Cardiff manager Dave Jones was a relieved man after this side held out for a narrow 1-0 home win over Championship strugglers Southampton.A goal after six minutes by Paul Parry was enough to give the Bluebirds victory even though at times they seemed second best to the relegation-threatened Saints.
"It was always going to be a battle," said Jones.
"They strung five men across midfield and it was difficult to break them down but they are fighting for their lives and we were not as free-flowing and fluent as we can be.
"We probably had the better chances but sometimes didn't do the right thing.
"It was a good victory for us as I demanded the three points today and the players had responded.
"We have defended well against some very good players but while there was only one goal in it there was always hope for them."
The Saints could have been ahead inside the first minute when Stern John's back heal ran to Mario Licka but his measured side-foot shot skimmed the outside of the post.
An astute pass from Aaron Ramsey had Steve Thompson chasing to the by-line and when he hacked the ball back into the danger area Parry was waiting to drive it high into the roof of the visitors' net.
The visitors mastered the blustery conditions far better than the Bluebirds but despite bossing midfield they were unable to break down the solid Cardiff rearguard.
But a rare mistake by Roger Johnson caused problems in the 36th minute and the Saints had the ball in the home net only for the referee's assistant to flag for offside.
The second half continued much the way of the first with the Saints winning midfield and regularly bearing down on the home goal.
They had a glorious chance of netting an equaliser from a corner in the 52nd minute but John completely mis-kicked when just two yards out.
Bradley Wright-Phillips went on after an hour as Saints boss Nigel Pearson sensed there was something in the game from his side but still they were unable to prise out any openings.
"That was a missed opportunity for us as I thought we could come here and win," said Pearson.
"I have a lot of positives to take out of this game and can look forward to our next match with a little more confidence but we have to take our chances and cannot make any excuses for today's defeat."
Cardiff's recent run of results has seen them claw their way back in with a shout of making the play-offs although Tuesday's meeting with fellow FA Cup semi-finalists West Brom could be decisive.
Southampton. meanwhile. are in grave danger of dropping into League One unless Pearson can halt their poor run of results.
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