Stockport was the setting for the Bluebirds penultimate friendly fixture before the opener against Stoke City on August 11th. It was a sombre atmosphere with the death in the week of Danny Bergara and tributes were made to the fantastic stalwart.

Dave Jones, who started his career under Danny put out a strong starting eleven as he looked toward his first choice side. Robbie Fowler and new signing Ross Turnbull were in attendance, keeping an eye on their new team mates from the stands.

With competition all over the squad now City boss Jones has currently a few selection questions ahead of the opener in two weeks time.

What can you say about the first half? Seven goals scored - four of which came from the Bluebirds and yet they still came off at the break 4-3 down. That summed it up.

The Bluebirds looked quality going forward and it wasn't long before they got their just reward. Gavin Rae opened the scoring after some great movement and play from Steve MacLean setting up the Scottish International to finish in style.

City doubled their lead three minutes later after more solid link up play from MacLean which allowed Sinclair space down the right to shot across keeper Adamson and into the net.

Then in a space of three minutes Stockport were right back in the game courtesy of two Bluebirds mishaps. The first came from Gavin Rae as a misunderstanding between Forde and Rae lead to the midfielder heading past his keeper into an empty net.

The equaliser was another own goal as Purse failed to get the cross away and he helped the ball into his own net. Jason Taylor gave County the lead with a stunning left foot volley from 25 yards the fizzed past everyone into the top left hand corner to give Stockport the lead.

It wasn't long before the hosts went further ahead with David Poole hitting a far post volley that Forde couldn't keep out.

The quality of football shown by City going forward was exceptional and again they cut County apart which culminated in MacLean scoring from close range after Trevor Sinclair saw his header rebound of the cross bar.

Referee Mark Haywood drew a close the first 45 minutes that was entertaining to say the least.

Half Time: Stockport County 4 - 3 Cardiff City

The second half didn't really live up to the first 45 minutes in terms of goals and excitement. Stockport got the first goal of the second half through the impressive Liam Dickenson after another defensive lapse from Purse who's clearance hit Glen Loovens before Dickenson smashed a volley past Oakes.

County made it six with another great finish from Anthony Pilkington after he stepped inside beating Capaldi and firing a great left foot shot past Oakes to make it Six.

Peter Whittingham cut the deficit late on with a good finish after nice build up play from Green. Whittingham then nearly doubled his goal tally with a great left foot shot that rattled the County bar.

In truth it was a game that will provide City boss Jones with plenty of positives in terms of going forward, but will have to sharpen up the defending.

City will now look forward to the home friendly against F.C Twente on Saturday with two more new faces in Turnbull and Fowler.

Full Time: Stockport County 6 Cardiff City 4

Attendance: 3,215 (215 City)

More to follow

Forde, McNaughton, Capaldi, Purse, Loovens, Rae, McPhail, MacLean, Feeney, Ledley, Sinclair. Subs: Oakes, Whittingham, Parry, Gunter, Cooper, Green