Live Commentary

Last Updated at 10:37 pm, January 24th 2012

Cardiff fans are on the pitch celebrating after their team held their nerve on penalties to book a place at Wembley for the Carling Cup final against either Liverpool or Manchester City. Crystal Palace produced a spirited display to take the game to spot kicks but they completely crumbled during the shoot-out as Bluebirds goalkeeper Tom Heaton made two saves to become a club hero.
PARR MISSES! Cardiff win 3-1 on penalties after Jonathan Parr misses the target.
GOAL WHITTINGHAM! Whittingham curls his effort casually into the top corner of the net.
GOAL JEDINAK! The Palace man drills his effort low into the bottom left corner.
GOAL GESTEDE! Easy as you like, Gestede strokes the ball into the bottom left corner.
SCANNELL MISSES! Another weak penalty is saved by Heaton but this time down to his right.
GOAL CONWAY! The Cardiff man drills a powerful shot straight down the middle.
EASTER MISSES! A weak penalty is saved by Heaton down to his left.
MILLER MISSES! The Scotland international blazes high over the bar!
2225
Right, after a short break it's nearly time for the spot kicks. Kenny Miller will take the first one in front of the Cardiff fans...
120
The gutsy Eagles get it clear again and much to their relief the final whistle sounds. It's been a night of high drama and perhaps the most fitting way to settle this is with a penalty shoot-out.
120
Another Conway cross on the left is deflected behind by Scannell and it's another corner for Palace to defend.
120
One minute of stoppage-time to play before a penalty shoot-out is required.
120
Conway's delivery finds Gunnarsson, who plants a powerful header against the bar from point-blank range. Unbelievable miss! Moments later the same player has another header but this time it drifts wide.
119
Taylor's cross on the left wing is deflected behind by Scannell for a corner.
118
Zaha is chopped to ground by Whittingham on the left wing and although Palace have a free kick, no yellow card is shown.
117
Cardiff come within inches of winning it as a Whittingham shot inside the box takes a wicked deflection off Gardner and just goes wide.
116
Gardner is there to block a shot from Kiss inside the box following a clever cut-back from McNaughton on the right.
115
Gestede rises highest to win a header inside the box but his effort is straight at Speroni.
114
Cardiff pile on the pressure with a good spell of possession but Palace hold firm before Scannell clears.
113
The tireless Zaha wins the ball for Palace in their own half before finding Scannell in midfield. The youngster charges forward and finds Easter inside the box but the striker can't quite get a shot in.
112
The Cardiff fans must be wondering what their team has to do in order to score a second goal.
111
Gestede cushions down a cross from the right for Kiss, who lashes a fierce shot against the bar.
110
The resulting free kick comes to nothing but you just sense Palace are happy to wait for penalties.
110
Gunnarsson is shown the yellow card after a foul on Zaha in midfield.
109
The visitors are unable to create a chance from the set-piece.
109
Palace will run down the clock after winning a free kick in midfield.
108
Conway's cross comes into the box but Palace fans will be relieved to see it go behind for a goal kick.
107
Cardiff are immediately on the front foot and have a corner on the left.
106
Ten-man Crystal Palace get the second half of extra time under way after spending the mini break in front of the visiting supporters.
105
The whistle sounds to end the first half of extra time. Just 15 minutes to play and if it remains 1-0 on the night then a penalty shoot-out will be needed.
105
Scannell's delivery is a poor one and the Cardiff defence clear with ease.
105
Palace mount an attack down the left and manage to win a corner with just moments of the first half of extra time remaining.
104
The cross into the box is cleared but only as far as Taylor, who blasts a long range shot into a crowd of bodies inside the box before the ball breaks for Gestede. The substitute unleashes a powerful drive with his first touch since coming on but it's straight at Speroni.
103
Cardiff make a change with Cowie coming off to be replaced by Rudy Gestede.
102
Gunnarsson's cross is deflected behind by Zaha and Cardiff have a corner.
101
Palace are battling so bravely but they really are living dangerously.
100
A teasing cross from Miller is is deflected into the air by Gardner before a Kiss header loops over.
99
Cowie's cross is deflected before Palace eventually manage to get the ball clear with Scannell.
98
It's extremely tense here for both sets of supporters as the tie remains so finely balanced at this late stage. It could go either way although Cardiff are marginal favourites with the man advantage.
97
A heavy first touch from Kiss inside the box allows Speroni to claim the ball but the Cardiff man really should have done better.
96
Palace survive a mad scramble in the box as Cowie blazes high over the bar from close range.
95
Down the other end, the resurgent Conway tries to create a chance but his cross is cleared.
94
Scannell's long range shot is blocked on the edge of the box and the danger passes for Cardiff.
