How they rated

ALEX SMITHIES

Another relatively assured performance, with very little to do, barring the start of the second half when he was charged down and it almost led to a Bristol City goal. Made an incredible save from Nakhi Wells in the second half.

DION SANDERSON

Again, a couple of hairy moments against Callum O’Dowda in defence, but going forward he looked as likely as anyone to score. Growing in confidence.

SEAN MORRISON (CAPT)

Made a sprawling diving tackle to stop a dangerous Bristol City attack in the first half. Made other excellent blocks after the break, too.

CURTIS NELSON

Famara Diedhiou was a tricky customer but Nelson kept him under wraps for the most part.

JOE BENNETT

Another positive performance at both ends of the pitch from the City left back. Brimming with confidence with ball at his feet once again.

LEANDRO BACUNA

A couple of miscued passes but overall a very solid display from the midfielder. As the game broke up Cardiff needed his energy at both ends of the pitch.

WILL VAULKS

You lose count of just how many times he stymies an opposition attack, sticking in an awkward leg in the middle of the park. Very good once again.

JOE RALLS

Popped up in dangerous areas for City but just couldn’t find that cutting edge to bury his chances. Another dogged performance from him, though.

NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING

A real bums-off-seats player at the moment. His execution is not always there, but you could see Bristol’s defence visibly worried when he picked up the ball.

CALLUM PATERSON

Largely anonymous for the first half, but battled away well and wore down the Bristol defence. Hooked for goalscorer Danny Ward in the second half.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Another player who just couldn’t make his good movement pay. Had a couple of golden opportunities which he could have buried but had a lot of joy down the left. Sloppy in possession late on.

STAR MAN DANNY WARD

(on for Paterson 79) What a moment for him to score that winner. The perfect man at the perfect time. Hammered home the winner after months out of the side, just when Cardiff needed that killer instinct. SUBS Lee Tomlin (on for Mendez-Laing 66) 7: Had little impact out on the left for a small period, but when City needed him he produced the goods to slot Danny Ward through for his chance. What a lovely pass.

Sol Bamba (on for Hoilett 89) NA: Not on long enough to offer him a rating, but was a great substitution from Neil Harris. Made a couple of late interventions.

Not used: Etheridge (gk), Flint, Smith, Pack, Whyte, Murphy

BRISTOL CITY

Bentley; Vyner (Hunt 70), Kalas, Baker, Dasilva; Weimann (Paterson 57), Smith, Nagy, O’Dowda (Benkovic 70); Wells (Afobe 70), Diedhiou

Not used: Wollacott (gk), Watkins, Hinds, Rowe, Massengo

REFEREE

Tim Robinson