Alex Smithies
Cool, calm, confident. A decent shot stopper, but his major assets are commanding the penalty area and staying solid. Excellent again – another clean sheet 8
Jazz Richards
One of the best right-backs in Championship football. Forget about playing Jazz on the left, he can be a hugely influential player on the right and certainly was at Huddersfield 7
Sean Morrison (capt)
Captain Fantastic. Experienced, decisive and a leader. Wins his personal challenges and lets those around him know what is expected. The partnership with Nelson continues to blossom. It’s not quite there yet, but the future looks bright 7
Curtis Nelson
For all the criticism aimed at Nelson, he is making solid progress. Has been at the heart of defence as City kept clean sheets in their last two matches. Yes, there are improvements to be made, but he’s working hard on weaknesses 7
Joe Bennett
Always looks composed when he has the ball at his feet – and loves to get forward. A high quality full-back at Championship level and he was excellent at Huddersfield 7
Will Vaulks – Man of the Match
This guy can play. Abrasive, skilled, annoying to opponents and scored at Huddersfield. Looking better and better. Whatever you say about Neil Warnock signings – and there were a few which fell flat – Vaulks is a top notch capture 9
Marlon Pack
This was one of Pack’s best performances in a Cardiff shirt. He is a leader and has genuine quality. Ignore his critics – Pack has the qualities to help lead the Bluebirds into the plays-offs 8
Josh Murphy
Scored and produced a far more consistent performance. Took responsibility defensively and looked dangerous going forward. Good on you, Josh. Keep it up 8
Lee Tomlin
Had a glorious chance to add a third goal for Cardiff, but tried to lift his effort over the goalkeeper and his shot went over the bar. Set up two goals, though, and has been directly involved in eight goals during his last nine appearances. Absolute quality 9
Albert Adomah
AA is like a breath of fresh air. Loves playing, loves running at defenders and delivers a mean cross. Made way for Leandro Bacuna, who then played against his younger brother Juninho Bacuna 7
Callum Paterson
Scored his sixth goal of the season to put City 3-0 ahead. The Scot is not a natural striker, but he is a nuisance to defenders in the Leo Fortune-West mould. Magnificent. Works so hard and is highly effective for the team 8
Subs:
Neil Etheridge (gk)
Not used
Aden Flint
Not used
Leandro Bacuna
For Adomah 67
Robert Glatzel
Not used
Gavin Whyte
Not used
Danny Ward
For Paterson 86
Junior Hoilett
For Murphy 67
Huddersfield Town: Lossl; Simpson, Schindler (capt), Stearman, Toffolo; Hogg (King 58), O’Brien; Kachunga, Smith-Rowe (Willock 75), J Bacuna; Mounie (Campbell 58). Subs not used: Coleman, Chalobah, Pyke, Stankovic
Referee: Darren England
Attendance: 20,238
