Halifax Town 1-2 Cardiff City

Paul Brayson grabbed a goal in each half to bring Halifax crashing back to reality and keep Cardiff's promotion push on track.

The Shaymen had been full of confidence after their 3-0 demolition job on Southend at the weekend.

But Brayson broke the deadlock after 21 minutes when Andy Legg's cross from the right was only partially cleared by goalkeeper Lee Butler under pressure from Leo Fortune-West.

The ball fell to Brayson 10 yards out and he hit a first-time drive through a crowd of players and into the net.

Lifeline

The lively striker increased the Bluebirds lead seven minutes after the restart, racing on to Jason Bowen's pass to fire home.

Paul Bracewell's side were a given a lifeline when Craig Middleton turned in Rob Matthews' pass after 64 minutes.

Cardiff skipper Legg was sent off two minutes later after lashing out at Steve Kerrigan.

But Cardiff's desperate rearguard action kept Halifax at bay for the rest of the match.

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Halifax: Butler, Chris Clarke, Matthew Clarke, Mitchell, Matthews, Rezai, Thompson, Middleton, Murphy, Jones, Kerrigan. Subs: Mawson, Mike, Bradshaw, Gaughan, Reilly.

Cardiff: Walton, Legg, Hughes, Young, Low, Boland, Weston, Bowen, Gabbidon, Fortune-West, Brayson. Subs: Gordon, Nogan, Jordan, McCulloch, Brazier.

Referee: P Danson (Leicester)