 Midfielder Joe Ledley stepped up to raise Cardiff spirits |
Joe Ledley raised the gloom at Ninian Park with a winner 15 minutes from time to see off visitors Sheffield United. Cardiff were forced to sell their skipper Graham Kavanagh on Friday because of deep financial problems.
But Jobi McAnuff's cross from the left let Ledley, in because of Kavanagh's departure, convert from close range and ease Cardiff's relegation fears.
The Blades only had chances from Nick Montgomery and Phil Jagielka as they lost ground in the play-off race.
Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence
"Today each of our players had excuses but not one player looked for an excuse and every one of them did everything I wanted.
"We need three more wins and it is going to be hairy but we will stay up.
"I cannot say no more players will be sold but I will work with (Cardiff owner) Sam Hamman and the directors to resolve this difficult situation as soon as possible."
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock
"It was always going to be difficult in the windy conditions but Cardiff adapted to them in the second half much better than we did in the opening period.
"We did not get enough bodies in the box in the first half and Cardiff had two or three chances and managed to take one of them.
"Our defeat was not down to fatigue by our players, just a lacking in quality on the day."
Cardiff: Alexander, Weston, Gabbidon, Collins, Barker, Langley, Ledley, Inamoto, McAnuff, Thorne (Bullock 13), Jerome (Fleetwood 87).
Subs Not Used: Warner, Vidmar, Williams.
Booked: Collins. Goals: Ledley 75.
Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Bromby, Cullip, Harley, Jagielka, Montgomery (Quinn 83), Liddell (Francis 84), Gray, Beckett (Kabba 69).
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Thirlwell.
Att: 12,250
Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).
MMIX
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