Bellamy Stunner As Cardiff City Beat Swansea

Cardiff City produced a determined performance built, unusually, on a sound defence and impressive all-round display as they beat Swansea City courtesy of a late Craig Bellamy strike.

The Bluebirds started much the better and Bothroyd should have scored early on but push his shot past the post. Aaron Ramsey's shot needed a save from De Vries while Chopra was offside when attempting to score the rebound. We forced a number of corners and worked hard, negating Swansea's usually excellent passing game.

Swansea City created moments of danger, but failed to force Heaton into a save all game. Pratley, Sinclair and Gower all blazed over as the Swans lacked their usual poise and patience.

After the break, Swansea pressed on with Scott Sinclair causing problems. However, there was still no end product and it was the Bluebirds who forged the best chances. Paul Quinn missed two good opportunities from corners, while Darcy Blake hit the post after a brilliant mazy run.

Sinclair had the Swans' best attempt, fooling Quinn and cutting inside, only to once again fire his shot over the bar. Quinn was then booked for a lunging tackle that scythed down Sinclair but the outstanding Mark Hudson marshalled his troops to great effect and knocked back every Swansea surge.

In credit to both teams, neither settled for the draw and both were positive until the end. I feel Cardiff City were on top for most of the game, but as usual - the home team grew stronger as the game continues - the Jacks enjoyed a good spell midway through the second half, we weathered it and it was left to hometown hero CRAIG BELLAMY to steal the headlines and grab the win.

It was a good counter-attack from Cardiff, and Bothroyd switched play after breaking down the right. Beallmy worked a one-two with Ramsey, and curled a sublime effort across De Vries and into the far corner - from fully 25 yards. It was an excellent effort, out of almost nothing. It was a good position, and would take an inch perfect shot to beat the impressive De Vries from that distance...... Thankfully it was and Bellamy's stunner won the game, curling massively to creep in via the post.

This was a superb effort for Cardiff City. Debutant Keinan and Hudson were strong, and substitute Blake performed admirably. Olofinjana was a big presence in midfield and while our attack was unusually out-of-sorts - Bellamy stepped up to win the game. The three points provide a massive boost, the clean sheet was very very welcome and to beat your local rivals is always, of course, a very happy occasion!

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