RUSSELL: WE STOOD TOGETHER

Following Cardiff City’s 2-1 away victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Russell Slade spoke to the Press and Media, delighted with the superb shift that his players had put in at the City Ground.

“It was a good away performance,” began the City boss. “I thought we had periods of real dominance and control and we looked a real threat. We got the goal just before the break, which was important, and it was a great header by Kenwyne too.

“In the second half we got our second goal at just the right time as well, in all honesty. That made it very difficult for Forest to get back in it.

“Overall, I thought that we stood up to the challenge and made good choices in terms of our movement and our passing.”

The win saw the Bluebirds go into the international break unbeaten in the Sky Bet Championship, earning nine points from a testing opening month of fixtures.

Nevertheless, Slade still had some words of advice for his side, adding:  “We can still be better as we were a little bit sloppy from time to time. But I think we’re making progress which is the important thing.

“I thought that Forest got a bit direct, trying to get back into the game in the last ten minutes. That was probably where they caused us most problems. Peltier at the back made a few important headers and Marshall made two or three really great saves as well.

“However, we stood firm and we were together. That was vital, as we’ve got a certain momentum at the minute and it’s important to keep that going.”

Both Joe Mason and Kenwyne Jones doubled their tallies for the season with a goal apiece at the City Ground. Slade finished by singling out his striking partnership for praise after another impressive showing.

“It’s really pleasing that Kenwyne has scored again and it was a great header from him,” said the Manager. “Mason is lively in that box too, and very clever – although he wasn’t so clever with the one he missed at the end!

“However, I’m really pleased with Joe – he’s a great player and he works his socks off for the team as well.”