CARDIFF 0 N FOREST 1

MICK MCCARTHY admits Cardiff’s standards have slipped but refuses to give up on a play-off bid.

James Garner scored Nottingham Forest’s first-half winner to end their six-game winless streak, but Bluebirds boss Mccarthy said: “If we can get back to winning ways on Monday, that’s what we’ll have to do. I won’t be giving it up.

“We didn’t get going but we had a great reaction in the second half and were the best side, but we couldn’t get the goal. We weren’t at the standard we’ve been at.”

Forest landed the telling blow after 29 minutes when Cyrus Christie caught makeshift wingback Joe Ralls napping to send a low cross into the path of Manchester United loanee Garner, who steered the ball home.

Cardiff lacked ideas, although Will Vaulks sent a half-volley wide from 25 yards and Tom Sang headed over before half-time.

It was a different story after the break though as Christie came to his side’s rescue to block Kieffer Moore’s goalbound effort.

And Leandro Bacuna and Aden Flint both missed the target with half-chances.

The Forest defence held firm until the final five minutes, when Josh Murphy’s cross found Flint five yards from goal, but the big defender (left) headed over the bar.

Forest boss Chris Hughton was delighted with the points, and with young Alex Mighten, who he believes is developing into the complete package.

The 18-year-old winger lit up the Cardiff City Stadium with a dazzling first-half performance and Hughton said: “It was a good opportunity for him.

“It was a fantastic learning curve in a tough game with the responsibilities he had offensively and defensively. He deserved his place in the team.

“One thing I would say about Alex is that he wants to learn. That’s a sign of someone who wants to do well.

“But it was a tough game and we had to battle. Every player had to be resolute.”