Dave Jones is known for his poker face in football, as the City boss rarely gives his opponents much of an insight into his emotional state of mind.

Yet on Sunday, Dave could be forgiven for letting the mask slip slightly as he rightly enjoyed the success of taking Cardiff City to the FA Cup final for the first time in eighty one years.

"I've been in finals and play-offs, but I've never been in an FA Cup final," he said. "This now ranks with everything I've achieved. It's special. With our financial problems it's great credit to our players for achieving it.

"I'm proud of the players, supporters and everyone associated with the club. It's a great day for us. When you play a team from your own division you both know each other inside out but I thought Joe Ledley's goal was worthy of winning any game. It was an exciting game, so what more could you want?

"For Joe and all the Welsh boys it is a great day. It was a special goal. It would have graced any final. It will stay with him for the rest of his life.

"My problem now is getting them up and running again. We want to keep it going. We have a slim chance of the play-offs - and while we have, I won't let them rest.

"Now we're in the final it's not about turning up - we want to win it. We have as good a chance as Portsmouth. We're a match for anyone on our day. To get to the final of the second-biggest trophy in this country has been a long, hard road. Now we've got to get our feet on the ground for the league games."