Both teams fielded strong sides with the City XI all first team regulars. Cardiff lined up
Alexander, Weston, Collins, Gabbidon, Barker, Croft, Langley, Boland, Parry, Earnshaw and Lee.
Birmingham included Robbie Savage, Forssell and Maik Taylor from the start and Stern John and Clinton Morrison came on as subs.
The first half was full of plenty of passing football but little goal mouth action. It had a friendly feel to it with a lack of solid challenges but nice football to entertain the fans who turned up.
Rhys Weston was injured and was replaced by Byron Anthony.
The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half time. A mix up in the Birmingham defence saw the ball run loose and Robert Earnshaw pouced to smash it past Taylor.
The highlight of the first half was the guy say behind me in the Grandstand.
He was loud and at times foul mouthed, but his main charm was that he had no clue about who was playing. He entertained those unfortunate to be in his eyesight with tales of not mising a game for years, of the first games his kids went to see and how he was the No.1 City fan.
Of the many gafs he made here are some of the best.
Come on Thorney. (Every time Alan Lee got the ball).
Bonners playing well. I think it's Bonner but it might be Robinson. (When Gary Croft was in possession).
Just before half time. I think Young's been excellent (while looking at James Collins).
That keeper has been brilliant since he came into the side. He's played with a broken finger you know. (Thinking Alexander was Margetson).
When Daniel Gabbidon made a surging run he yelled Come on Parry. When Chris Barker made a run forward he yelled Come on Parry.
We never should have got rid of Mark Bowen!!!
There were many more. Maybe Nigel will remember them.
At half time the City under 10's played on the pitch and the youth team were paraded with their recent trophy's.
Second half saw Birmingham make several substitutions.
City kept a tight team. The subs when they did come were Joe Ledley for Richard Langley on 61 mins. Stuart Fleetwood for Alan Lee on 69 mins. City then made two nostalgic subs on 81. Scott Young and Jason Perry came on for Willie Boland and Gary Croft.
The last 15 mins was end to end with both teams stretching each other and some full blooded football. City attacked but when possession was lost Collins and Gabbidon were like racehorses making their way 80 yards or more back into defence at blistering pace.
There was no injury time. The 90 mins came up and the referee blew the whistle.
Good luck to Len Ashurst and the Noah's Ark appeal.