How they rated

BEN AMOS

That he had so little do it was a credit to the defence in front of him. A smart save late on and looked authoritative. 6

MATTHEW CONNOLLY

An excellent return to the side. Caught out once but took his yellow card and did not look out of place at all. 7 7

SOL BAMBA

Excellent again at the back, particularly in the first half. Barely lost a header against two excellent strikers. 7

JOE BENNETT

Almost caught out early on but played his part in a long-awaited clean sheet. First time Brighton have failed to score since September. 7

ARON GUNARSSON

Came as close as anyone with a smart effort from distance after beating a couple of players. Quieter after that but ever so solid. 6 6

JOE RALLS

Very quiet game. Full of industry and tracked back diligently but Cardiff perhaps didn’t get enough out of their midfield in an attacking sense. 6 6

PETER WHITTINGHAM

Had precious little in front of him to hit. Being one of the division’s best passers unfortunately doesn’t count for much in games like this. 6 6

KADEEM HARRIS

Didn’t have much of a chance to attack and show his speed but on a surprise return to the team, certainly showed his manager that he can be trusted defensively. 6 6

JUNIOR HOILETT

By far Cardiff’s brightest spark in attack, a few moments of wizardry on the ball. Sacrificed himself impressively after being asked to give up his striker role to muck in at the back. A great asset. 7 6

FREDERIC GOUNONGBE

Service and support running wasn’t great but did little to repay his manager’s faith, in truth. Never looked likely to land his first Cardiff goal. 5 5

STARMAN SEAN MORRISON

Not put under anywhere near as much pressure as against Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia but no disputing this was a hugely improved performance. Very solid. 7

SUBSTITUTES

Anthony Pilkington (for Gounongbe 70), Kieran Richardson (for Hoilett 90). Not used: Wilson, Manga, Noone, Zohore, Chamakh

BRIGHTON

Stockdale, Bruno, Dunk, Duffy, Bong, Sidwell, Stephens, Skalak (Knockaert 70), Murphy, Murray, Baldock (Pocognoli 90). Subs not used: Maenpaa, Hemed, Goldson, March, Norwood

YELLOW CARDS

Cardiff: Connolly 49, Whittingham 65, Gunnarsson 75 Brighton: Duffy 50, Bong 68, Dunk 83

RED CARD

Brighton: Bong 90

REFEREE

Roger East (Wiltshire)

ATTENDANCE

16,168