With Sunday’s South Wales derby fast approaching, we take a look back at a famous fixture played between the two sides at the Liberty Stadium...
One of the most anticipated games in the footballing calendar for both the Bluebirds and their rivals whenever the two sides play in the same division, the South Wales derby has produced some memorable meetings.
The match featured here is a firm favourite for the City faithful in recent years. Prior to kick-off on February 6th, 2011, the Bluebirds were looking for a first win against their rivals in a league match away from home since 1997 and were aiming for their first victory at the Liberty Stadium, opened in 2005.
In front of 18,280 fans, City did just that, securing a vital 1-0 away victory. In an end-to-end contest, the Bluebirds had chances through striker Michael Chopra and Arsenal loanee (& City Academy graduate) Aaron Ramsey, with Darcy Blake also denied by Swans goalkeeper Dorus de Vries and the post.
It was a Cardiff-born player who eventually settled it as Craig Bellamy broke the deadlock, with just five minutes of normal time remaining.
After receiving the ball out wide on the left, Bellers played a quick one-two with Ramsey before curling a right-footed strike from 25 yards beyond the outstretched de Vries.
𝓢𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰! 💙#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/gzO3gSS57V
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) October 21, 2022
Bellamy’s goal was to be one of his 11 league strikes that season as he finished as runner-up to Jay Bothroyd, whose tally of 28 goals saw the striker finish as the club’s top goal scorer.
The former Welsh international went on to make 90 appearances for City across his two spells at the club, with his strike in this appearance proving to be one of his defining moments.
Having seen his side grind out a terrific result away from home in the derby, Dave Jones discussed the performance post-match.
“It was a worldie, a goal fitting for any game and certainly in a big game like this one,” said Jones.
“I am sure that will be one of the favourites even of the collection of goals he’s scored in his career."
It is certainly one of our favourite strikes!
