Cardiff win again as they see off Coventry 3-2

Cardiff City beat Welsh rivals Swansea City for the first time in five attempts last weekend

Cardiff City's momentum continues to build under Erol Bulut as they condemned Coventry City to their second defeat of the season.

Coventry, who had drawn their last four, looked as though they might make it five when Matt Godden cancelled out Dimitrios Goutas' early opener.

But, although not completely convincing - and despite a late second from Godden - it was a straight-forward enough win for Bulut's side, who moved into the top-half of the table for the first time this term.

Last year's play-off finalists Coventry, who had not lost since their opening day defeat at Leicester, slipped further having never truly imposed themselves, despite striker's Godden's best efforts as he made it six goals in eight games.

And while Cardiff - nor the Cardiff City Stadium atmosphere - carried the same fervour and frenzy as their south Wales derby win against Swansea City at the weekend, the result ensured that the feel-good factor continues into Sunday's trip to Sunderland.

And all done without Aaron Ramsey. The Wales captain, so influential and inspiring in the win over bitter rivals Swansea City three days earlier, was given the evening off after his exertions.

It was the first time Cardiff had been without the 32-year-old in this Championship campaign, although his absence was not keenly felt in terms of the contest. Initially, at any rate.

Ollie Tanner, on a high from his goalscoring impact on Saturday night and brought back into the starting XI, made dangerous early inroads.

And Ramsey's replacement, skipper Joe Ralls, had a hand in the opener. His eighth minute corner was not particularly threatening, yet Sky Blue shirts had somehow ignored the lurking run from Goutas. His thumping header was the predictable outcome, the goal the Greece international's first in British football.

The control was Cardiff's and so Bulut's frustration would have been justified when, after a 35th minute corner was not properly cleared, Godden helped on Liam Kelly's ball past Jak Alnwick.

Energised, Coventry hinted that they would put a poor opening behind them and ask questions of a Cardiff side who had already thrown away winning positions twice before this season.

Yet, with Tanner involved again, Cardiff rallied, responded and restored their lead just after the hour mark. A smart cross from Ryan Wintle saw Grant slip away from the poor marking of substitute Tasuhiro Sakamoto, stooping to head past Ben Wilson.

It was Grant's first goal following his summer loan move from West Brom, showing some signs that he is growing into a threat for Bulut's side. Mark Robins, meanwhile, will only bemoan the second example of lax defending.

Alnwick, fresh from signing a new deal earlier in the week, did have to scramble to save a Kasey Palmer effort following some scruffy Cardiff play at the back.

But the points seemed secured for the hosts when Perry Ng lofted a pass into the run of substitute Etete, the former Tottenham man lashing home with six minutes normal time.

Godden did rise high to head past Alnwick in injury time, but a Coventry comeback so late on never really looked likely. They will now wait to play a post-Neil Warnock Huddersfield on Monday to try to rediscover their form.

Cardiff, though, with three home wins in a row for the first time since February 2022, are discovering something of an impetus under Bulut.