Source: Team_Talk
Resilient Robins earn FA Cup replay
The Robins looked to be on their way out of the competition when Michael Chopra capitalised on an error from Dean Gerken to give the Bluebirds the lead with 14 minutes remaining.[LNB]But Williams levelled at the death, drilling a right-footed shot across David Marshall and into the far corner with the aid of a slight deflection.[LNB]In atrocious blizzard conditions at Ashton Gate, both sides understandably struggled for fluency and there were few clear-cut chances in open play.[LNB]But Chopra made the breakthrough in the 76th minute, lobbing into an empty net from the right touchline after Gerken had raced out of his goal to make a clearance that stalled in the snow.[LNB]Tempers flared in the resulting celebration, with Chopra aiming a push at Robins boss Gary Johnson, but it was the hosts who had the last laugh as Williams converted Nicky Maynard's cross.[LNB]Johnson made just one change from the team that started their last match against Watford on 28 December, with Liam Fontaine replacing the suspended Lewin Nyatanga.[LNB]Cardiff boss Dave Jones handed a first start to 17-year-old midfielder Aaron Wildig, but had to make do without injured trio Chris Burke (rib), Jay Bothroyd (illness) and Josh Magennis (broken leg).[LNB]The hosts made light of the difficult conditions early on and almost took the lead in the fourth minute as skipper Louis Carey headed against the post from Paul Hartley's corner.[LNB]Hartley had a chance of his own soon after, but failed to trouble visiting goalkeeper Marshall with a shot from 12 yards.[LNB]Ross McCormack directed a long-range effort wide for Cardiff in the 13th minute after Robins full-back Bradley Orr had been booked for a foul on Wildig.[LNB]Bristol's Jamie McAllister also went into the book following a cynical pull on McCormack's shirt and Gerken had to be alert to parry away the resulting free-kick from Anthony Gerrard.[LNB]Carey then saw a header comfortably pouched by Marshall after Hartley had delivered another dangerous set-piece.[LNB]At the other end, the impressive Wildig saw a lobbed effort sail inches over the bar after Gerken had struggled to deal with a weak backpass from McAllister.[LNB]Cardiff suffered a blow in the 39th minute as experienced midfielder Gavin Rae limped off, with Solomon Taiwo coming on in his place.[LNB]Hartley came close again six minutes into the second half, drilling narrowly over from 30 yards after Nicky Maynard's neat lay-off.[LNB]Bluebirds keeper Marshall then saw a clearance charged down by Maynard, but the ball bounced to safety.[LNB]As both sides continued to battle against the elements, Gerken made routine stops to deny Gerrard and McCormack.[LNB]The Robins' stopper was called into action again in the 70th minute when he eventually claimed the ball after a Peter Whittingham corner had led to a goalmouth scramble.[LNB]But Gerken was at fault soon after as his weak clearance gave Chopra the chance to score his first goal in 14 appearances.[LNB]Cole Skuse almost levelled in stoppage-time with a half-volley from the edge of the area that brought a good save from Marshall.[LNB]And City did eventually pull level moments later as Williams - on as a replacement for Hartley - fired into the far corner from 20 yards.[LNB][LNB]
