Cardiff 4-0 Sunderland

Tony Vidmar challenges Sunderland keeper Mart Poom

Cardiff took full advantage Joachim Bjorklund's early red card to crush Sunderland at Ninian Park.

From the Swede's 17th-minute red card, Bluebirds skipper Graham Kavanagh scored with the resulting free-kick.

Richard Langley extended City's lead nine minutes later, converting Rhys Weston's cross from the right.

Danny Gabbidon turned in a cross from Rob Earnshaw moments after half-time, then sub Alan Lee finished the rout after Andy Campbell put him through.

It was only Cardiff's second victory in 11 matches but was achieved in some style.

Langley forced Mart Poom into making the first save of the game from distance and the Bluebirds midfielder was then involved in the game's turning point.

The Jamaica international broke free only to be sent tumbling by Bjorklund, and referee Phil Crossley showed an instant red card to the central defender.

Bluebirds skipper Kavanagh stepped up and sent the resulting free-kick into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Marcus Stewart went close to equalising in the 25th minute from close range, only for Gabbidon to make a crucial interception.

But Mick McCarthy's men went 2-0 behind three minutes later as a sweeping move saw Weston cross from the right for Langley to fire the ball into the top corner.

Cardiff showed no remorse after the break and extended their lead with only seconds on the clock as defender Gabbidon turned in a cross from Earnshaw.

The Wales striker should have added more goals to his midweek hat-trick against Scotland, but it scarcely mattered.

Black Cats goalkeeper Mart Poom was under siege and had to make good saves from Willie Boland, Peter Thorne and Earnshaw.

But the Bluebirds wrapped things up 10 minutes from time when Campbell released fellow substitute Alan Lee, allowing the former Rotherham striker to claim his second goal in as many games.

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Cardiff: Margetson, Weston, Vidmar, Gabbidon, Barker, Langley, Kavanagh, Boland, Parry, Earnshaw, Thorne.
Subs: Lee, Campbell, Prior, Robinson, Alexander.

Sunderland: Poom, Wright, Breen, Bjorklund, McCartney, Oster, McAteer, Whitley, Arca, Stewart, Kyle.
Subs: Williams, Byfield, Thirlwell, Alnwick, Tommy Smith.

Referee: P Crossley (Kent).