Cardiff 4 - 0 Doncaster

Cardiff 4-0 Doncaster

Cardiff   4 - 0   Doncaster

By Peter Shuttleworth
BBC Sport Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium

Craig Bellamy rounded off a perfect Cardiff City debut by firing home a stunning 35-yard free-kick to seal a 4-0 demolition of Doncaster Rovers.

The new Cardiff captain had a hand in Jay Bothroyd's first-half opener as the ball fell kindly for the big striker.

Bothroyd headed his second on the hour from a dangerous Chris Burke cross.

On-loan Manchester City star Bellamy then sent Burke free with a 60-yard ball for Cardiff's third, before Bellamy's firecracker sealed victory.

The eye-catching victory continued the Bluebirds' unbeaten start to the new Championship season.

Bellamy's high-profile year-long loan signing to his home-town club had dominated the build-up to this fixture between the Championship's two longest serving managers.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones was clearly the happier, as new boy Bellamy inspired the Welsh club to a comprehensive victory with a master-class that will leave some Premier League managers wishing the Wales captain had joined them.

Incredible day delights Bellamy

But their loss is Cardiff's gain as the 31-year-old continued the form that often lit up the top-flight last season when he was wanted at Eastlands.

Bellamy lived up to the enormous hype and his breathtaking free-kick with six minutes remaining capped an impressive all-round performance to consign Doncaster to their first league defeat of the season.

Cardiff, last season's defeated play-off finalists, sent a warning out to their promotion rivals with this triumph against a good Doncaster side that, at times, controlled the game.

But, as Bellamy scored on his debut for the third time in four, the Welsh side showed they are now likely to be the team to beat in this division.

Doncaster's Sean O'Driscoll was the happier manager early on as the visitors created three goal chances in the opening 10 minutes.

Billy Sharp's shot was blocked before Brian Stock fired the loose ball arrowing just past David Marshall's right-hand post.

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And Stock threatened to overshadow Welsh international team-mate Bellamy's bow, as the Doncaster skipper again fired goalwards but outstretched Cardiff keeper Marshall finger-tipped the shot around the post.

But in an incident-packed opening quarter, only a fine save from veteran Rovers stopper Neil Sullivan kept out Michael Chopra as the Cardiff striker pounced on Bothroyd's flick.

Bellamy, playing on the left wing, seemed a little over-anxious on his home-coming with a string of loose passes - but great interplay between him and Bothroyd created space for Peter Whittingham whose 20-yard shot fizzed just wide of Sullivan's left-hand post.

But the B&B combination did conjure up the opener 10 minutes before the break - albeit a little fortuitously.

Bothroyd stepped over Bellamy's low cross from the left to allow Whittingham through on goal.

However, the ball ricocheted off unfortunate Doncaster defender Wayne Thomas straight into Bothroyd's path, who kept his composure well to slot past Sullivan.

Although Cardiff led at the break, Jones would have been concerned that both striker Chopra and full-back Kevin McNaughton limped off in the first half - especially when defender Darcy Blake withdrew from the starting line-up after suffering an injury in the warm-up.

And it could have been worse for Jones if James Coppinger's looping right-wing cross had dropped a little quicker but the back-peddling Marshall was fortunate the ball cannoned back off his crossbar.

But Bothroyd's second on the hour - his fourth of the season - put Cardiff in control as he rose unmarked in the six-yard box to nod in substitute Burke's right-wing cross.

The Scottish winger then turned goal-scorer as he raced onto Bellamy's exquisite 60-yard ball from his own corner flag to seal Cardiff's fifth successive home league win over Doncaster.

Then Bellamy ensured he stole the show with a goal of the season contender as Cardiff set a standard for the Championship this season.

Live text and stats

 

Saturday, 21 August 2010

Npower Championship

Home Team	Score	Away Team	Time
Cardiff	4-0	Doncaster	FT
(HT 1-0)
Bothroyd 36 Bothroyd 62 Burke 68 Bellamy 84

Cardiff

• 01 Marshall
• 02 McNaughton (Naylor 18)
• 05 Hudson
• 06 Gyepes
• 07 Whittingham
• 20 Olofinjana
• 21 Drinkwater
• 27 Matthews
• 08 Chopra (Burke 32)
• 09 Bothroyd
• 39 Bellamy yellow card (Koumas 87)

Substitutes

• 22 Heaton,
• 03 Naylor,
• 15 Gerrard,
• 04 Rae,
• 11 Burke,
• 19 Koumas,
• 44 McCormack

Doncaster

• 01 Sullivan
• 02 O'Connor
• 03 Friend (Dumbuya 80)
• 05 Thomas
• 11 Lockwood yellow card
• 07 Woods
• 08 Stock
• 17 Mason (Shiels 60)
• 18 Gillett (Brooker 80)
• 26 Coppinger
• 10 Sharp

