CARDIFF CITY (1) 2 
Ledley 12, Parry 75
BIRMINGHAM CITY (0) 0
THE ATTENDANCE:
20,109 sell out
THE AWAY SUPPORT:
1,750
THE WEATHER:
Intermittent blue sky and dark cloud which produced a later downpour but mild.
THE ‘You're The Man' AWARD for:
Neil "never going to be beaten" Alexander with some outstanding saves
Roger "what a guy" Johnson for an exemplary centre-half display
Paul "how many times did he beat the markers?" Parry whose late killer goal capped a tremendous personal performance
The Rest - this was a supreme team effort from back to front, all were heroes.
THE “You're Not Very Good” BOOT goes to:
Those "20 boys" from Jasper Carrott country intent on making their presence known by arriving 25 minutes into the game and causing a scene then ripping out seats and causing trouble at the end with 8 arrested. Knobs.
THE GROUND:
We all know Ninian Park is past its sell-by date and we need that new stadium but when it's packed like today, there's no finer sight. It's special and I, for one, will miss it when it's gone. The Canton Family Stand went Watford-like as the spectators were handed out hundreds of inflatable Bluebirds clackers courtesy of the main sponsors.
THE ATMOSPHERE:
Electric, spine-tingling at time and it's fantastic when all sides of the ground sing together as we did many times today. Inspiring to City, intimidating to visitors, I love it!
CHANT of the DAY:
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE SAID WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE. How can you ever get bored of a chant like that? Sing it loud, sing it proud over the next fortnight.
THE PROGRAMME:
Vastly improved and, hallelujah, City finally printed enough so late arrivals could buy one. Whatever next? After getting FAW leaflets and fan leaflets this week telling us to not take club kits to Wales matches, it was ironic that the advert pitch for City's new red second strip hailed it as a shirt to wear for Cardiff and Wales matches. Doh!
THE TEAMS:
CARDIFF- The midweek Barnet Carling Cup debacle - criticised by those who paid and went, defended by those who didn't bother - was out of the way and forgotten. This was back to business that really mattered.
Skipper Darren Purse served the 2nd of a 3 game ban for his unnecessary late red card last week - two league games missed against his last two clubs - which gave Roger Johnson the chance, boy, did he take it. Purse's son was mascot for the afternoon whilst Ricky Scimeca took the captain's armband. A big boost came when Kerrea Gilbert passed a fitness test to play right back meaning McNaughton could revert to the left and Joe Ledley could play his attacking role.
City went with Alexander, Gilbert-Johnson-Loovens-McNaughton, Parry-Johnson-Scimeca-Ledley, Thompson-Chopra. Once again, Dave Jones opted for no goalkeeper on the bench - having seen Howard's midweek display, it wasn't a great risk - but opted for 16 year old defender Chris Gunter to join Campbell, Flood, Glombard and Kamara.
BIRMINGHAM– Whilst Dave Jones must make-do with 15 or 16 players, Steve Bruce has an embarrassment of riches. A squad of 29 packed with quality, big money signings, Premiership and International experience. The Blues biggest problem is that Steve Bruce is distinctly second best to Dave Jones in organising his players and getting them to work as a team instead of individuals.
Key focus was on Cameron Jerome - a City hero in my eyes who cost us nothing, scored 20 in his only full season as a teenager and sold for £4M to help build this new team - but few see it that way. Poor second half of season performances, an apparent lack of commitment and outspoken comments with talking of leaving City for a bigger club with better players leaves a bitter taste. So it was with some mirth that City fans have viewed his 3 minute red card on his Brummie debut, his last game against Shrewsbury being so poor that we was taken off early, being on the sub's bench and missing his side's best chance today.
BCFC lined up with Doyle, Kelly-N'Gotty-Jaidi-Sadler, Johnson-Nafti-Dunn-McSheffrey, Bendtner-Campbell. Subs were Forssell, Jerome, Larrsson, Legzdins, Tebily. Big Craig Doyle - looking like a construction worker in his luminous orange kit - stood in for the injured Maik Taylor. Midfield looked very strong with the excellent David Dunn and new £4M signing Gary McSheffrey back at NP exactly 2 weeks after losing here with Coventry and their goalscoring potential underlined by starting with hot prospect Bendtner (the Dane one of three players on loan from Arsenal) with D J Campbell up front with Jerome and Forssell in the wings.
