Saturday morning as the 1,000 or so Bluebirds from South Wales were making their way up the M5 and M6 we were enjoying cooked breakfast followed by a swim at the local baths.
Our location was only 500 yards from Turf Moor so it was an easy walk to the ground. I must say I was impressed with the stadium. Two sides had new two-tier stands, There was one old stand to our left which housed the directors box and in front of which the benches were situated.
The away end was a huge old stand. My guess would be that at least 5,000 could be accomodated in it. City I'd say had about 1,200 fans. The pitch was perfect and another ground with a good sound system that meant we could hear what was being said by the pa man.
Burnley provided cheerleaders to entertain the crowd, there was a razamataz before the game but it all fitted in, I'd heard that Burnley had a reputation but in my view they provided family entertainment.
On the pitch City were under the cosh for long periods but the ability of both sides to give away possession meant there were few moments of real danger.
Cardiff's best two first half chances came from a Gavin Gordon flicked header that went a foot over the bar and a cracking Kav free kick that was turned around the post by the keeper.
City were too central, the midfield that included Kav, Bonner and Boland lacked width and we were funneling play through the middle with little success.
Burnley took the lead early in the second half, possession was lost and the ball broke wide right for Burnley. One time loan target (and as he proved today DIVER) Glenn Little crossed for Richard Chaplow to get a slight touch to put the ball into the net.
City were struggling to create chances but did turn in a spell of pressure that could have won them all the points. In a game of few clear chances City created some of the best goal scoring oportunities. Vidmar shot straight at the keeper when breaking free at the far post, Boland had a fantastic shot tipped away as it headed for the top corner and Robinson saw his effort deflected behind for a corner.
The goal when it came was due to defensive error. Skipper Branch lost posession 5 yards from his own box, he didn't actually lose possession but gave it away. Kav gratefully accepted the ball and passed to Earnie. He juggled the ball and as it looked as if he would lay it off he turned and fired an unstoppable drive into the top corner. 17 goals this season so far in 18 games. The guy is priceless.
The mistakes continued with both teams failing to shine and good positions wasted.
Overall Burnley had the majority of play and more shots and will think they should have had more than a draw. In front of goal though they were poor. We were not much better but with Earnshaw on the pitch we are always dangerous.
I thought that when Lennie brought on Julian Gray with 20 mins to go we looked a better shaped team.
Spencer Prior started today with Gary Croft missing for personal reasons. Cardiff now face Stoke at home and Wimbledon away. Both winnable games. We are 9th in the table and can feel happy with todays points. One gained for us. 2 lost for Burnley.