Royals denied by late 'goal'

The goal line technology debate reared its head at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday night as a late Jay Bothroyd header earned Cardiff a share of the spoils, despite appearing not to cross the line. Noel Hunt had given the Royals an early lead and we appeared well equipped to hang on for the three points until the late controversy.

With Noel Hunt, Simon Church and Shane Long all on the pitch from the start we were expected to go at the visitors from the start and that paid off within five minutes. Good work from Church saw a deep cross find Hunt at the back post and he stabbed home from a tight angle, coming in off his position on the left wing. It was his first goal since August 2009 and he celebrated with his trademark summersault.

Church had a great chance in the first half but the Cardiff keeper saved well whilst early in the second Long tried to lob the onrushing stopper when capitalising on a poor back pass but his effort went wide. Hunt also had a header well saved before the games major talking point.

A cross into the box was met by Bothroyd and his header hit the underside of the bar, before bouncing down on the line and out off the post. The linesman immediately flagged for the goal but the Royals players were incensed. Having watched it back numerous times I have no idea whether it was a goal or not, so how the lino can be so sure with just a couple of seconds to decide is beyond me. I thought officials were only supposed to give decisions if they are 100% sure?

Despite this it was a promising display from the Royals and we deserved more than the point we got, and that is something to build upon against Norwich on Saturday.

Brian Howard was excellent in midfield with an all action display. Passed well, tackled strongly and put in a solid display alongside Jem Karacan. A good response to those who gave him stick for a poor display against QPR at the weekend.

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