Substitutes

• 33 Woods,
• 21 Hird,
• 15 Wilson,
• 24 Dumbuya,
• 09 Brooker,
• 22 Shiels,
• 29 Fairhurst

Ref: SwarbrickAtt: 24,027

CARDIFF

DONCASTER

Possession

• Cardiff 51%
• Doncaster 49%

Attempts on target

• Cardiff 8
• Doncaster 5

Attempts off target

• Cardiff 6
• Doncaster 5

Corners

• Cardiff 7
• Doncaster 7

Fouls

• Cardiff 7
• Doncaster 7

• Final Result
• 94:26 The game kicks-off.
• Full Time
• 90:00+3:06 Goal kick taken long by David Marshall (Cardiff).
• 90:00+2:53 Martin Woods produces a left-footed shot from outside the penalty box and misses right.
• 90:00+1:04 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 90:00+0:55 Shot by Chris Burke from outside the box goes over the target.
• 90:00 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
• Correction - 89:49 Attacking throw-in by Billy Sharp (Doncaster).
• 89:49 Attacking throw-in by Billy Sharp (Doncaster).
• 88:51 Wayne Thomas takes a shot. Save by David Marshall.
• 88:34 Corner taken short by James Coppinger.
• 86:17 Neil Sullivan takes the indirect free kick.
• 86:17 Substitution Jason Koumas joins the action as a substitute, replacing Craig Bellamy.
• 86:17 The assistant referee flags for offside against Chris Burke.
• 85:29 Inswinging corner taken by James Coppinger from the right by-line, Gabor Gyepes manages to make a clearance.
• 85:14 Dean Shiels takes a shot. Save by David Marshall.
• 83:16 GOAL - Craig Bellamy:Cardiff 4 - 0 Doncaster Craig Bellamy hits the back of the net with a goal direct from the free kick from long distance high into the middle of the goal. Cardiff 4-0 Doncaster.
• 82:33 Booking The referee books Adam Lockwood for unsporting behaviour.
• 82:27 Jay Bothroyd fouled by Adam Lockwood, the ref awards a free kick.
• 82:16 Brian Stock takes a shot. Blocked by Gabor Gyepes.
• 82:06 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 81:22 Neil Sullivan takes the direct free kick.
• 81:22 Booking Caution for Craig Bellamy.
• 81:10 Craig Bellamy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James O'Connor.
• 79:45 Substitution George Friend leaves the field to be replaced by Mustapha Dumbuya.
• 79:45 Substitution Steve Brooker joins the action as a substitute, replacing Simon Gillett.
• 79:12 Jay Bothroyd takes a shot. Save by Neil Sullivan.
• 77:47 Craig Bellamy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Coppinger. Direct free kick taken by Brian Stock.
• 77:06 Attacking throw-in by George Friend (Doncaster).
• 76:11 The referee blows for offside. David Marshall takes the indirect free kick.
• 75:51 Jay Bothroyd takes a shot. Neil Sullivan makes a save.
• 75:15 Inswinging corner taken by Craig Bellamy from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance by James Coppinger.
• 71:47 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 70:47 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 70:06 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 69:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Chris Burke by Martin Woods. Shot comes in from Jay Bothroyd from the free kick.
• Correction - 68:33 Simon Gillett concedes a free kick for a foul on Seyi Olofinjana. Direct free kick taken by Mark Hudson.
• 68:33 Foul by Simon Gillett (Doncaster) on Seyi Olofinjana (Cardiff). Free kick taken right-footed by Mark Hudson (Cardiff) from right channel, resulting in open play.
• 67:03 Assist on the goal came from Craig Bellamy.
• 67:03 GOAL - Chris Burke:Cardiff 3 - 0 Doncaster Goal scored by Chris Burke from deep inside the penalty area to the top right corner of the goal. Cardiff 3-0 Doncaster.
• 66:31 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 66:14 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 65:49 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 65:34 Attacking throw-in by Dean Shiels (Doncaster).
• 65:14 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 65:02 Daniel Drinkwater takes a shot from deep inside the box clearing the bar.
• 64:44 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 63:48 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 61:38 The assist for the goal came from Chris Burke.
• 61:38 GOAL - Jay Bothroyd:Cardiff 2 - 0 Doncaster Jay Bothroyd finds the back of the net with a headed goal from close range. Cardiff 2-0 Doncaster.
• 59:50 Corner taken left-footed by Martin Woods from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Jay Bothroyd.
• 59:50 Substitution Ryan Mason leaves the field to be replaced by Dean Shiels.
• 57:40 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 56:44 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 56:07 Corner from the left by-line taken by Craig Bellamy, Ryan Mason makes a clearance.
• 55:24 Attacking throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 54:50 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 54:25 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 54:06 Attacking throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 52:54 The ball is swung over by James Coppinger.
• 51:47 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 51:02 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 48:52 Craig Bellamy takes a inswinging corner.
• 48:25 Attacking throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 47:59 Defending throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 47:41 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 47:24 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 46:45 Attacking throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 46:19 Foul by Brian Stock on Daniel Drinkwater, free kick awarded. Peter Whittingham restarts play with the free kick.
