Exeter City slip back into the bottom four ahead of trip to Wimbledon

Cardiff City maintained their three-point lead at the top of the League One table with a hard-fought home victory over Exeter City, a result that sent the visitors back into the relegation zone.

After being frustrated by a well-organised Exeter side during a goalless first half, Cardiff finally made the breakthrough eight minutes after the restart. Teenage Wales centre-back Dylan Lawlor delivered a superbly weighted long ball, which Alex Robertson controlled with composure before finishing neatly to score his first goal since January.

The Bluebirds dominated possession before the break but struggled to turn control into clear chances, as Exeter dropped deep, protected their penalty area and pressed intelligently. Goalkeeper Joe Whitworth was kept busy, pushing away a long-range free-kick from Robertson and denying Isaak Davies from close range, while Exeter posed a threat of their own, particularly from set-pieces.

Cardiff increased the pressure in the second half and came close to extending their lead when Cian Ashford struck the base of the post after a neat one-two with Robertson. Whitworth was again called into action to brilliantly tip over Yousef Salech’s rebound.

Despite failing to add a second goal, Brian Barry-Murphy’s side remained in control and were worthy winners, recording a sixth successive home league victory. Their lead at the summit would have been extended to five points had Lincoln City and Bradford City not both scored stoppage-time winners elsewhere.

Exeter, meanwhile, were unable to muster another shot on target after falling behind. A late volley over the bar from Reece Cole was as close as they came to snatching a point, and the defeat leaves Gary Caldwell’s side 22nd in the table, two points from safety.

The Grecians travel to AFC Wimbledon on Monday evening before the New Year's Day visit from Luton Town.