the play offs at the end of last season appears to be the pinnacle for the present set up at the Cardiff City Stadium. Nathan Blake’s stated during yesterday’s Radio Wales commentary that City are continuously bringing the wrong type of players to the club.There has been glaring weaknesses in certain positions on the field of play since the time Dave Jones left, and they still have not been rectified. The full back positions along with a midfield general, a goal poacher and a consistent winger with the ability to get to the line at speed to whip in a ball that the strikers can attack. This season is going to be interesting , let’s hope its onwards and upwards, for this to happen there is a need for more speed and urgency in City’s approach and execution.
Hi Paul, sorry about your issues but you missed nothing. We are dreadful from back to front. Why oh why he persists with Bennett at left back I don’t know, can’t tackle won’t tackle, never closes anyone down so they have plenty of time pick a cross out, which happened yesterday, no attempt to cut the free kick out from which they scored the second, the guys gone backwards . Tomlin apart our midfield lack guile , we are slow all over the pitch, we need a complete new midfield with pace and skill, or our forwards will be living on scraps yet again, I know it’s only the first game but we had nothing about, no fight, no pace, no skill, and no ideas, what do they do in training? It’s time he shook the squad up and play some different personnel, who are our football scouts? Anybody know?, a very unhappy bluebird……….Rhondda Blue
I’m glad my near-namesake is just about the only gleam of light in the murk…God, talk about here we go again, playing like mugs. Can’t even imagine what it must be like to be a more-than-competent City striker, only to be fed the equivalent of indigestible gristle and under-cooked dumplings.
I guess we’ll have our good, cheery days, but they feel a long way off right now.
Maybe there’s a deeply-held sympathy for Wednesday and their deducted points, and we’ve just been playing at being Good Samaritans for the day…hah!
Hi all,
Thanks Bob, for your report completed in the most difficult of circumstances, obviously. I guess all that can be said is that Cardiff City often make the simple very difficult both on and off the pitch.
Time is rather short for me this afternoon so permit me just a few notes.
(1) I’ve said it so often. How on earth can you take our most consistent central midfielder (Ralls) and put him in a position (behind the striker) where he clearly doesn’t have the clubs in the bag to make a fist of it. To do it repeatedly and either not learn from it or be unable to see it is not working is a serious matter.
(2) After spending g a chunk of money on your archetypal 6’5″ Third Division North centre forward and then play Ojo on the right wing, who then always cut inside on his left, left me mystified. Back in the day the mantra was, ‘turn the defence,’ or, ‘get behind them.’ Add to that that Sheff Wed, were playing with wing backs, so their Achilles heel was there for anyone to exploit had we got to the byeline. We never did.
(3) Osei-Tutu had some nice touches but we need more than him at right back. Seems he’s more suited to playing that wing role. We still need a proper right-sided defender. Oh for a young Dwyer.
(4) As stated the visitors played a sweeper system (3/5/2) and Harris played only one striker against their three at the back.
Unless these elementary matters are remedied very soon it could result in a very long season indeed. No goals, and very few chances created, against Northampton and a distinctly average Sheff Wed do not bode well.
I’ll say little about the ref. As mystifying as many of his decisions were and inconsistency his watch-word he was still better than the home team, sadly.
Hi Paul and others.
Sorry to hear of streaming problems – I was ok but the process was so clunky and took an age to set up. In the end I only logged on slightly late and we were already one down.
I assumed we would get back into it due to a glut of possession but by the time of the second goal it felt like one of those games.
BJA and Steve above have said it all – wingers who can’t cross the ball, lack of creativity in midfield and prone to defensive errors ( a worrying trend in recent weeks).
Still think Moore will work out well – but only if a Daniel James type traditional winger can feed him and can get the crosses in to him. Ever the optimist!
More disappointing for me was the feeling of return to Warnockball and the rubbish we served up for 6 months last year. What has happened to the improvement in style we saw only a few short weeks ago with the ball being confidently zipped around? I fully expected us to start this season with that improved style and a smattering of new players who would only enhance that style. Sadly early indications are that we are back to the drawing board.
