Cardiff City withstood a strong fightback from League Two Swindon Town to reach the second round of the EFL Cup.
Cian Ashford fired the League One side in front after Joel Bagan's header from a corner was saved, before Rubin Colwill doubled the hosts' lead shortly before half-time with a thunderous free-kick from 25 yards.
Swindon, backed by a boisterous travelling contingent of around 1,700 fans, got themselves back into contention as Princewill Ehibhatiomhan, the exciting 19-year-old forward on loan from Southampton, finished coolly into the bottom corner.
Cardiff were sternly tested but held on to remain unbeaten in three matches under new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, who was vindicated in picking what had initially seemed a surprisingly strong team for this game.
It had looked set to be a comfortable evening for the home side as they created numerous early chances, taking the lead as Ashford tapped in the rebound after Bagan's header was saved from Isaak Davies' corner.
Swindon came close to scoring a swift and spectacular equaliser but, after weaving his way past three Cardiff defenders, Ehibhatiomhan dragged his shot wide.
The hosts soon regained control and, after Calum Chambers headed narrowly wide and Ashford hit the post, Colwill hammered a brilliant free-kick into the top corner.
Swindon were much improved after manager Ian Holloway made three half-time substitutions, and they got their reward when Ehibhatiomhan pounced on Chambers' mistake to score the goal his dynamic performance deserved.
Cardiff had chances to make victory secure – with Chambers' header superbly cleared off the line by Harry Smith – but they were simply relieved to win and ensure they will be a part of Wednesday's draw for the second round.
Cardiff City: Trott, Kpakio, Fish, Chambers ©, Bagan, Wintle, Turnbull (King 90’), R. Colwill (J. Colwill 87’), Ashford (Tanner, 87’), Davies (Willock 68’), Robinson (Salech 68’). Subs Not Used: Turner, Lawlor, Mafico, Nyakuhwa.
Swindon Town: Ripley (Ward 50’), Mabete, Wright © (Clarke 45’), Ball, Glatzel, Smith, Wilson-Brown (Munroe 45’), Kilkenny, Princewill (Tabor 77’), Bodin (Oldaker 45’), McGregor. Subs Not Used: Nichols, Butterworth, Snowdon, Drinan.
