Warnock’s victory gift

CARDIFF CITY boss Neil Warnock celebrated his 69th birthday with a dramatic comeback victory over Norwich.

Warnock said beforehand that positive news of his wife Sharon’s continued recovery from breast cancer had been the best gift he could have asked for.

But his team were able to make it good news on and off the field thanks to second-half goals from Joe Ralls, Junior Hoilett and Omar Bogle after Marco Stiepermann had put Norwich ahead. The win takes Cardiff to within a point of leaders Wolves.

Cardiff were woeful before the break and it was no surprise when Norwich took the lead. The home side failed to clear a corner and Stiepermann fired a low drive into the bottom corner.

Cardiff introduced Lee Tomlin and Bogle at half-time and equalised within four minutes. Sol Bamba headed home but referee Andy Davies had already blown for a penalty for pushing and Ralls stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

Cardiff went on to dominate the rest of the game. Joe Bennett rattled the bar, but the game’s decisive goal came from Hoilett. Loic Damour’s shot was blocked, but Hoilett’s dipping effort evaded Angus Gunn.

Ralls missed a second penalty after Gunn had fouled Tomlin but Bogle made no mistake with the third goal 10 minutes from time.