What a breathtaking first half of football. Cardiff City, to a man, worked tirelessly to win the game in the opening 45 minutes.
City suffered an early blow with Aron Gunnarsson taken off injured. He is now a doubt for Wednesday's game against Brighton. On came the impressive Joe Mason and the young Irishman went on to be named Man of the Match i front of over 22,600 supporters.
Mason was a livewire and he was supported by the always available Don Cowie and the rest of the team who constantly looked for the ball and looked for space.
With the full backs overlapping and City in control there was no surprise when Cardiff took the lead. Mark Hudson stole some space at the back post to head past David James. Soon after it was two nil. Craig Conway drilled a shot from 20 yards along the ground past James.
And the for the second week in a row James conceeded three goals. A shot at goal was deflected then rebounded to Robert Earnshaw just 2 yards out with no player anywhere near him.
He scored, then checked to make sure it was given before charging off to somersault and do a little jig by the touchline (see pic).
Just a wondeful half for Cardiff.
After the break City attacked again, chances were still being created but no goals came. The tempo dropped and while City still took the game to the visitors the arrival of Jamal Campbell-Ryce gave them a more threatening edge down the right hand side and it was from that source that Nicky Maynard was fed and he turned Anthony Gerrard to score a consolation. Until then the defence had been comfortable all game.
In the first half Bristol missed an open goal of their own. The attacker hitting the underside of the bar when it was easier to score. They also had two players booked early on for cynical professional fouls.
There was a minutes applause before kick off to remember former Chief Exec David Temme who passed away this summer.
The teamwork and camararderie between these guys is a joy to see and when Conway scored he ayatollah'd like crazy as he ran away celebrating.
The manager has instilled this into the players and he leads by example. The joy and relief of winning was quite obvious as he left the pitch after all the players and was punching the air in delight.
Next up come Brighton on Wednesday at Cardiff City Stadium. Both teams have 100% records, something has got to give.
Cardiff have never won their opening three league games. Could we make history?