'We won't be in-Hibbitt-ed'

Play-off fever has spread like a virus among success-starved Cardiff City fans.

But first there's the little matter of overcoming bogey team Northampton Town, whom they meet in today's high-noon first leg semi- final at Ninian Park.

If the Cobblers can be brushed aside, City fans may be facing a Wembley play-off final against arch-rivals Swansea City.

That would do much to restore some faith in Welsh football after its international failures. But can City give Ian Atkins' team a leathering today?

The Cobblers have claimed two wins and a draw in four starts against the Bluebirds this season. But that doesn't worry City's director of football, Kenny Hibbitt. "We are the underdogs," he said. "They have turned us over this season and will be favourites. That will worry Ian Atkins - it doesn't bother me."

Atkins has hit back in the war of words. "I've had City closely watched including their last three reserve games. They won't be able to spring any surprises on us - I probably know more about the Cardiff players than they do."

Hibbitt countered: "We have played our youth team in reserve games for the last six months, so he won't have learnt much."

City will be relying on the twin strike force of Simon Haworth and rejuvenated goal ace Carl Dale.

Dale, 31, the scourge of defences last season, has been dogged by injury and illness but has recently looked to have regained his goal touch. "I feel I am going into games knowing I am going to score," he says.

Meanwhile Atkins says an injury scare over striker Jason White has hampered his final selection. But he confirmed he will field a different team from the one that beat Scunthorpe last week.

"It's a different game against a different team, so the team will change." But that might just be his latest shot in the war of words.

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