93
Conway's cross from the left takes a deflection and Speroni is there to gather safely.
92
It's actually Palace who embark on the opening attack but a cross from the left comes to nothing.
91
Cardiff get the first period of extra time under way against a Crystal Palace side reduced to 10 men. The Bluebirds are narrow favourites to get to Wembley now but their opponents will continue to battle hard and at least force penalties.
90
The full-time whistle sounds and with the aggregate scores level at 1-1, an additional 30 minutes will be required to separate these sides. If it stays 1-0 on the night to Cardiff then a penalty shoot-out will be needed.
90
Zaha advances down the left wing but he's unable to pick out a team-mate with a poor cross.
90
The resulting long throw from Gunnarsson comes to nothing and time is ticking down on Cardiff to score a decisive goal before extra-time.
90
Conway floats a pass into the area but Gardner heads clear to the left.
90
Taylor's low cross from the left is held tightly by Speroni. These are extremely nervous moments for the Eagles.
90
There will be four minutes of stoppage time to play before the final whistle sounds.
90
Conway goes for glory from range but his effort bobbles wide of the post.
90
Speroni punches the ball clear as the Eagles survive for the time being at least.
89
Zaha puts his body on the line to block Cowie's shot inside the box and deflects it behind for a Cardiff corner.
88
McShane wastes it as he fails to find a team-mate with his pass down the line.
87
Palace can slow the game down after winning a free kick in midfield.
86
Cardiff are finding the 10-man Eagles hard to break down and there's not long left to find a goal which would surely see them head to Wembley without the need of extra-time.
85
Miller fires a shot just wide of the post but the offside flag was raised anyway.
84
Stephen McPhail is replaced by Filip Kiss as Cardiff make their second substitution.
83
Palace make another change with Jermaine Easter replacing Murray.
82
The Eagles are digging deep as they try to hold on until the final whistle with the aggregate scores level at 1-1.
81
The hosts are pushing hard for a second goal but Taylor's header from a cross bounces well wide.
81
Cardiff bring on Kevin McNaughton to replace Blake.
80
It's going to be an uphill struggle for Palace now and you'd think they're now going to sit back deeply and just attack on the counter.
79
Whittingham floats the ball into the box but Kagisho Dikgacoi clears for the visitors.
78
Before the free kick can be taken, Ambrose is replaced by Paul McShane.
77
Crystal Palace are down to 10 men after McCarthy goes right through the back of Miller to pick up a second yellow card. The Palace skipper can have few complaints.
76
Just moments after coming on, Scannell picks out Zaha inside the box with a lovely pass but the Eagles star fires wide. Awful miss - he really should have done better.
76
Palace make a change with Martin being replaced by Sean Scannell.
75
Moments later Gunnarsson has a pop at goal but the ball flies well over the bar.
75
The hosts play it out wide but the final cross is cleared away.
74
Whittingham is brought to ground by Jedinak around 40 yards out and Cardiff have a free kick.
73
Patient build up from Cardiff but the final ball is quite predictable and Palace can clear.
72
Palace are very resolute at the back and maybe there best chance is playing for a penalty shoot-out because they're offering very little up front.
71
Cardiff are dominating possession at the moment as they look for the goal which would put them ahead on aggregate.
70
Obviously extra-time will be required if the scoreline stays like this - and if there are no goals in that period then penalties will be needed.
69
Gunnarsson's long throw finds it's way to Miller on the near post and the striker sees his audacious overhead kick go right across the face of goal.
68
A defensive error was to blame for the opening goal of tonight and you sense it will take another mistake for another to be scored as chances are still hard to come by.
67
Whittingham is the best player on the park tonight and another rasping drive from distance whistles past the post.
66
As absorbing as this clash is, the quality of football is still rather scrappy but I guess that's understandable given what's at stake for these clubs.
65
Palace come forward down the right with Murray but his cross into the box is hacked away.
64
Martin's ambitious effort from at least 30 yards out bobbles well wide of the post. What a waste of a good opening.
63
The resulting free kick comes to nothing as Palace clear.
62
Conway is brought to ground by Clyne on the left wing but thankfully for Palace the referee opts against showing him a second yellow card.
61
It's end-to-end action now with both teams really trying to attack.
60
A long punt into the box from Whittingham picks out Gerrard and his header over Speroni is cleared off the line by McCarthy.
59
Cowie is fouled by Gardner in midfield and Cardiff have an opportunity to get the ball forward.
58
Zaha is convinced he's won a corner after his attempted cross is blocked by Blake but Webb awards a goal kick.
57
The resulting corner comes to nothing as Palace clear their lines.
56
Whittingham's curling effort is heading towards the top corner of the net before Speroni tips the ball over the bar. Great effort.
