Cardiff City Grind Out Priceless Win Over Hull

Cardiff City secured a second successive 2-0 victory over an in-form rivals after a priceless win over Hull City allowing City to keep pace with QPR and Swansea City who both also won.

The Bluebirds actually started poorly and were indebted to a fantastic Tom Heaton save to prevent Fryatt from scoring. Cardiff struggled for possession but made a tactical change and improved dramatically with a 3-man midfield.

Bothroyd and Keinen had efforts cleared off the line but the best chance fell to Chopra who found space and beat Brad Guzan only for on-loan Cardiff defender Anthony Gerrard to clear.

Hull City forged moments of danger but few clear cut chances, thanks in no small part to the magnificent Kevin McNaughton who was immaculate. It was McNaughton who assisted the opener after charging down the left and presenting an inviting cross for MICHAEL CHOPRA to steer home.

Hull City pressed on and went close when substitute Nick Barmby latched onto McNaughton's header under pressure but the veteran could only fire over as Heaton stood tall.

Cardiff City got no help from the referee, with the official clearly accusing Bothroyd and Chopra of going down too easily. That meant he missed some obvious decisions, including one definite foul on Chopra but more worryingly a reckless late challenge on McPhail went completely unpunished.

Cardiff sealed the win courtesy of a strange goal when sub JAY EMMANUEL_THOMAS managed to squeeze an effort in when it looked like the danger had passed. His shot from a tight angle came in injury time after a period of prolonged Hull City pressure but they had only a deflected Barmby free-kick and tame Fryatt effort to show as Keinen and Hudson stood firm.

A crucial victory for the Bluebirds, and probably deserved. This was far from a polished performance but we took our chances in an end-to-end affair and ground out the much needed win. Well done City.

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