EXCLUSIVE…
It’s a case of once bitten, twice shy for cake-maker extraordinaire Lisa Smith, as she bids to make Yaya Toure’s 32nd birthday that little bit tastier.
Lisa, a lifelong Manchester City fan, wasn’t leaving anything to chance after last year’s ‘CakeGate’ shenanigans – so she baked an exquisite two-and-a-half-foot high creation for the giant Ivorian.
The six-tiered cake, expertly covered in sky blue and white fondant icing, comes complete with a City scarf draped over a football and the greeting ‘Yaya Toure, Happy Birthday, 32’.
In football terms, Lisa went into extra time – 120 minutes – to whisk up the confectionary masterpiece, a sumptuous vanilla sponge with butter cream and strawberry jam.
Yaya’s birthday coincides with the second anniversary of Lisa’s business, The Cake Box based on London Road, Hazel Grove in Stockport, so it’s something of a double celebration.

It’s a celebration – Yaya has already tasted sweet success as Ivory Coast skipper when he lifted the African Cup of Nations in February. Courtesy@MCFC
Lisa said: “After all the controversy and alleged goings on of last year, I just wanted to ensure Yaya had a really nice birthday cake this time around.
“He has given me and all City fans some very sweet moments in the last few years, so this was my way of returning the compliment.”

Peak of his powers – Yaya fires home City’s 100th league goal last season en-route to the Premier League title. Courtesy@MCFC
The idea to make the cake – worth £200 – for the powerhouse City midfielder even received the seal of approval from the red side of Manchester.
Lisa explained: “My partner Jay is a massive Manchester United fan, and he encouraged me to do it. He thinks it’s great.”
With Lisa ensuring there’s no chance of CakeGate The Sequel, she’s hoping Yaya will stay with City, amid rumours of a possible move away from the Etihad to Inter Milan, Juventus or Paris Saint Germain.
“Yaya’s one of my favourite City players, along with Vincent Kompany.
“It’d be great if he could recapture his best form, help City regain the title and stick around so I can make him an extra special cake to celebrate his 33rd birthday and a third Premier League title.”
Lisa is due to deliver the cake to Yaya’s home later this evening.
By David Walker
The Cake Box cater for a vast array of cakes for all different occasions, but here are another two of Lisa’s Manchester City creations…
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