55
McCarthy is booked after he clumsily brings down Miller around 25 yards from goal. Cardiff now have a dangerous free kick which Whittingham will take.
54
Crystal Palace look to break on the counter but poor control from Zaha brings the move to an abrupt end.
53
Poor communication from Gerrard and Heaton almost allows Murray to pounce but the goalkeeper clears the danger.
52
A clever piece of skill from Martin on the edge of the box helps him find some space in which to shoot but he fires high over the bar.
51
This tie is finely poised and it's very difficult to predict who will be taking on either Man City or Liverpool at Wembley.
50
Whittingham drills a crisp low strike from distance just wide of the post although Speroni had it covered.
49
Freedman has clearly instructed his side to go for the jugular in this second half.
48
Ambrose delivers but Patrick McCarthy's puts his free header high over the bar. Very poor from the Eagles skipper.
47
Bright opening for Palace as Clyne earns a corner on the right after his cross is deflected behind.
46
Crystal Palace get this second half under way looking to find the goal that will level the scores on the night and put them ahead on aggregate.
2050
Cardiff are now 1/5 to win after 90 minutes with Sky Bet while Palace are 16/1, with the draw priced at 4/1. The Bluebirds are favourites to reach Wembley at 4/6 with their opponents now available at 6/5. Head to www.skybet.com to place your in-running bets.
45
The half-time whistle sounds and Cardiff head into the break with a 1-0 lead over Crystal Palace on the night but it's 1-1 on aggregate.
45
Miller is desperately unlucky as he fires a powerful shot against the post following a fantastic turn on the edge of the box.
45
There will be three minutes of stoppage time to play before the half-time whistle sounds.
45
Ironic cheers from the home fans as this time Webb penalises Zaha for a foul.
44
Zaha receives some treatment but he should be OK to continue.
43
Replays suggest it was a blatent foul. It's hard to understand how Webb didn't see it. He was well positioned.
42
Zara is bundled over yet again on the left wing - this time by Anthony Gerrard - but Webb isn't interested in giving a free kick.
41
The Eagles can't afford to concede another goal before the break but they won't be too dispirited if it remains 1-0 on the night.
40
A lovely pass from Gunnarsson puts Miller through on goal but although his shot beats the charging Speroni, he can only watch the ball bobble agonisingly wide of the post.
39
Ambrose's ball into the box has plenty of venom as he delivers towards the near post but Gunnarsson punches clear.
38
Zaha flicks the ball past Blake, who body checks him to the ground. Webb shows the Cardiff player a yellow card and Palace have a free kick on the left wing.
37
Zaha comes forward for Palace down the left but is eventual crowded out by the Cardiff defence.
36
Andrew Taylor blasts a shot from a tight angle on the left side of the box high over the bar.
35
Ambrose's in-swinging delivery looks dangerous and prompts Tom Heaton into punching the ball clear. Replays show Martin's shirt was being pulled by Gunnarsson but Webb obviously didn't see it.
34
Zaha wins a free kick for Crystal Palace after being fouled by Cowie on the left wing.
33
Blake floats a high cross into the box from the right but it's too close to Speroni, who takes a routine catch.
32
The ball is lofted deep into the box but poor control from Jedinak takes it behind for a goal kick.
31
The Palace man is OK to resume action as his side prepare to take a free kick in midfield.
30
Chris Martin goes to ground hurt after a crunching challenge from Turner.
29
Chances have been at a premium so far tonight and perhaps the longer it stays like this, Palace have a better chance of at least forcing extra-time.
28
A header from Gunnarsson inside the box goes well over the bar.
27
Cardiff are looking strong at the back and aren't letting any Palace attack through. Although the visitors are hardly making it difficult for them.
26
Freedman is shouting instructions from the touchline - I wonder if he's regretting calling Cardiff a 'nearly team' now?
25
There's no fluency from Palace at the moment and it's hard to see them creating anything unless they make a significant improvement.
24
Whittingham drills his effort straight into the wall and Crystal Palace survive.
23
Cardiff have a free kick in a dangerous position around 25 yards out after Gunnarsson is felled by Jedinak.
22
Miller's header from just inside the box is straight at Speroni, who makes an easy save.
21
The game has gone a bit scrappy now with neither side able to string more than a few passes together.
20
Gunnarsson hurls another long throw into the box from the left but the Crystal Palace defence is prepared for it and manage to clear the danger.
19
Ambrose has the ball out on the right but his cross into the box is headed clear to safety.
18
However, the delivery is a poor one and Cardiff clear their lines with ease.
17
Mile Jedinak's cross on the right is deflected behind for a Crystal Palace corner.
16
The visitors try to get forward down the right with Glenn Murray but a misplaced pass sees the move break down.
