Craig Noone's free kick in first half injury time sent Cardiff through to the second round of the Capital One Cup against AFC Wimbledon.
A lacklustre first half came to life when Sammy Ameobi's run and shot tested the visiting keeper James Shea on 41 mins before Noone struck a direct free kick past the helpless Shea four minutes later as over 6,000 watched under a red summer sky.
The second half provided much better viewing as both sides looked to attack. The better chances fell to City with Shea denying Kenwyne Jones and Craig Noone specifically while the visitors will feel they should have levlled when Tom Elliott headed against the bar with two minutes remaining.
Russell Slade made seven changes from the side that started against Fulham with three of the back four, Peltier. Morrison and Connolly keeping their places in the side. The 4th player to start again was Alex Revell.
Great turnout on a Tuesday from Dons fans with 550 among the 6,314 crowd.
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) August 11, 2015
In came Ben Wilson in goal, Fabio and left back. a new midfield four of Ameobi, Noone, Gunnarsson and O'Keefe with Eoin Doyle starting up front.
Ameobi shone in parts, Noone looked City's biggest threat and will be upset if he's not chosen to play against QPR on Saturday but there were too many average efforts from the rest of the squad who should have been able to beat Wimbledon far easier than it turned out.
The draw for round 2 takes place on Thursday evening after the Doncaster v Leeds match and the round 2 fixtures will be played week commencing August 24th.
Elsewhere tonight Blackburn, Bristol City, Bolton, Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield, Brentford and Burnley all fell at the first hurdel as the Capital One Cup produced a dramatic night of knock out football.