Starting XI
1) Mark Manley
2) David Manley
3) Carl French
4) Matthew Rowley
5) Russell Palmer
6) Craig Palfrey
7) Gavin Bishop
8) Luke Haggert
9) Stephen Mustey
10) Phil Gough
11) Carl Manley

Once again key attacking players, Nicky Ball and Gareth Fundalski and captain Andy Kingman were unavailable due to work commitments which always seems to be the case when Northern have games against teams they should be able to beat.

Once again out of form Phil Gough partnered the erratic Stephen Mustey up front while there was a new look centreback partnership of Matthew Rowley and new signing Russell Palmer and a midfield pairing of Craig Palfrey and Luke Haggert.

The game started slowly with both teams feeling each other out. As usual Cardiff Northern's best attacks were via wingers Carl Manley and, to a lesser degree, Gavin Bishop. Mark Manley was in his best form for a while
and was calling well and sharp to come off his line while the Admiral keeper was struggling to find his players as any ball in the middle of the park was won by Palfrey who was in inspired form, once again wearing the captains armband.

As usual Northern's best chances in the first half fell to Mustey but his luck wasn't in and the ball just wouldn't find the net. Once he rounded the keeper only for the ball to stick in a puddle and a defender was able to get back to clear. Carl Manley saw a rocket long range effort flash past the post before the keeper was able to react but as the half wore on Admiral started to get back into the game more.

Then came the sucker punch. As both teams seemed content to go in 0-0 at the break an Admiral midfielder was allowed to break through and he shot past Mark Manley right on the stroke of half time. Northern go in 1-nil behind at the break and the half time team talk that was to follow will go down in Cardiff Northern history. Craig started speaking but was soon interrupted by Mustey who launched a full scale tirade of abuse at Phil as he didn't believe he was pulling his weight in the team. Despite several players efforts to diffuse the row it continued as Northern went back onto the pitch for the second half - hardly the best start to a crucial 45 minutes in Northern's season. Miraculously the row didn't unsettle the team and Phil did actually pick up his effort level as if trying to prove a point to his strike partner. Northern dominated the attack and when Phil mishit a shot it was cleared to Craig on the edge of the box who chipped past the crowd of players excellently into the top right corner. Northern were the felled by a second sucker punch when Carl French hit an air ball and fell to the floor and Craig caught the Admiral strikers foot and conceded the penalty which was duly despatched past Mark Manley.

Northern got back into it immediately and when further shots were blocked on the line and a corner was forced an high inswinger from Carl Manley was punched into his own net by the normally reliable Admiral keeper for 2-2.

Then came a key moment as Mustey was penned in only for him to turn well and cut the ball back for Gough who tapped home from close in. These two may never be best mates but at least they proved they can work together.

Admiral almost got back into it but a handball was spotted by the referee and an excellent run and cross from Bishop to Mustey gave the Admiral keeper a chance to make a cracking fingertip save. Carl Manley had a good chance but drove his left foot shot wide of the near post when he had more time than he realised and Mark Manley in the Northern goal was making some crucial saves and blocks and was gathering the ball confidently. A throw-in from Dave Manley was flicked on by Phil to Mustey's feet and his shot went inches wide. Finally when a cross from the left was bundled over the line by Palfrey the game was safe and it finally finished 4-2.

Subs: Barrie Willacott, Andy Kingman 
Scorers: Craig Palfrey 2, Carl Manley, Phil Gough
MOM: Craig Palfrey

* Match Reports represent the opinion of the author and in no way represent the opinions of CNFC.