Three Bridges produced a gutsy display in their second round tie against Cardiff City at Ninian Park last night before going down 3-1.

Two goals in the last seven minutes eventually gave Cardiff victory but Bridges can look back with satisfaction on their display.

Cardiff have spent heavily on their youth development programme and consider it a match for many Premiership set-ups.

Their team included a number of Welsh internationals and they had the edge with their slick passing for most of the match.

If Bridges could not quite match their hosts in quality, they were never found wanting in terms of commitment.

Goalkeeper Mark Fox produced a string of outstanding saves while Sam Thornback was also a key figure.

Michael Parkins gave Cardiff a third minute lead with a shot from outside the penalty area but five minutes later Bridges were level. Pat Dunning who took advantage as goal keeper Danny Brimble mistimed his rush from the line.

Cardiff stepped up the pace in the second half but Bridges battled superbly until the 83rd minute when Stuart Fleetwood struck. Substitute Jon Kift made it 3 -1 with two minutes left.

Three Bridges: Fox, Loosemore, Chapman (Comolli 76), Ahearne, Faili, Thornback, Jones, Dunning, Greenidge (Bates 52), Joyce (Leatherdale 52), Bowell. Unused subs: Medhurst, Skevis).