Cardiff boss Malky Mackay insists the Bluebirds' strength in depth will be key to their promotion hopes after a 2-0 win at Millwall.
Bluebirds chief finds plenty of reasons to be cheerful
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay insists the Bluebirds' strength in depth will be key to their promotion hopes after they secured a first away victory with a 2-0 win at Millwall to stay fifth in the Championship.
Two quickfire second-half goals from Peter Whittingham and Craig Noone sealed the points for Cardiff.
One sour note for Mackay was a knee injury to Nicky Maynard but he is optimistic the striker will not be out for too long, and after a third straight win is adamant his squad is well equipped for a promotion push.
"Our squad is very strong this season and that is something which has improved a lot from last year," said Mackay.
"We've brought in 10 new players and of course it was going to take time, but people are beginning to get to know each other.
"We've got to fast track that because this is an unforgiving division. Another clean sheet away from home is really pleasing.
"The first half was scrappy but we kicked on and showed two moments of quality. From then on we were comfortable.
"That's three wins on the trot. It's something we've got to try and do if we're going to be competitive, putting runs together.
"I'm delighted with the way Nicky has adapted to the team, so I was really disappointed for him. Hopefully it's not serious. We've got a good medical team down in Cardiff."
Seven minutes after the restart Whittingham got his fifth of the season with a long-range strike into the top right corner.
Less than two minutes later Cardiff broke again with Tommy Smith setting up Noone who curled the ball past Maik Taylor.
Maynard then landed awkwardly after jumping with Karleigh Osborne and was carried off in the 67th minute.
Lions view
Cardiff held onto their lead and Millwall boss Kenny Jacket insisted his side were unlucky.
"It's fine margins that win and lose games. We weren't a million miles away but ultimately we've lost a game and that's a frustration," said Jackett.
"It's all about assessing where we are. It's a small squad and everyone is focused towards finding the winning equation which we need.
"We were the better team in the first half, we were just lacking that final ball. We got into good positions and had a good foothold but you have to see it through.
"Two quick goals at the start of the second half gave us a mountain to climb. We didn't close the ball down for either goal well enough. We offered them both very good shooting positions when we had enough people behind the ball.
"We need clean sheets - that will make us competitive enough to pick up points on a regular basis."
