What was an eagerly anticipated match between two of the Coca-Cola championship's best teams petered out into a farce. On paper, all seventeen thousand plus attendees were in for a great match up, Cardiff and Sheffield United both fielding almost full strength line ups.
Following a relatively even start to the match, it was not long before action erupted within the ground. In the 24th minute, a hopeful Sheffield long ball caused havoc for Cardiff's defence, Roger Johnson missing an initial header, leaving United striker Darius Henderson through on goal. However Gabor Gyepes did excellently to track back and make a last ditch tackle on Henderson, only for referee Paul Taylor to award a penalty and a resulting red card to the Hungarian.
The decision was a harsh one from the official, choosing not to even consult with his linesman before showing the red card. Nonetheless, Welsh born David Cotterill made no mistake with the spot kick, beating Stuart Taylor who couldn't get his fingertips to the ball. The double whammy was a blow to Cardiff but worse was to come. In the 33rd minute, a Ross McCormack challenge on Kyle Naughton ended in a red card for the Scotsman, another dubious decision from Mr. Taylor.
From here on in, Cardiff had a mountain to climb and the half time whistle was a relief to players and coaching staff alike. At 1-0, City always had a chance but only seconds after the restart, Jamie Ward nodded in a Dave Cotterill corner from close range. Arguably, on-loan 'keeper Stuart Taylor should have gathered the ball for the Bluebirds but with a two man disadvantage, the odds were always against the men in blue from set pieces. Credit where it's due, Cardiff came back at the Blades, looking more and more dangerous with the ball each attack, Gavin Rae posing an unlikely threat. A nice touch from the ex-Rangers midfielder gave him room to strike a left footed effort at Paddy Kenny's near post, however not causing any real danger.
On the 87th minute, Stephen Quinn added to the all-flattering score line, netting a side footed effort across Taylor's goal. Cardiff's legs were tired and a comeback was off the cards as soon as Sheffield notched their second goal, even with one-goal-wonder Eddie Johnson coming on for Dave Jones' side with ten minutes to go. As the final whistle was blown, boos rang around the stadium, unmistakably aimed at the referee and his officials.