Cardiff City v Blackpool, 19 August 2000

Although still to officially takeover, Cardiff's new owner Sam Hammam received at tumultuous welcome as he strolled onto the pitch five minutes before kick-off waving a Welsh flag to signal the start of a new Ninian campaign. The Bluebirds joined in the fun in the South Wales sun by taking the lead when Paul Brayson (on his home debut) charged down the right before laying the ball off for Kevin Nugent to finish from close range. City failed to extend their lead and dogged Pool made the most of only their second shot on target. As against Hull City last week, John Murphy struck in the closing stages. Last Saturday both teams were celebrating. This week they had to be satisfied with a share of the spoils and, especially for Cardiff, hope for the future.