Russell Slade maintained his 100% record as Cardiff City manager with a 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town this evening, ending the visitors' eight-game unbeaten run in the process.
Ipswich were undoubtedly the better side in the first half though, and Daryl Murphy - reinstated to the side following his return from injury - had the game's first chance, but the centre-forward blazed his effort over the bar after an quick break.
The home side then came under a bit of pressure as Cardiff grew into the game, and Dean Gerken had to be alert to tip Anthony Pilkington's dipping strike behind for a corner.
Welsh international Jonny Williams grew into the game and was at the heart of much of Ipswich's play as he set up David McGoldrick, only for the forward to slice his effort wide.
Then Williams set up Connor Sammon after a mazy run through the heart of the Cardiff defence, but Sammon too passed up the opportunity to open the scoring.
The diminutive midfielder had an effort himself shortly afterwards, but dragged his 25-yard strike wide of the post.
The hosts were also dangerous and Federico Macheda thought he had given the Bluebirds the lead when he tapped home a rebound, but the flag was raised when the forward connected with the ball.
It was then the turn of Macheda's strike partner Adam le Fondre, but the 27-year-old lacked composure when unmarked at the far post and wildly smashed his shot over the bar.
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Just as Cardiff looked to be pegging Ipswich back, the visitors took the lead in stunning fashion as Murphy fired a 30-yard strike beyond the reach of David Marshall to put the Tractor Boys 1-0 up.
However, Peter Whittingham wasn't to be outdone, as he sent an equally impressive strike into the top corner to pull his side level at the break.
Two minutes after the interval, Cardiff took the lead for the first time in the game as Pilkington's cross rebounded in off Macheda.
Town weren't out of the game though, and Murphy almost grabbed his second, only to see his header fall just over the bar.
However, Le Fondre put the game beyond Mick McCarthy's side with a neat finish inside the box 22 minutes from time and Cardiff held on to move up to 10th in the Championship.
Kristian Johnson
