By Sam Hill
Calum Chambers’ superb 25-yard effort proved the difference in a routine 1-0 victory for Cardiff City over Wigan Athletic.
The result extended the Bluebirds’ home league winning run to eight matches, and maintained their three-point lead at the top of League One.
Club captain Chambers came close just minutes earlier when he sent a rasping shot that stung the gloves of Wigan No.1 Sam Tickle.
However, he was not to be denied second time around with his shot almost from an identical spot, thundering past Tickle and proving to be the winner.
The home faithful began to shout “shoot” every time Chambers stepped onto the ball, a nod to just how magnificent his strike was for his first league goal of the season.
It was a complete Cardiff domination in the first-half with Brian Barry-Murphy’s side holding 81% possession and having10 shots on goal.
Omari Kellyman and Alex Robertson came closest to doubling the City advantage as they breezed through the opening half.
Wigan had just one half-chance with left wing-back Fraser Murray drawing a straightforward save from Nathan Trott.
After a poor attacking showing in the opening half, Wigan boss Ryan Lowe opted for an attacking switch at the break with midfielder Tobias Brenan being replaced by striker Maleace Asamoah.
Despite the attacking change, the visitors continued to struggle at the beginning of the second half, not laying a glove on the Cardiff defence who were given bundles of time in possession.
However, during the middle of the second half, the game began to hit a lull with little press coming from the Latics, Cardiff remained comfortable.
Soon after, Yousef Salech missed a glorious chance to double the home side’s lead as he headed over the bar from close range following a Cian Ashford cross.
Frustration began to build from the City fans as they chanted “come on City” aiming to uplift their team to push on and double their advantage.
This prompted a double attacking substitution from Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy with Callum Robinson and Ollie Tanner replacing Kellyman and Ashford.
Just minutes after coming on, Robinson drew Tickle into a low save after chesting down a cross from Ng inside the penalty area.
Despite another change from the visitors with Christian Saydee replacing Dara Costelloe, Wigan remained little threat in the closing stages of the game.