Ledley’s Wembley wonder strike

Apr 7 2008 by Paul Abbandonato, Western Mail

JOE LEDLEY’S Wembley wonder strike thunders into the Barnsley goal to send the back of the net bulging – and Cardiff City roaring into the FA Cup final.

Ledley’s stunning ninth-minute volley from over his shoulder set up a dream May 17 clash for Dave Jones’ Bluebirds against Harry Redknapp’s Premiership Portsmouth.

And, having already scored the most famous Cardiff goal since Brian Clark’s never-to-be-forgotten winner against Real Madrid in 1971, Ledley is banking on more Bluebirds success in next month’s final.

His semi-final winner against Barnsley sent 35,000 Bluebirds fans into euphoria.

Ledley purred, “That goal was for the fans. They were simply brilliant in the way they backed us.”

But he emphasised, “We’ve got to the FA Cup final. With confidence, we have to next look to go on and win it.”

Asked about his goal, Ledley said, “It was a difficult ball to hit as it was coming down. But hit it I did, luck was on my side and it went into the back of the net. Scoring so early meant Barnsley came at us for the rest of the game but we defended well.

“The manager just told us at half-time that if we kept a clean sheet we were in the final. That’s exactly what we did.”

Ecstatic City boss Jones punched the air with glee after Ledley’s goal and dubbed the victory the best moment he has had in the FA Cup.

“I’ve never been in this final before so it’s a very special thing for me,” beamed Jones.

“We’ve worked really hard to get to this stage and it is fantastic for everybody associated with the football club.

“With what this football club has been through in the past year, this is a wonderful achievement.

“There were 35,000 fans here cheering us on and it’s great for them.”

Jones smiled, “I suppose getting to the final means I won’t have 1927 rammed down my throat any more.”

He even cautioned, “We will have a beer on the bus as we travel back home to Cardiff.

“But on Tuesday morning we fly to Ipswich for an important league game. So we have to get ready to go again.”