Cardiff 1 Swansea 0: Craig Bellamy thrilled with ‘big three points’

Craig Bellamy reflected on a “big three points” after Steven Caulker’s header earned Cardiff victory over Swansea in the first-ever Premier League South Wales derby.

The home side took the lead in the 62nd minute when ex-Swansea loanee Caulker headed home Bellamy’s corner to send the home fans wild.

Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm was sent off late on for bringing down Fraizer Campbell, with defender Angel Rangel forced to play in goal for five minutes of stoppage time.

The win hoisted Malky Mackay’s men up into 12th place in the Premier League table – and Bellamy was thrilled with the victory.

“It’s a big win,” Bellamy told Sky Sports. “It’s the third South Wales derby I’ve played in and every single one has been decided by one goal, so it’s a highly-fought game and today was no exception.

“It was a big three points for us – we really needed that. Next month we’ve got some really tough fixtures ahead of us.

“We knew it was very important, not just it being a South Wales derby, but we really needed the three points as well.”

Meanwhile, man-of-the-match Caulker admitted that the Bluebirds had to withstand some late pressure.

“It was really intense, especially in the last 10 minutes or so when we were clinging on,” said Caulker. “But the boys have done really well and stuck together. It’s a great win.”