Snapshot: The first ever Vansdirect Trophy was shared between Cardiff City and AFC Ajax on Friday night, in what was an entertaining nil-nil draw against Champions League opposition.

Goalmouth chances were in limited supply, but the reaction from the supporters at half and full time told a story of what was some impressive football, albeit without the killer touch to see the Vansdirect Trophy claimed by either side. As holders of the trophy, Cardiff City retained possession, ensuring the clean-sheet of results was maintained ahead of next Saturday's opener against Southampton.

Detailed Report: Soccer AM would have found difficulty calling the weather conditions 'light drizzle' for the evening kick-off at Ninian Park, but regardless of the early conditions there was no denying the electricity in the air as 'the end of an era' began at our iconic old stadium - the last minute queues outside as the match kicked off testament to the affiliation and affection felt by most.

While the newspapers were predominantly focussing on Glenn Loovens, there still were plenty on show to entice the Bluebirds faithful yet to see some of our new recruits. In the starting ranks were Tom Heaton, Mark Kennedy, and Ross McCormack, while on the bench were Miguel Comminges and Darren Dennehy.

Thankfully the downpour eased as the early exchanges were made - the football difficult to track initially as streams of fans were still arriving and migrating from the Grange End and Bob Bank terrace to higher climbs above.

While Ajax held obvious qualities in fluid and slick football, their early foray into the Cardiff box were limited due to being held off by their hosts. Simultaneously Mark Kennedy looked a solid prospect for the starting left-back slot, showing his quality crossing skills and an emerging partnership with Joe Ledley which could grow stronger.

The opening half continued with few gilt-edged chances, but nonetheless the football served was entertaining, especially considering the opposition at our door. As expected the likes of Dennis Rommedahl on their books who was well marshalled in the area after nine minutes by Kennedy, preventing the chance to fire.

Neat passing exchanges continued by both sides without any real penetration to drastically bring either 'keeper into the spotlight. A few half but fruitless chances came for the likes of Ross McCormack to try to connect to, while after thirty minutes Ajax had their closest effort through skipper Huntelaar's mid range drive to sting the palms of Tom Heaton with a clean parried save.

While the first half wasn't explosive and highlight laden, there was still merit to be placed at the feet of the City squad - Gavin Rae, Steve Thompson and Joe Ledley in one exchange winning applause for their midfield tenacity to win the ball back and regain the City momentum.

The half ended with a few further chances, most notably for Ajax and a Perez header that should have gone in following clever passing and a great cross from Schilder on the left. The parity shared was a fair reflection on events, with the Ninian faithful applauding both teams as they left the field.

HALF TIME: CARDIFF 0 - 0 AFC AJAX

Cardiff made a solitary change immediately after the break, bringing on Darren Purse for Glenn Loovens at the back.

The second half opened rather tamely, with little to report in the openingthe minutes other than a rocket of a shot from <> that thankfully flew wide of Heaton's right post. The effort was then followed by Paul Parry's introduction for Steve Thompson.

Cardiff certainly held their own against the Dutch giants, as Ross McCormack grew in stature and linking well with Whittingham to almost force the Ajax back-line open with a telling cross, forcing the defence to clear. Following the resulting corner however, Ajax broke through Leonardo who forced Heaton to come out and react. The two collided, but Leonardo was fine to resume after some minor treatment.

The half continued with further personnel changes for Ajax as the minutes ticked on, but they still found it hard to find a way through for an opener. Leonardo continued to look the most prominent threat for our visitors with some mazy runs, but lacking the killer finish to spoil Heaton's night.

Truth be told, Ajax looked to finish the half the stronger, though City were certainly at home with the Champions League team, matching them in all areas. Continued changes enforced by Ajax definitely quelled the momentum that Cardiff hard worked to build up and the pace of the match slowed considerably.

After seventy nine minutes Leonardo again looked sharp, penetrating the Cardiff area, though Purse got a toe in to stem the initial attack only for Leonardo to recover, regather and sell a beautiful step-over dummy that allowed Rommedahl to shoot firmly from 12 yards. Heaton however was once again more the equal to the effort.

City responded quickly and another neat first touch from McCormack came to free Whitts, only for his low arching cross to clear everyone in the box, including Ledley who was arriving ominously at the back post.

The final ten minutes came to show some strong work from Martina down the right and a neat square ball found Bakircioglu the in the box - but he ballooned his effort over from a promising position 10 yards out. Ajax were reduced late on to two pot shots from midrange - the first from the left of the area from Rommedahl and then by Donald dead centre but both failed to test Heaton excessively.

Any injury-time excitement was supplied solely by the pantomime antics of the travelling support until a Comminges header deflected dead in the six yard box which caused a momentary scramble and a second of excitement when the ball fell to McNaughton 30 yards out on the half volley.

However any thoughts of a repeat of his Hereford Cup heroics were scuppered when his effort clattered the advertising boardings to the left of the goal.

Three minutes were added, but the stalemate was the only outcome on the cards. The Vansdirect trophy was shared, meaning we get to keep it thanks very much. Make that two pre-season trophies, but don't tell anyone.

FULL TIME: CARDIFF 0 - 0 AJAX

Att - 11,492