THE MATCH:
WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE. Cardiff City, produced another outstanding team performance, to demolish an accomplished Birmingham City outfit were made to be second best. Every City player was a star but it was the local boys Joe Ledley and Paul Parry who got a goal in each half to put City at the top of this level of football for the first time in 35 years and with international football next weekend, that's where we'll stay for at least a fortnight. Enjoy it!
It's no fluke either. City have faced up to many of the biggest sides in the Championship and rolled over Birmingham, Coventry and Leeds. West Brom were also pulverised but somehow escaped with a point. We have a club, manager and group of players to be proud about and who deserve all the praise and plaudits which will be showered on them which has to include Dave Jones winning the poisoned chalice that is Manager of the Month.
Despite the pedigree of the club's backgrounds, it was Top vs Top, Blues vs Blues, porn brothers v chuckle brothers, identical playing and goals records and just alphabetical order separating the sides and Ninian Park sold out for the first time in 45 years albeit with 20,000 instead of 60,000.
Birmingham may have had the numbers and the quality but if there were any doubts about whether City could compete or freeze were immediately dispelled as we set about the Brummie Boys in blistering and thrilling fashion. Cardiff controlled the first half from start to finish, the tempo, quality, intensity and link up play left Bruce's boys breathless and having to hang on. The lead no more than we deserved and it could have been greater. It was dream stuff. Birmingham, wearing what looked like City's old black and yellow kit from a couple of seasons ago, never looked imposing as the crowd released their passion and venom and our team did the rest.
The warnings were there in the opening minute in front of a crowd making an epic noise at kick-off, the volume upped as we carved through Birmingham. In the first minute, great passing play already had McPhail and Parry sending over dangerous crosses from the left and right creating pressure that never relented and had to tell. Thommo, once more leading the line with aplomb, was caught offside twice before Chopra got the first shot of the game forcing Doyle to save his snap shot just before 10 minutes.
A minute later, we were closer as the ever impressive McNaughton let fly after another flowing move which saw Doyle get down to turn around his near post and from that came our fully deserved opener. Down in the Grange End, Bob Bank corner, there were collective groans around me as City took it short - we always mess them up, don't we? - but it turned to unadulterated joy and screams as Parry cut to the by-line, beat a defender and slipped the ball back to JOE LEDLEY who smashed home left-footed, a defender on the line unable to stop it.
It was mental, the ground bouncing and Birmingham fans who opened up with a couple of songs shut up for good. With the whole ground in unison chanting "we are top of the league" at them, it was pointless trying to compete.
Within two minutes, Birmingham almost found themselves two down. City were biting and closing down play everywhere, Birmingham were forced back, a stray back pass and the keeper sliced the ball out for a City throw. Showing fantastic alertness, the throw was taken quick with Birmingham in complete disarray, Chopra sent the ball to the far post, Doyle charged back in sheer panic and just managed to stop Scimeca turning home. Great play and vision.
Brum has no answer and only one tactic as they fruitlessly tried dissecting Loovens and Johnson. There were nerves as the lino took an eternity to flag offside. At the other end, Parry snatched an effort wide after a fine run and Thompson was blocked before, finally, the visitors had an attempt on goal as Bendtner sent a good ball to the far post, McSheffrey's header was faultless and bound for the top corner but he hadn't reckoned on Scotland's Number 1 flying across goal as if propelled to tip it behind.
Another sign of City's confidence came when Alexander - a keeper was used to stick to his line - charged out of his area to take a ball before an advancing striker, controlled it and blasted away.
McShefferey's header was the only worry of a half that City dominated by playing at a pace and tempo that Birmingham could not match. McPhail was commanding in the centre, City were buzzing and before the interval, McPhail, Parry, Thompson and Ledley all tried their luck, Scimeca within a fraction on turning home from close range as he went on another lung-bursting run into the box and in added time Chopra, after a huge 45 minutes, had a glorious chance centre of goal but saw his effort blocked as he tried to place home.