• 45:37 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 45:01 The second half begins.
• Half Time
• 45:00+3:31 Attacking throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 45:00+1:54 Attacking throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 45:00+1:18 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 45:00+1:07 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 45:00+0:16 Inswinging corner taken by Craig Bellamy, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Mark Hudson goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
• 45:00 The whistle is blown to end the first half.
• 44:27 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 43:28 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 42:43 Goal kick taken long by David Marshall (Cardiff).
• 42:06 Peter Whittingham takes a shot. Clearance by Wayne Thomas.
• 41:51 The ball is crossed by Chris Burke, save made by Neil Sullivan.
• 41:10 Attacking throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 40:45 Defending throw-in by George Friend (Doncaster).
• 38:58 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 38:33 Adam Lockwood fouled by Jay Bothroyd, the ref awards a free kick. Adam Lockwood takes the direct free kick.
• 37:45 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 37:16 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 35:24 The assist for the goal came from Craig Bellamy.
• 35:24 GOAL - Jay Bothroyd:Cardiff 1 - 0 Doncaster Jay Bothroyd gets on the score sheet with a goal from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Cardiff 1-0 Doncaster.
• 34:49 Attacking throw-in by George Friend (Doncaster).
• 34:14 Seyi Olofinjana challenges Ryan Mason unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brian Stock restarts play with the free kick.
• 33:33 Jay Bothroyd fouled by Wayne Thomas, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Lee Naylor.
• 32:35 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 31:57 Substitution Michael Chopra leaves the field to be replaced by Chris Burke.
• 31:46 Seyi Olofinjana is caught offside. Free kick taken by James O'Connor.
• 30:44 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 30:24 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 28:36 Martin Woods has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide right of the goal.
• 27:40 Simon Gillett is penalised for a handball. Mark Hudson takes the direct free kick.
• 27:06 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 26:12 Defending throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 25:51 Simon Gillett gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jay Bothroyd. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Drinkwater.
• 25:16 Goal kick taken long by David Marshall (Cardiff).
• 24:49 Brian Stock takes a shot. Blocked by Lee Naylor. Short corner worked by Martin Woods.
• 23:46 Defending throw-in by Lee Naylor (Cardiff).
• 22:57 Free kick awarded for a foul by Michael Chopra on George Friend. Direct free kick taken by George Friend.
• Correction - 21:55 Inswinging corner taken by Craig Bellamy from the left by-line, James Coppinger manages to make a clearance.
• 21:55 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy (Cardiff) to centre, clearance by James Coppinger (Doncaster).
• 21:20 Corner taken short by Martin Woods. Foul by Ryan Mason on Jay Bothroyd, free kick awarded. David Marshall restarts play with the free kick.
• 19:27 The assistant referee signals for offside against Jay Bothroyd. Neil Sullivan takes the free kick.
• 19:08 Corner taken by Peter Whittingham from the right by-line, clearance made by James O'Connor.
• 17:32 Substitution Lee Naylor on for Kevin McNaughton.
• 17:10 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 16:34 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 14:48 Michael Chopra takes a shot. Neil Sullivan makes a save. Corner taken by Peter Whittingham, free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Neil Sullivan by Jay Bothroyd. Neil Sullivan restarts play with the free kick.
• 13:43 The official flags James O'Connor offside. Free kick taken by David Marshall.
• 12:46 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 11:33 Goal kick taken long by David Marshall (Cardiff).
• 11:14 James Coppinger has an effort at goal from the edge of the box that misses to the right of the target.
• 10:55 Attacking throw-in by James O'Connor (Doncaster).
• 10:11 Billy Sharp takes a shot. David Marshall makes a save. Short corner taken by George Friend from the left by-line.
• 9:04 Peter Whittingham takes a shot. Save by Neil Sullivan.
• 8:09 Brian Stock takes a shot and went wide right of the net.
• 7:02 Shot from just outside the box by Ryan Mason goes over the target.
• 5:17 The official flags Billy Sharp offside. David Marshall takes the free kick.
• 3:05 Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 2:51 Craig Bellamy takes a shot from close in clearing the crossbar.
• 2:12 Defending throw-in by Kevin McNaughton (Cardiff).
• Correction - 1:52 Goal kick taken short by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 1:52 Goal kick taken short by Neil Sullivan (Doncaster).
• 0:56 Goal kick taken long by David Marshall (Cardiff).
• Correction - 0:02 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).
• 0:02 Defending throw-in by Adam Matthews (Cardiff).

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