
If Halifax seemed like a turning
point then this match seemed like a corner turned. City emerged
from a difficult away game with their unbeaten run intact, a clean
sheet and three points. City, on the back foot for most of the
first hour, eased themselves to victory with well taken goals
from Nugent and Earnshaw. 'Keeper Mark Walton played a significant
role, pulling off some outstanding saves throughout the match.
The first truly outstanding result of the season.
Nugent has responded well to the threat of Fortune West, although
Gould has made it clear that he has room in his side for three
strikers. Nugent was once described as a kind of 'low rent Teddy
Sheringham' of the lower divisions. There's some truth in that.
He makes up for a lack of pace with intelligence, heads well and
is ususally a nuisance to defences. He also chips in with his
fair share of goals.
Besides Fortune West, there has even been talk of bringing back
Simon Howarth for a vastly inflated fee. Howarth is said not be
a favourite amongst Wigan fans despite his goals. That's no surprise
as he lacks charisma. Howarth may not have made the most of his
time at Coventry in terms of appearances or goals, but like Mark
Delaney, he is a player intent on learning and improving.
Walton has responded to the threat of being replaced, too. Andy
Marriot, like Fortune west, is obviously holding out for a lucrative
deal. He was excellent for Wrexham a few years ago and can count
himself unlucky to be third choice at Sunderland where he is highly
rated. But considering he left Wrexham to further his ambitions
to play at a higher level, is it concievable that he would drop
down three divisions to play for Cardiff?
As stated previously, because of City's current lowly status they
will have to pay through the nose for quality players.