Dave Jones was thrilled to see FA Cup semi-finalists Cardiff withstand heavy pressure to beat Championship play-off hopefuls Hull 1-0.Bluebirds skipper Stephen McPhail struck after just 94 seconds at Ninian Park when he clipped in a shot off the underside of the bar.

Paul Parry and Steve Thompson could have added to the lead as Cardiff dominated the first half but they were forced to soak up plenty of Tigers attacks after the break.

It was a difficult return to action after the weekend cup success over Middlesbrough but Cardiff held on to pull themselves further away from the relegation zone.

"I knew it was going to be a difficult game after Sunday and that is why I made the changes," said Jones.

"They had a lot of possession and we had to work very hard but we never in any danger.

"I would have liked us to keep hold of the ball a little longer but defensively we have been very solid and the lads have worked hard.

"We have moved up the table with that win and now we look forward to our next game at Colchester."

Hull threw more men forward in the second period and had plenty of possession but they were unable to carve out any clear-cut openings.

"We knew if we played Cardiff on the wrong night we would be in for a hard game but we still gifted them the three points," said Tigers manager Phil Brown.

"It was very frustrating, particularly in the first half, and their goal wasn't even a chance.

"This was a big opportunity for us because of the way the results have gone but we have missed it.

"In the second half we had plenty of opportunities to get the ball into the danger area but for some reason tonight the spark was missing."

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