15
The Eagles are sitting back in their own half as they struggle to gain any attacking momentum.
14
Darcy Blake delivers a dangerous ball into the box but none of his Cardiff team-mates are able to get on the end of it.
13
On the balance of play it's Cardiff who continue to look the most dangerous side and look eager to strike again.
12
Moments later Whittingham has a shot on goal but Speroni turns it away.
11
Peter Whittingham takes the corner which the Eagles defence manage to clear.
11
Cardiff continue to apply the pressure and win a corner on the right.
10
Nathaniel Clyne is shown the yellow card after tripping Conway in midfield.
9
Crystal Palace get forward as they look to bounce back but Cardiff scramble away a low Zaha shot from the left side of the box.
8
It was a clumsy way for the scorer of the first-leg goal to restore parity on aggregate. Now you'd have to say Cardiff are big favourites now.
7
OWN GOAL GARDNER - Cowie gets down the right side of the area before drilling in a low cross which the unfortunate Gardner diverts into his own net with a diving header.
6
The hosts have started this game in confident mood although the Eagles don't look fazed.
5
Darren Ambrose tries to replicate his stunning goal at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals with a shot from distance here - but the ball flies high into the crowd.
4
Craig Conway goes past Anthony Gardner inside the box before going to ground under pressure from Jonathan Parr but Howard Webb waves away the penalty appeals. Replays suggest it was a bit of a dive.
3
Wilfried Zaha breaks forward on the counter for Crystal Palace but he's eventual tackled on the left.
2
Aron Gunnarsson hurls a long throw into the box and Julian Speroni has to be alert to claim Ben Turner's header.
2
The hosts are immediately on the front foot but Don Cowie is unable to get on the end of a high cross into the box from the left.
1
Cardiff get this Carling Cup semi-final second leg under way against Crystal Palace looking to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit.
1942
Unsurprisingly the capacity crowd are creating a cracking atmosphere inside the Cardiff City Stadium as the players march out onto the pitch.
1935
Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman branded Cardiff a "nearly" team on the eve of this clash while his counterpart Malky Mackay claimed these comments will provide him with plenty of ammunition for his team talk. I have to say it seemed strange for Freedman to prod his opponents this way ahead of such a huge showdown - so it will be fascinating to see how Cardiff's players respond on the pitch. Then again, these kind of tactics have worked wonders for Jose Mourinho throughout this career!
1926
Harry Brown says: "I think Cardiff will need an early goal otherwise they may struggle, but I think they'll get it, 2-1 Bluebirds!"
1925
As you can see from the team sheets below, Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman has changed his entire starting XI for tonight's clash. Goalkeeper Julian Speroni, skipper Paddy McCarthy, fellow defenders Anthony Gardner and Nathaniel Clyne, midfielders Mile Jedinak, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Darren Ambrose, winger Wilfried Zaha and strikers Glenn Murray and Chris Martin all come back into the side after being rested for Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Blackpool. Cardiff are without captain Mark Hudson, who had failed to recover from a knock, so Anthony Gerrard comes into defence. Tom Heaton starts in goal and Stephen McPhail took over the armband as he started in midfield instead of Joe Mason. Tonight's referee is Howard Webb.
The Cardiff team is: Heaton, Blake, Gerrard, Turner, Taylor, Cowie, Whittingham, Gunnarsson, McPhail, Conway, Miller. Subs: Marshall, McNaughton, Kiss, Earnshaw, Gestede, Mason, Ralls.
The Crystal Palace team is: Speroni, Parr, McCarthy, Gardner, Clyne, Ambrose, Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Zaha, Murray, Martin. Subs: Price, Wright, Garvan, Scannell, Easter, McShane, Andrew.
1915
Just to clarify - the away goals rule will only come into play at the end of extra-time. If Cardiff lead by one goal after 90 minutes then there will be extra-time. A penalty shoot-out will only be needed if Cardiff win 1-0 after the additional 30 minutes.
1912
Sky Bet price both Cardiff and Crystal Palace up at 5/6 to qualify for the Wembley final although the hosts are favourite to win this second leg on the night. The Bluebirds are 4/6 to win inside 90 minutes while the Eagles are 9/2, with the draw priced at 13/5. If you think this match is heading to extra-time then you should take the 5/2 about Cardiff winning by exactly one goal. Head now to www.skybet.com to place your pre-match and in-running bets.
1900
Welcome to live text commentary from tonight's Carling Cup semi-final second leg between Cardiff and Crystal Palace. The Eagles take a 1-0 aggregate lead to the Cardiff City Stadium but the Bluebirds will fancy their chances of turning the tie around on home soil. If you fancy sending in your pre-match thoughts then email me at christopher.hammer@bskyb.com

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