BLUEBIRDS SOAR WITH NAT’S BITE

Mendez-Laing 14

CARDIFF CITY are ready to storm the promotion places for an automatic return to the Premier League, says Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

The winger’s strike secured victory over a wasteful Forest side and gave Cardiff a first way win of the season.

It also made it three matches unbeaten for the Bluebirds since Neil Harris took over the managerial reins from Neil Warnock.

Mendez-Laing (above) saluted Harris for breathing new life into struggling City.

He said: “This was a huge win and we can definitely make the top six. But I’m sure we can do even better and split the top two.

“The sides at the top, Leeds and West Brom, are flying. But if we can string a few wins together we can do it. We need to continue winning at home and pick up more points on the road. This was our first away win of the season and it’s massive.

“The new gaffer’s been like a breath of fresh air. He’s given me a lot of freedom and the confidence to play.”

Cardiff’s first real opportunity saw MendezLaing creating space on the edge of the area before curling a beauty into the bottom corner for his second goal in three matches.

His clinical finish was in sharp contrast to the scattergun shooting of Forest who rained in 30 shots with only two on target.

The home side’s frustration was summed up when centre-back Joe Worrall tried his luck from 40 yards and saw his shot sail harmlessly into the Trent End.

Forest right-back Matty Cash said: “It was just one of those afternoons. We had over 30 shots on goal but just couldn’t stick one away.”