Cardiff City needed an inspired strike from substitute Craig Bellamy to edge Leeds United 2-1 this afternoon.

Leeds were forced to make a change after just five minutes, with Ross McCormack taken off after just five minutes on his return to Cardiff.

The Bluebirds controlled possession in the first half and came closest to scoring through Nicky Maynard.

Cardiff brought on Bellamy on the hour and he made an instant impact, rifling home a free kick from range to give the Welsh side the lead.

Peter Whittingham doubled Cardiff's advantage from the penalty spot just minutes later.

Leeds got a late lifeline through Rudolph Austin, who turned a free kick home, but the Whites could not find the late equaliser.