Outstanding City, just outstanding.
H/T: CCFC 1 BCFC 0
Make no mistake, this wasn't easy. Birmingham are a quality side with enough attacking power and quality players that it's impossible to see them anywhere other than auto-promoted or in the play-offs. Indeed, signs are that Steve Bruce will spend a few million more behind the transfer window closes while we're apparently done unless we can get a quality loan.
So it was no surprise to see the visitors put us under more pressure in the second period. The onus was on them but, in fairness, City slugged it out with them and never looked like cracking despite moments of fear.
Glen Loovens had the first opportunity as the game opened before him but his shot was sliced wide. Loovens was almost caught at the other end as he missed a through ball which DJ Campbell latched onto but, under pressure, he thankfully scuffed his shot straight at Alexander.
Back came City, N'Gotty fouling McPhail for a yellow card, the free-kick saw Thommo within a fraction of scoring, the ball fell loose and Chopra smashed the bar with Birmingham's defence all over the place. Chopra was harshly yellow carded, far lesser fouls had gone unpunished before although it was a clean game.. McSheffrey had Alexander stretching backwards using fingertips to push a 30 yard free-kick over the bar then City broke away from the resulting corner in thrilling style as Parry fired over.
Moments later, D.J. Campbell was again clear through the middle and looked favourite to score, Alexander came out but cometh the hour, cometh the man as Roger Johnson got back, hooked the ball and came away with it inside the area. The timing was perfect, bringing back memories of Scott Young's tackle on Mark Viduka in that FA Cup game. Johnson, what a man. I love the way he also shouts at the back line, organises them and brings them out. Last season, we would have dropped back and defended deep and in numbers, Johnson won't allow that to happen, he's a leader and looks a future Captain to me.
Steve Bruce needed a Brucie Bonus - the pressure showing as he nervously turned to look at the Gold Brothers and David Sullivan every time either side went close - and threw on a double attacking sub just before the hour. On came Cameron Jerome to the biggest boos heard at Ninian since I can't remember along with Larsson top replace Campbell and Kelly. Within three minutes, those boos and jeers for Jerome turned to laughs and cheers as he missed the visitor's best chance having broken away on the right, he dinked the ball past the on-rushing Alexander but also wide of the far post. "What a waste of money, what a waste of money" boomed around the ground.
After that, Neil Alexander had to make two more very good saves from McShefferey (another curling free-kick) and David Dunn but it was all Birmingham mustered in the final half-hour as City regrouped, withstood that barrage and eased their way home.
Counter-attacking chances came, Chopra, Parry and Thompson all put wide but, on 75 minutes - the third successive game where we've netted in the final 15 minutes - we killed Birmingham off and Ninian was shaking, Great move too, the ball swept to Thommo on the edge of the area, a sharp turn and cross glanced off Chopra's head who nearly scored himself and found PAUL PARRY who composed himself and unleashed an effort which squeezed home at the far post taking a deflection en route.
Those final minutes were all about larging it and savouring the moment. All sides of the ground booming with pride chanting "we are top of the league", "and it's cardiff city, the greatest team in football", "Men of Harlech" and other timeless classics. It was all too much for the Jasper Carrot crunchers who resorted to fighting with stewards and police, ripping out a few seats and having some arrests. One City steward taken away with a head injury let Steve Bruce have it with both barrels complaining about his followers as he walked past him for treatment.
It was some party in the closing stages. Thommo earning a standing ovation as he went off for Kevin Campbell, Johnson another as he was awarded sponsors man of the match, Parry likewise as he earned the fans award, every touch was cheered, Birmingham lost their cool with a cynical tackle on McPhail and Gilbert almost rounded off a perfect day in perfect fashion as he danced around Birmingham's defence and let fly with a shot that Doyle just turned around his near post. The ref has seen enough and blew his final whistle, City finished them off brilliantly and comprehensively. A brilliant display and a brilliant result.
