CITY SUFFER HEAVY DERBY DEFEAT

Cardiff City suffered a heavy South Wales derby defeat as local rivals Swansea City ran out 3-0 winners at the Liberty Stadium.

After a first-half where chances were few and far between, the half time introduction of Pablo Hernandez proved pivotal, first providing the assist for a Wayne Routledge opener before Nathan Dyer headed home a Routledge free-kick with ten minutes to go.

Hernandez soon turned provided again late on, as Wilfried Bony headed home a third from the Spaniard's free-kick. 

The best chance for City came in the first half as good work on the flank from Craig Bellamy provided a good opportunity for frontman Kenwyne Jones, only to head wide.

Making two changes to the starting-11 that beat Norwich City 2-1 at Cardiff City Stadium last weekend, Solskjaer gave a full debut to winger Wilfried Zaha as Kim Bo Kyung also returned to the starting line-up. Jordon Mutch and Craig Noone dropped to the bench.

It was the home side who had the early attempts at making an early impression, former Cardiff loanee Wayne Routledge saw an early shot saved before Marshall clawed the ball away from the feet of Swans forward Marvin Emnes as danger loomed.

The Bluebirds were mostly playing on the counter in the early stages with some neat play from Bellamy on the right produced a chance for Jones, only for City's front man to head wide.

The Swans responded with a chance of their own as Jonathan de Guzman bent a shot high and wide from the edge of the area, with Wilfried Bony also intent to provide a threat from distance.

Clear cut chances were few and far between as Peter Whittingham saw his clean connected volley saved by Marshall before Kim Bo Kyung spooned an effort over the bar in front of goal late in the first half.

New Swansea manager Garry Monk made a half time change as he introduced Hernandez came on to replace Marvin Emnes at the interval. It made an instant impact.

Just two minutes in to the second period, the Spanish midfielder provided the pass for winger Routledge who beat his man and confidently curled the ball home past goalkeeper Marshall to give the home side the lead.

Rocked by the goal, the Bluebirds instantly responded and were almost level as Zaha laid the ball off to Bellamy who saw his thunderous effort frustratingly denied by the crossbar. 

Parity was almost acheieved, but City boss Solskjaer brought on Fraizer Campbell for Jones to try to bring that much needed cutting edge in attack. 

The equaliser frustratingly failed to come for the City boss however as the Swans doubled their advantage with eleven minutes to play, Nathan Dyer beating his full-back to head home a Routledge delivery at the far post. 

With points now quickly moving out of reach for the visitors, Bony headed home a third with just five minutes to play to make it three, substitute Hernandez once again providing the assist from a near side free-kick.

There was very little left to salvage for the Bluebirds as the game came to a close, both sides with a win a piece for the derby games this season. Focus now quickly turns to Tuesday night's crucial Premier League home tie against Aston Villa.

Cardiff City: Marshall; John, Caulker (C), Turner, Fabio (McNaughton 69); Whittingham, Medel, Kim, Zaha (Mutch 77); Bellamy, Jones (Campbell 56). Subs not used: Lewis; Noone, Dæhli, Cala.

Swansea City: Vorm, Flores, Williams (C), Britton, Bony, Dyer (Taylor 88), Routledge, De Guzman (Canas 69), Rangel, Davies, Emnes (Hernandez 45). Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Lamah, Ngog.

Goals: Routledge (45), Dyer (79), Bony (85).

Attendance: (20,402 Liberty Stadium, Swansea)