Joe Ledley's ninth-minute thunderbolt halted Barnsley's giantkilling run and secured Cardiff their first FA Cup final appearance since 1927 as they won an all-Championship semi-final 1-0.

The Wales international lashed home Barnsley defender Rob Kozluk's headed clearance from just inside the penalty area to maintain the Bluebirds' habit of scoring an early goal in the last three rounds.

Barnsley, who conquered both Liverpool and Chelsea in previous rounds, created several chances of their own in front of a record attendance FA Cup semi-final attendance of 82,752, with Kayode Odejayi missing the best chance in the second half.

Ledley said: "It is brilliant for Cardiff City Football Club. It is a great season for us and we go into the final with confidence and we will try and win it.

"I think we deserved to win the game. We defended well and kept a good clean sheet."

Manager David Jones told Sky Sports 1: "For what has gone on this year it is fantastic achievement for these players.

"I have had promotions and been in finals but I've never been in an FA Cup final and this was a great feeling for me.

"We have worked really hard to get into the final and it's great for the fans and everyone associated with the club."

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