The final scenes were epic as the decibels blaring out were probably heard at the Severn Bridge, Ali boomed "we are top of the league" over the tannoy, City players took the plaudits all around the ground and, in a nice touch, best mates Joe Ledley and Cameron Jerome swapped shirts. Sam was on the pitch to congratulate every player, Jerome and himself didn't look at each other.
The stats tell their own impressive story. Our best ever start to a season, still unbeaten, no goal conceded for 4 minutes shy of 6 hours against quality opposition in WBA, Cov, Leeds and Brum and 7 Championship goals scored by 6 different players. It underlines what a monumental team effort it has been. No longer are we looking at individuals like Jerome and Koumas to do the business for us, the whole eleven are contributing.
On a personal note, last top City were top in March 1971, it was Birmingham who knocked us off it, beating us 2-0 at St Andrews. As a 8 yr old kid, I was there along with 50,000 others I think. Can vividly remember being passed over the turnstiles - for a backhander to the turnstile guy - then passed down to the front, as all kids were, to sit pitchside under a raised advertising hoarding behind the goal. Birmingham were in love with "superkid" or superkeed in their accents, 16 year old Trevor Francis and he undid us along with Bob Hatton (later to help us to promotion).
Never did I believe I'd have to wait until now to see us back here, ironic it's against Birmingham again, but in those dark days of the 80's and 90's were City were a joke and I tended to get the pee taken out of me on a daily basis, my answer was always the same. City fan, always will be no matter what and I've been there when we were top, I know we can get there again. Always believed it, those final few minutes had me pretty emotional and almost shedding a tear. I bet I wasn't the only one. We're where we deserve to be on merit. Can it last? I have no idea but it'll be tough. All is know is, boy, am I going to enjoy the next fortnight! This are days to savour that we've waited all our lives to see - party on down Bluebird people!
THE COSTS (not including the weekend-long party!):
Ticket: £21.50
Programme: £3
Food/Drink: £15
Total: £39.50 and worth every penny
Report from FootyMad
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Ledley opened the scoring in the 12th minute and Parry settled a superb victory for Dave Jones' side 15 minutes from time.
The Bluebirds showed two changes from the side that won at Leeds United with Kerrea Gilbert passed fit to resume at full-back while Roger Johnson replaced the suspended Darren Purse.
Former Cardiff striker Cameron Jerome was among the Birmingham substitutes.
It was Cardiff's Michael Chopra who had the first strike on goal in the tenth minute. A Stephen McPhail free-kick was headed clear but the former Newcastle striker's shot on target was held by Colin Doyle.
Two minutes later the Bluebirds took the lead from a short corner taken by Parry to Chopra. The Blues defence failed to clear and Ledley whipped the loose ball into the net.
Birmingham did not trouble the home defence until the 21st minute when Gary McSheffrey headed a deep cross towards the top corner only for Neil Alexander to leap high to tip the ball away for a corner.
Both sides were unchanged as the second half kicked off in bright sunshine and it was Glenn Loovens who had the next chance to score. He moved up in to the attack but sent a first-time shot spinning beyond the far post.
Loovens then almost gifted Dudley Campbell a goal in the 49th minute when he failed to cut out a long ball down the centre but the shot was scuffed and Alexander saved his effort.
Bruno N'Gotty was yellow carded for a foul on Chopra and, from McPhail's free-kick, Steven Thompson almost netted before the busy Chopra struck the crossbar from close range.
Just ten minutes into the second half the dangerous McSheffery had Alexander stretching to tip over a 30-yard free-kick.
The Blues were now on top and exerting pressure but Cardiff sped away on the counter-attack to net a clinching second goal.
McPhail whipped a long pass out to Ledley down the left flank. His cross was only partially cleared and Parry gathered the ball before ramming a shot into the roof of the net.
There was trouble among the visiting supporters and police had to move in to the Birmingham fans to restore order but as the rain poured down the Bluebirds held on for a tremendous victory over one of the division's promotion favourites.
External reports
The Independent
The Observer
The Telegraph
The Times
Daily Mirror
The Sun
Birmingham Mail
Wales On Sunday