The players only have themselves to blame

Last updated : 18 April 2004 By Tony Scholes

With Burnley seemingly not prepared to make full use of their substitutes it was Lennie Lawrence who turned it all round when he made two changes within the last twenty minutes.

"Sometimes substitutions have no effect, but today they worked out," said the Cardiff boss.

"Our second goal was an excellent counter-attack and probably the best worked goal we have scored for some time. I felt we were better in the first half, but had nothing to show for it.

"Paul Parry has done very well for us since coming from non-league football and John Robinson produced quite a few moments of quality, but until that penalty we were not looking as though we could score.

"I thought Burnley would play five in midfield when I saw the team sheet and it was a surprise when defender Graham Branch played up front.

"I am very pleased with Andy Campbell as in the 15 minutes he was on the field he showed what a great player he is."

Stan felt we were worth a point, thinks we will stay up, but then put the responsibility for our problems on the players as he surveyed a potential relegation.

He said after the game, "I thought we might have had a point out of it. I thought we did alright but we looked a little tentative and anxious in the first half.

"They got a break with the penalty decision and then scored a second from our free kick. It is frustrating really but I still maintain that we’ll get the points we need to stay in the division.

"I did think the penalty was harsh but they had a bang-to-rights penalty earlier when Glen Little brought their man down. The goal gave them a lift and they had two or three more opportunities after that."

Looking forward into next week Stan added, "Tuesday and next Saturday have always been massive games. We need a win and I’m glad we’re playing so soon. This is our game in hand so we’ll be able to look at it after that and assess where we are.

"If we can get a win on Tuesday that will be the fifty point mark and we can build on that."

And finally he added, "If we don't do it, the players only have themselves to blame as they have enough ability."