Bluebirds lay their Boxing Day hoodoo firmly to rest

CARDIFF

- GLEN WILLIAMS Football writer [e-mail]

Alex Robertson celebrates after scoring for Cardiff City

(Huw Evans Agency)

City banished a wretched Boxing Day hoodoo and maintained their grip on the League One title race with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Exeter City at Cardiff City Stadium.Alex Robertson's sublime second-half finish proved decisive on an afternoon when patience was tested, but the reward was significant.

The win sees Cardiff remain three points clear at the top of the table and marked a rare festive success for a club whose Boxing Day record had long been a source of frustration.

In front of a crowd of more than 22,000, the Bluebirds dominated possession and territory for long spells but initially struggled to turn control into clear-cut chances against an organised Exeter side.

Brian Barry-Murphy's men had gone into the contest with several injury and illness doubts, yet still imposed themselves from the off, probing through Omari Kellyman and Isaak Davies.