Blackburn 1 – 0 Cardiff

Bradley Dack’s deflected strike just after half-time was enough to give Blackburn a 1-0 win over Cardiff in a game of few chances at Ewood Park.

Jack Simpson’s attempted block wrong-footed goalkeeper Ryan Allsop and nestled Dack’s 20-yard effort in the bottom corner two minutes after half-time to earn Blackburn only a second win in their last six games.

Mark Harris could have given low scorers Cardiff the opener and twice went close shortly before the break, but the Bluebirds’ timid attack was again apparent with only three shots on target across the 90 minutes.

In the end, Blackburn’s victory could have been more comfortable but Ben Brereton-Diaz shot straight at Allsop from a tight angle, with the hosts made to sit out a nervy ending before moving back within eight points of second-placed Sheffield United, who travel to QPR on Monday evening.

More to follow…

What’s next?

Both sides are in FA Cup third-round action next Sunday at 2pm. Blackburn head to Norwich, while Cardiff host Premier League Leeds United.

Blackburn are live on Sky Sports Football again in their next Championship game as they visit Rotherham on Saturday, January 14. Kick-off is at 12.30pm. Cardiff host Wigan at 3pm on the same day.