FA Cup semi-finalists Cardiff City followed up their 2-0 triumph over Middlesbrough with this Championship win over Hull at Ninian Park.

A second-minute goal from midfielder Stephen McPhail was enough to give the Bluebirds victory as they sought to climb the table.

Hull began in a play-off place the Bluebirds covet and fought hard, but fell short as the hosts held on.

Steven Thompson's header gave McPhail the chance to strike home.

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Cardiff City boss Dave Jones:
"It was always going to be difficult and an early goal helped. We knew that because we looked tired.

"The problem is we were looking to put a fresh player on, but we were putting a tired player on.

"But I can't fault them."

Hull manager Phil Brown:
"We knew if we played them on the wrong night we'd be in for a hard game but we gifted them the win.

"It was very frustrating, particularly in the first half, and their goal wasn't even a chance. This was a big opportunity for us but we missed it.

"In the second half we had plenty of opportunities to get the ball into the danger area but the spark was missing."

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Cardiff: Enckelman, McNaughton (Ledley 42), Loovens, Johnson, Capaldi, Whittingham, McPhail, Scimeca (Rae 62), Sinclair, Parry (Feeney 90), Thompson.
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Purse.

Booked: Capaldi, Loovens, Scimeca.

Goal: McPhail 2.

Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Brown (Clement 24), Dawson, Garcia, Marney, Ashbee, Pedersen, Fagan, Campbell (Hughes 68).
Subs Not Used: Tyler, Walton, France.

Booked: Turner.

Att: 17,555

Ref: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).