Cherries go on top

UNFLAPPABLE, slick, and hardly needing to put a hair out of place, Scott Parker and Bournemouth moved to the top of the Championship.

Philip Billing’s only goal of the match (above) might suggest it was edgy or anxious, but this victory was as cleanedged as the handiwork of man-abouttown Parker’s personal tailor.

Only late on did the Cherries appear remotely vulnerable, when Cardiff finally managed to whip up a head of steam as they bombarded the visitors’ box from long range.

But an offside flag had already been raised when Sean Morrison’s header struck the bar, substitute James Collins headed over, and when Kieffer Moore hit the deck it seemed to have little to do with any Bournemouth defender.

The win means Bournemouth remain unbeaten and with three victories on the trot and it appears

Parker’s decision to leave Fulham is starting to look a shrewd one.

Billing’s decisive moment came in the 54th minute when he took a pass from Adam Smith, measured his angles, and drilled a low shot into the far corner.

Parker added: “We were up against a big, physical side who deliver long throws and who can cause you massive problems.

“I asked my players to be brave and they were. For large parts, we nullified their game.”

Cardiff manager Mick Mccarthy added: “They are an almost-perfect Championship team. It was always going to be tough for us.”

CARDIFF CITY: Phillips 6; Sang 5 (Colwill 61, 6), Flint 5, Morrison 6, Nelson 5, Brown 6 (Bagan 73, 5); Vaulks 6, Pack 5, Bacuna 5; Harris 6 (Collins 61, 6), Moore 6.

Unused Subs: Smithies, Mcguinness,ng, Bowen.

BOURNEMOUTH: Travers 7; Zemura 6, Kelly 7, Cahill 7, Smith 6; Lerma 6, Pearson 7, Billing 8; Christie 7 (Rogers 80), Solanke 7 (Lowe 89), Anthony 7 (Mepham 90).

Unused Subs: Nyland, Brooks, Marcondes, Stacey.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Philip Billing. Tall, strong and authoritative, he bossed the midfield and scored a composed winner.

REFEREE: Joshua Smith 7.