On This Day | Play-Off Final glory in Cardiff

On this day in 2003, Cardiff City beat QPR in the Division Two Play-Off Final at the Millennium Stadium.

Robert Earnshaw's record-breaking goal tally in the 2002/03 campaign had helped secure the Bluebirds sixth spot in the Division Two table.

Earnie scored a total of 35 goals that campaign, with his final-day strike against Crewe setting up a Play-Off Semi-Final with Bristol City.

The Bluebirds navigated the two legs of the Severnside Derby, as Peter Thorne scored the only goal of either contest at Ninian Park to secure a home city Final.

The redevelopment of Wembley Stadium meant that the Bluebirds would have home advantage at the Millennium Stadium – a sold-out allocation resulting in a special atmosphere in the Welsh capital.

The game remained goalless until the second half of extra time, when Gareth Whalley intercepted Clarke Carlisle's pass and sent Andy Campbell through with a pass over the head of Danny Shittu.

Campbell's instinctive, left-footed lob that followed would be remembered among the most iconic goals in City history. 

After 18 years in the third and fourth tiers, the Bluebirds were back.

Remote Stream
LEGENDS LOCKDOWN | LEO & CAMS – PART 1

Leo Fortune-West and Andy Campbell reflect on their City careers, including the 2003 Play-Off Final, courtesy of video interview platform, Blinder.

Subscribe to Cardiff City FC on YouTube and watch all four parts of Leo & Cams' Legends Lockdown here!

Read Time: 2 mins