City History | 1983 South Wales derby – Roger Gibbins
On Boxing Day, 1983, the Bluebirds hosted Swansea City in the 27th edition of the South Wales derby.
A memorable day saw 14,580 fans in attendance at Ninian Park to push the side to a fantastic 3-2 victory.
On the scoresheet for the Bluebirds that day was Roger Gibbins, who opened the scoring for City.
Recalling his memories of that day, he began: “Playing my first South Wales derby was something I was really looking forward to. Originally, I’m from Tottenham and I was in their youth teams. North London derbies were just as ferocious and meaningful as the First Team.
“I couldn’t wait for it. It was Boxing Day, we had a good crowd at Ninian Park and you get that extra feeling, there’s no doubt about it. We couldn’t wait to get amongst it.
“We were averaging four or five thousand fans in those days, but there was over 14,000 there on Boxing Day. All of a sudden, that’s what it was all about. We had the fans behind us and there’s a great atmosphere. It was brilliant.
“The nerves were going before the game. The build-up in the week was intense and a little bit extra. The game was a bit more tingly and your stomach was going, but you should have that, because it’s a special game.
“This was at Ninian Park, so this was our patch and we wanted to go out there for us, for the fans and for everybody to make it a good day.”
Gibbins set the Bluebirds on our way to victory, netting the first goal in the 24th minute. After Gary Stanley equalised from the penalty spot, Nigel Vaughan and Trevor Lee (pictured) both struck to put City 3-1 up.
Signed from Bournemouth, Lee was making his City debut that afternoon, becoming the most recent Cardiff City debutant to win a South Wales derby, marking the occasion with a goal.
Despite John Toshack’s goal just after the break, the Bluebirds finished off a fine performance to claim all three points.
“I remember the feeling of scoring that goal,” Roger continued. “Putting us ahead, the feeling was special. We played well, but they came back into it, so the biggest feeling I got that day was at the end of the game, when the full-time whistle blew.
“It was 3-2 and a bit closer than what it should have been, because we deserved it. It was a bit of a tense, nervy finish, so after the game was the best feeling.
“Seeing the fans cheering that we had got one over on them, it was a great celebration going into the new year.”
Roger is still a huge part of Cardiff City to this day, playing a key role in setting up the Former Players’ Association, which aims to build a connection between the Club and our stars from yesteryear.
He concluded: “It’s so important, because I know how much players love playing for Cardiff City and have loved the city, not just the football club. Many, like myself, have stayed here after playing for Cardiff City, it’s a really good place to be.
“It’s memories and brilliant times to look back on. It’s something that I think is really important for the Club. We want to keep getting the message out there, get more people back to the Club and watching the games.
“Seeing the fans talking to these former players is fantastic. We want to expand on that and keep a connection between our former players and the Club.”
Former players wishing to become members of the FPA are requested to fill in the registration from HERE.
Former players who are not online can also contact Roger directly by calling 07808 787901 or by emailing ccfc.fpa@gmail.com
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