Cardiff 2-1 Stockport

Robert Earnshaw gave Cardiff the lead after two minutes

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Robert Earnshaw signalled his return to Cardiff City's starting line-up by scoring a goal after just 60 seconds to send the Bluebirds on their way to victory over Stockport County.

Earnshaw was left unmarked to head a Gareth Whalley cross high into the net.

Luke Beckett equalised totally against the run of play in the 15th minute, but City had the bit between their teeth.

Skipper Graham Kavanagh struck a low shot home in the 38th minute to put the Bluebirds back in front.

The second half was less eventful, but Peter Thorne did hit the visitors' crossbar with a firm header as City pressed for a third.

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Cardiff: Alexander, Weston, Prior, Gabbidon, Croft, Boland, Kavanagh, Whalley, Legg, Thorne, Earnshaw. Subs: Fortune-West, Campbell, Hamilton, Maxwell, Margetson.

Stockport: Jones, Challinor, Palmer, Clare, Lescott, Briggs, Hardiker, Gibb, Pemberton, Beckett, Byrne. Subs: Ingham, Goodwin, Daly, Ellison, Ross.

Referee: Andy Hall (Birmingham).