SKIPPER SEAN KEEPS CARDIFF IN POLE POSITION FOR PREM PLACE

CARDIFF regained second place in the race to clinch the final automatic promotion spot thanks to Sean Morrison’s double.

It was far from a vintage display by Neil Warnock’s side but they did what was needed in an attritional contest to reclaim their one-point lead over Fulham ahead of the last round of games next weekend.

And Warnock did not underestimate the significance of the three points won.

“It’s as big a game probably in my career when you look at it,” he said. “Everybody keeps expecting us to fall away.

“I know we’re limited and not everybody’s cup of tea but we’re not going away, we’re like a rash. I’m ever so proud of them, they just don’t know when they’re beat.

“They’re hard games, not pretty, but at this stage of the season you can’t expect anything else.”

Hull boss Nigel Adkins admitted his side had nothing to play for.“I’m really disappointed,” he said. “But remember what we’ve come here to do, to make sure we stayed in the division and we’ve done that.”

Hull had scored 14 goals in their last four matches but despite some decent pressure they were unable to force Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge into a save all game.

Chances were in short supply in a scrappy opening half hour as Cardiff in particular struggled to fashion an opening.

But they went ahead with their first effort on target in the 32nd minute as Morrison rose highest to power home a header from Joe Ralls’ inswinging corner.

Cardiff went close to doubling their lead in first-half added time as Junior Hoilett’s drive was beaten away by Allan McGregor, who then gathered the forward’s follow-up header. The Hull keeper showed why he is in demand by keeping out Callum Paterson’s header at the start of the second half.

Cardiff seemed content to sit on their one-goal advantage, although Kenneth Zohore tested McGregor from just outside the area.

Hull then broke down the other end and referee Andy Davies was unmoved after Fraizer Campbell went down in the area from a full-blooded challenge by Morrison.

With rain steadily falling and Hull pressing for an equaliser, Cardiff countered brilliantly to all but guarantee the important three points 10 minutes from time.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing set up Morrison who made no mistake, slotting past McGregor to the delight of the large Cardiff travelling support.