Zahore gives wings to Bluebirds’ quest for promotion

LONDON: Supersub Kenneth Zohore put on his best to move Cardiff another step closer to the Premier League.

The Cardiff striker leapt off the bench at half-time and took down Bristol City with an 82nd-minute tap-in on Sunday.

Neil Warnock’s side remain four points clear in second and are now only six behind leaders Wolves.

It was the Bluebirds’ fourth successive win and 16th clean sheet of the season.

Since losing 2-1 at QPR on New Year’s Day, they have picked up 20 points from a possible 24.

It is promotion-winning form and boss Warnock said: “It was never going to be pretty because the pitch was terrible, the wind was strong and it was a local derby. Having said that, we tried to play and I felt we shaded it.

“We said at half-time that it could be a sloppy goal that wins or loses it. I said let’s make sure it’s not us. So I’m delighted we’ve come out with the points and another clean sheet.

“We were aiming for the playoffs from day one and we are nearly there. Anything else would be a bonus.

With no love lost between the two promotion chasers, the game sprung into life with two hefty early challenges.

Cardiff ’s Gary Madine and visiting defender Nathan Baker both required treatment for facial injuries.

With so much at stake and a bitter wind making life even harder, it was never likely to be a classic.

But Cardiff did carve out two quick opportunities in the 12th minute. Madine saw his shot blocked and then Callum Paterson’s strike was deflected behind for a corner.

After that, neither side could gain a genuine foothold and at one stage it felt like there were more fouls than completed passes.