City History | Famous Fixture: Luton Town

Ahead of City's trip to Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon, we look back at a notable previous meeting between the two sides...

The Bluebirds had enjoyed a blistering start to the 2006/07 season ahead of their home fixture against Luton Town on September 16th, 2006. Defeated only once in their opening seven fixtures of the season, a slew of new summer signings had paired well with the existing side, including the likes of Michael Chopra and Steve Thompson with Joe Ledley and Paul Parry.

In front of over 14,000 supporters on that day at Ninian Park, the Bluebirds went about defeating the Hatters, beginning in the 10th minute with a penalty kick from Darren Purse. The captain stood up to the 12-yard spot and sent it home, putting his side ahead early in the contest.

Paul Parry curled home for the second, latching onto Chopra's pass towards the edge of the area to strike well with his left foot, doubling the lead as the match reached the interval.

The Hatters struck back through Rowan Vine, whose shot from a tight angle beat Neil Alexander and flew in at the far post, reducing the deficit. Vine, who had joined the club months prior, would go on to score 12 goals for the Hatters that season, being named their top scorer at the end of a campaign that saw them finish in 23rd place on the Championship league table.

Two second half goals scored by Chopra sealed the victory for the hosts, as the striker was rewarded for his earlier assist with a pair of well-taken goals for his tally. The Bluebirds attacked down the right flank for both chances, cutting the ball into the area at pace for the former Magpie to burst forward and strike home whilst left unmarked.

Defeating the Hatters, City had reclaimed their place at the top of the division with a resounding victory over their opponents, continuing a good run of form in front of the City faithful at Ninian Park.

City Scorer Profiles

Darren Purse

Opening the scoring on the day was Darren Purse, who picked up his first goal of the season for the Bluebirds. Having joined the Bluebirds from West Brom at the start of the season prior, Purse was made captain and scored six goals in 43 appearances for the side, as City finished the season at 11th place in the Championship.

The defender would go on to score three more goals in the 2006/07 season across 33 appearances, and played in a total of 111 league matches for the Bluebirds before leaving for Sheffield Wednesday in 2010.

Paul Parry

Scoring City’s second goal of the afternoon was Paul Parry. The Chepstow-born winger who had grown up watching the Bluebirds play had joined two years prior in the summer of 2004.

Beginning his career at Hereford United – where he made 150 league appearances between 1998-2004 – the winger moved to play in South Wales, where over a five year period he would play regularly for the Bluebirds, scoring 24 goals for the Club.

Michael Chopra

A brace against the Hatters in September 2006 gave Michael Chopra his sixth goal of the season as the former Newcastle United player began his first campaign with the Bluebirds.

Born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the striker began his career with the Magpies, and following six years with the club and several loan moves (to Watford, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley), Chopra made the first permanent move of his career by shifting to play at Ninian Park.

Though the Bluebirds couldn’t keep their early momentum going throughout the 2006/07 season, Chopra had an immediate impact on their attacking capabilities, bolstering City wel as they went forward up the pitch.

The England youth side international scored 22 league goals in his first season with the Club, being named top goalscorer at the end of the campaign, with Paul Parry finishing in second place on the board with 12 goals to his name.