BRUCE DELIGHT AS HULL GO SECOND

HULL became the second team to reach a half-century of Championship points with another stroll at the KC Stadium. A first-half penalty from £10million record signing Abel Hernandez and a volley after the break from Sam Clucas took Steve Bruce’s team above Derby into second place and to within five points of leaders Middlesbrough. ‘That’s a wonderful achievement from a team that’s been relegated — to get there in 26 games,’ said Hull manager Bruce. ‘There’s a long way to go but let’s hope when it gets towards the end of the season, and the tickly bit starts, we are still in and around it. Our home form has been impeccable and there’s all to play for.’ Hernandez (right) converted his 11th goal of the season, dispatching his spotkick low past David Marshall after Lee Peltier wrestled Harry Maguire as Clucas delivered a corner. Then, following a much brighter start to the second half from the hosts, Clucas made it 2-0 with a clinical volley. Cardiff rarely threatened after Anthony Pilkington lobbed over their one clear-cut chance in the 27th minute. The Welsh club remain seven points off the play-off spots with manager Russell Slade under pressure amid speculation about his future and with their fans becoming increasingly frustrated. Slade said: ‘I believe in what I’m doing. I’ve done 750 games with a win ratio of around 39 per cent so it doesn’t mean I’m a mug. It means I’m capable and I feel capable of getting this team into the top six. ‘The dialogue with the chairman and chief executive is very good. We all want the same thing.’