Wrexham 1-3 Cardiff

Striker Leo Fortune-West claimed Cardiff's third goal

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Cardiff City departed the Racecourse Ground with three goals, all three points, and bragging rights over Welsh rivals Wrexham on Sunday.

Skipper Graham Kavanagh was the inspiration for the Bluebirds, bossing the midfield and contributing a brilliant goal that put the visitors firmly in control.

The damage was done by half-time as Gavin Gordon and Kavanagh struck in reply to Carlos Edwards' opener for Wrexham, with Leo Fortune-West adding the third after the break.

Edwards had handed Wrexham an early lead after converting a cross from the left wing, but this only stung the visitors into action.

Wrexham defender Stephen Roberts dawdled on the ball and allowed Paul Brayson to rob him, sliding the ball into the box for Gordon to level things.

Robert Earnshaw wasted an opportunity to put Cardiff into the lead a minute later, when he was through on goal with just Wrexham keeper David Walsh to beat.

Walsh stood his ground and pulled off a great save but could do little to stop Kavanagh in first-half injury time.

Alan Cork's tactics came shining through

The Bluebirds skipper intercepted a loose pass, swiveled and hit it goalwards in one movement, his half-volley flying over Walsh from 35 yards and going in off the underside of the bar.

Gordon had limped off five minutes earlier to be replaced by Fortune-West, who got his name on the scoresheet 10 minutes after the restart.

Brayson flicked the ball on at the near post from a corner, Spencer Prior sent it back across the face of goal and there was Fortune-West who reacted quickest to nod the ball into the net.

Wrexham dangerman Lee Trundle laboured hard all match, occasionaly showing flashes of brilliance, but he was magnificently marshalled by Daniel Gabbidon.

Kavangh also won his personal battle with Wrexham's Darren Ferguson, as Denis Smith's side found themselves out-thought and out-fought by the visitors.

Wrexham have now dropped to second from bottom and must turn themselves around swiftly if they are not to follow crisis-ridden Swansea City into Division Three.

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Wrexham: Walsh, Whitley, Roberts, Hill, Sharp, Edwards, Thomas, Ferguson, Blackwood, Faulconbridge, Trundle. Subs: Whitfield, Carey, Sam, Morrell, Chalk.

Cardiff: Alexander, Weston, Prior, Gabbidon, Legg, Brayson, Kavanagh, Boland, Bowen, Gordon, Earnshaw. Subs: Hamilton, Young, Fortune-West, Maxwell, Collins.

Referee: S Mathieson (Stockport).