Without Tomlin we are desperately short of craft in midfield.
A player who could provide it was playing for our opponents on Saturday—Barry Bannan.
Could Wednesday be tempted to part with their captain for one of our players—Josh Murphy?
Their success with Kareem Harris possibly makes them think that they are better than we are at getting the best out of show pony wingers!
His twin brother Jacob is I think back at Newcastle after a successful season on loan at Wednesday and likely to go on loan again.
Wednesday could reunite the twins and bring back their Norwich days!
Go on Wednesday let us have Barry you know it makes sense!
Thanks all for your comments. Just to mention that I’ve e-mailed the club about my not being able to watch the game a few minutes ago and await their reply with interest!
Nice to see so many replies, but it tells a story that I don’t think that any of them contain anything which suggests there were even slight positives to be taken out of our season opener. A consistent theme is the lack of crosses – I’m in the camp which thinks that it isn’t compulsory to have a big target man, but, from Kenwynne Jones’ time onwards, I’m struggling to think of one game where we didn’t have one, so, if we think one is necessary, why have we consistently not played to their strengths when it comes to attacking in open play? For a team that has been playing with two wingers and a big centre forward, we score so few goals and create so few chances from crosses.
Pr, I think the only we’d ever get the sort of striker you want into the team is to play two up front because, as mentioned above, it seems a target man plays come what may at this club. Therefore, it seems we have two options if, as I assume our recent manager’s have thought playing a 4-4-2 with two wingers would be a recipe for disaster. First, we could do away with a winger and have a wide midfielder playing very narrow or we could go for three at the back and play 3-5-2 with wing backs – the trouble is our record when playing with that system is dreadful, so 4-4-2 with one winger is what it would have to be!
Colin, as I’m not going to be paying the £10 needed to watch a stream of each of our away games, I agree with you about it being too expensive.
BJA, regarding your comments about Lindsey, apart from when I was dealing with someone who is no longer at the club prior to The Journey Back being published, the service I’ve got from the club on an individual basis has always left me with little to complain about, but I think the clunky authorisation procedure for streaming is probably something that is being done on a national basis, so the likes of Lindsey may not have much to do with it – agree with you about our defence.
David, good to have you on board, I think Nathan Blake was right – for example, it’s probably not fair to say this and I’d like him to prove me wrong, but I’m afraid I cannot get excited about the Ojo signing.
Rhondda Blue, I tend to be a Bennett defender when people knock him, but I remember he started last season poorly and, while again it’s not fair really to say this when I’ve not seen either game, the distinct impression I got coming down the radio waves against Northampton and Wednesday was that he was not playing well.
Lindsay, in my opinion we should have been playing Charlton on Saturday and Wednesday should have been opening their season at Crewe. I’ve always been more of a Wednesday man than a United one, but they should be in League one this season (don’t get me started about Derby!) – it better have been sheer ineptitude which caused us to play like we did and not some sympathy for Wednesday’s “plight”!
Steve, agree with every word you say about Ralls, we struggled badly against a three man defence at Northampton as well as on Saturday and having our wingers coming in and cluttering things up does not make up for the absence of a natural number ten Tomlin type.
Huw, although I much prefer to see us having more of the ball than the twenty and thirty per cent we’ve got used to, it does create a problem because our lack of a playmaker type in the middle of the park does make it easy for sides just to sit back, keep their shape and let us have the ball in areas where we cannot hurt them. Even when we were passing it better in the post lockdown games, we often weren’t as good in that department as our opponents – we need something more in the middle of the park.
All of which brings me on to Mike’s point – as a long time admirer of Barry Bannan, I have been thinking that he might have been going a little over the top in the past season or so, but Blakey was very complimentary about him on Saturday and, as I’ve already written on a messageboard this morning that we could really do with a McPhail type at the moment, Bannan is someone who would fit that particular bill.