David Marshall had little to do for the opening 20 minutes, but the Scottish goalkeeper dashed off his line to poach the ball off the toes of Nick Blackman after the Reading forward had escaped the home defence.

Orlando Sa of Reading is tackled by Aron Gunnarsson of Cardiff City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City and Reading at the Cardiff City Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Cardiff, Wales. © Getty Images

Craig Noone then tested Ali Al-Habsi with a low shot after skipping inside from the wing as the hosts began to threaten.

Oliver Norwood sent a rasping strike towards goal at the other end which Marshall could only parry back into the centre of the box, but no Reading players could capitalise.

However, Cardiff went ahead shortly before the interval when Kenwyne Jones marked his return to the side by prodding home a free kick, bringing an end to a 10-hour wait for a goal from a Bluebirds player.

Marshall was on hand again to keep Cardiff's lead intact in first-half injury time as he flung himself infront of Orlando Sa's goalbound attempt from just three yards.

Eight minutes into the second half, Matthew Connolly doubled Cardiff's lead with a thumping header as Reading were undone by another set piece.

Blackman and Norwood both drew further saves from Marshall as the second half wore on, while Aron Gunnarsson dragged a shot wide after breaking into the area.

Noone then curled a shot agonisingly wide before substitute Idriss Saadi was denied by Al-Habsi as Cardiff continued to create openings.

However, Marshall continued to produce saves as he kept out strikes from Norwood, Michael Hector and Sa in the latter stages.