Wimbledon may have already been relegated from the First Division but are
going down fighting after a hard-working display held Cardiff at Ninian Park.
In an entertaining encounter Cardiff controlled for long spells and went ahead
with nine minutes left through John Robinson.
But Wimbledon were always a threat with their determined approach and having
hit the woodwork twice they deserved Mark Williams' headed equaliser.
Cardiff were quickly into their stride and almost took the lead after 11
minutes when Willie Boland hit a rising half-volley that forced Scott Bevan to
scramble across his line.
The lively Robert Earnshaw was causing problems with his pace and after his
shot had been deflected away for a corner, Tony Vidmar should have done better
with a bullet header from the resulting flag-kick.
But midway through the half Wimbledon found a route to goal as Wayne Gray
shifted the ball onto his right foot before driving in a 20-yard effort.
That signalled the start of sustained Wimbledon pressure and after 29 minutes
they were unfortunate not to make the breakthrough when Gary Smith's free-kick
from the left was headed against the post by Ben Chorley.
Paul Parry sustained a leg injury in the melee that ensued and was carried off
on a stretcher to be replaced by Richard Langley. The Jamaica international was
immediately involved as he forced Bevan into a smart reaction save.
Having been the better side for much of the first 45 minutes, Cardiff began to
up the pace immediately after half-time.
Boland began to orchestrate play from the midfield and after 50 minutes he
chipped the ball forward towards the run of Langley before Bevan raced from his
goal to gather.
Then soon after Earnshaw tried his luck with an instinctive shot from the edge
of the box that was just off target.
Wimbledon, however, were continuing to enjoy success out wide and when Dean
Lewington crossed from the right, Smith flashed in a shot that was blocked by
Danny Gabbidon.
Seven minutes later Cardiff were almost caught out again as Smith fired in a
shot that looped up off goalkeeper Martyn Margetson and hit the top of the
crossbar.
Wimbledon sensed the game swinging in their favour and soon after Gray got
free in the area to fire in a close-range shot that Margetson parried away.
But as Cardiff broke up-field they made the breakthrough nine minutes from
time as Langley whipped the ball across the box and Robinson arrived at the far
post to slam home.
Wimbledon looked to have missed their chance to spring an upset as the hosts
pressed for a second.
However, within a minute the visitors had replied in emphatic fashion as
Williams rose highest above his marker to head them to a deserved draw.
Teams
Cardiff Margetson, Croft, Gabbidon, Collins, Vidmar, Robinson,
Bullock, Boland, Parry (Langley 33), Campbell (Gordon 68),
Earnshaw (Fleetwood 77).
Subs Not Used: Barker, Alexander.
Booked: Langley, Vidmar.
Goals: Robinson 82.
Wimbledon Bevan, Oyedele, Williams, Ntimban-Zeh, Lewington,
Darlington, Chorley, Smith, Kamara (Harding 86), Small, Gray.
Subs Not Used: Hawkins, Martin, Herzig, Puncheon.
Booked: Williams, Chorley, Kamara.
Goals: Williams 83.
Att: 15,337
Ref: M Cooper (West Midlands).
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