Report by Barrie McAuliffe

Snapshot: Cameron Jerome took the only goal of the game that gave his charge at the top scorer table a boost and Cardiff City a deserved win, though the visiting Owls also deserve credit for the nature of their fight and determination to find an equaliser.

It could be said that if not for the performance of Neil Alexander it might have been an ugly point rather than an ugly win. But lady luck looked to be on our side for this one. We left Ninian Park still firmly in the hunt of a play-off spot. Next come the Wolves away, who were held to a draw by QPR (the Rangers our next home game after two away). Everything to Play For? You know it.

Team News: For Dave Jones it was a choice to field the same side that lost late on to Watford last week. Striker Stephen continued his upfront partnership with Jerome after coming back from time out through injury. Glenn Loovens was again on the bench with the form of Neil Cox keeping him out of the first eleven. Former Owls player of the year Guylain Ndumbu was a sub.

Paul Sturrock's selection saw him switch from a back four, with Yoann Folly coming back into midfield and Deon Burton available to start after injury. Steven MacLean (toe) and Sean McAllister (back) were ruled out.

City XI: Alexander, Ardley, Barker, Purse, Cox, Whitley, Koumas, Scimeca, Ledley, Jerome, Thompson.

Subs: Margetson, Weston, Nsungu, Loovens, Ferretti

Wednesday XI: Adamson, Simek, Coughlan, Collins, Bullen, Brunt, O'Brien, Whelan, Folly, Burton, Tudgay

Subs: Kirby, Spurr, Partridge, Best, Rocastle.

Detailed Report: City were the first to test a keeper after a few tight and testy challenges in the opening minutes; almost going ahead after just two minutes as Jason Koumas darted down the right wing and crossed a great ball into danger.

Steven Thompson did all that was asked of him and climbed above his marker for what looked like a certain headed goal to the top right corner. Unfortunately Chris Adamson in the Owls goal pulled off a great diving save to prevent the early opener.

Cardiff were mainly dominant in the opening ten minutes with a few unconverted half chances, though Wednesday looked to be dangerous on the break, winning a few corners to test the back line.

Then on eighteen minutes Cameron Jerome's charge for top scorer was given an extra push as a corner on the left was well delivered into the danger area by Koumas. The area was packed and Cam's had his back to goal, though must have been watching an Arsenal video last nigh as he back heeled the ball past the sprawling Adamson. Cue happy dance from Jerome.

Cardiff 1-0 Sheff Wed (18 mins)

The goal managed to add a level of confidence to City's play after it was looking like the Owls were starting to even the game out. Four minutes after the opener it was good to see some great link play between Jerome and Thompson in a one-two that set Koumas off free on the left channel.

Sheffield were finding it hard to get a hold of the ball and for the majority were chasing shadows.

Just before the half hour Riccardo Scimeca was fortunate to be unpunished for a lightweight back pass that gave legs to an otherwise rare Owls attack. Despite giving a chance for Chris Brunt to run and shoot, the strike was harmless and was well wide.

The half continued with Cardiff largely in control. Steven Thompson was looking the part, winning high balls and causing trouble. Neil Ardley was also providing some neat crosses from the right forJerome and Thompson to attack.

Wednesday looked to build some good pressure as the last five minutes approached. First there was an overhead kick from Tudgay to force Alexander to Parry for a corner.

Their pressure continued as Tudgay was presented another chance - this time a better prospect after a clearance was hit back into his path on the right. Unmarked and shot on, his effort was poor, ending the danger of a possible late equaliser.

Half Time: Cardiff 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday

After an early scare and dangerous ball for Neil Alexander to clear,City resumed the pressure that had seen them take the first half lead. Koumas and Ardley were linking well on the right, both showing their capability to present a dangerous ball in.

Just before the fifty five minute mark Thompson was involved again with a neat glancing header down to the on running Jerome - Jerome winning a corner for his efforts.

Wednesday were by no means out of the race however based on only being a goal behind. After soaking up pressure they themselves began to fire forward with some positive play of their own.

On fifty six minutes Tudgay crossed well on the left channel to the back stick for Deon Burton to try his luck. It was a concern that he was afforded time and space to get through, though ultimately his effort was wide.

Two minutes later further Owls pressure gave a glorious chance to Burton O'Brien, who on the half volley spanked a powerful shot narrowly over Alexander's bar.

The game continued without any real pressure to either back line. After seventy five minutes Sheffield were beginning to chase with more urgency and tested Alexander, forcing a fine save as the Scottish International to reflex tip the ball from it's destination.

Overall City were inviting too much pressure for comfort, being only a solitary goal in front.This was something that Sturrock wanted to capitalise on, bringing Leon Best into play for Chris Brunt with just over twenty minutes left to play.

With just over ten minutes on the clock Folly looked to win a penalty after falling in the area from a challenge. The referee, despite Folly's verbal assault gave only a corner rather than the spot-kick wanted.

City's deep defending was giving the eleven thousand Cardiff fans palpitations. Sheffield were free to build attack after attack on the Cardiff goal, forcing Alexander to be called into action.

With eighty minutes on the clock a training ground exercise almost gave The Owls reward for their efforts. A free kick on the edge of the box saw Burton and Whelan link up for a one-two; Burton then firing in a certain goal. But, Alexander on the form of his life right now was on hand to dive and save.

Tension was the name of the game for the closing stages. Nsungu replaced Thompson for a brief run out against one of his former teams. For the short space of time he was on, he looked full of pace and was able to get the ball away from our penalty box.

Overall it was a job well done. The points might not be pretty, but at this stage we'll take it all. Next up come the Wolves in what will be a massive game for both.

Everything To Play For? Damn right. Bring 'em on.

Full Time: Cardiff 1-0 Sheff Wed

Cardiff: Alexander, Ardley, Purse, Cox, Barker, Koumas, Whitley, Scimeca, Ledley, Thompson (Ndumbu-Nsungu 90), Jerome. Subs Not Used: Margetson, Weston, Loovens, Ferretti. Goals: Jerome 19.

Sheff Wed: Adamson, Bullen, Coughlan, Collins, Simek, Brunt (Best 77), Whelan, Folly, O'Brien, Tudgay, Burton. Subs Not Used: Kirby, Partridge, Spurr, Rocastle.