Russell Slade was surprised as anyone at the way the second half of Cardiff v Leeds burst into life.
The half time whistle brought to an end a very low key first half that had little going for it. But after the break the game exploeded into a action packed goal fest.
Slade had special mention for striker Federico Macheda who scored for the third consecutive gome game.
"It was a bit of a non-event of a first half in many ways, with not much in it and not too many chances. I don't think anyone expected that in the second half: four goals and an entertaining game," Slade said.
"The players put a really good shift in, and particularly in the second half we needed to find a little bit more energy, a little bit more intensity.
"The game was always a worry for me. They are very unpredictable in the way they play. They've got some talented players, so it was important for us to be compact and keep our discipline.
"Kiko is a confidence player, he needs a run of games to get the best out of him and we are offering him plenty of encouragement.
"We are encouraging him to be stronger when the ball is played in to him and we know with his ability he is going to cause a lot of problems, especially when he turns defenders and drives forward.
"People forget he is still only 23 and he is still getting better, he is taking things on board.
"His confidence was a bit low when I joined the club, he had not performed very often, but he has had a run and is enjoying it."
Neal Redfearn revealed he had sought assurances from Owner Massimo Cellino, following the brief tenures of Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic, that he is not a short-term appointment.
He said: "I spoke to Massimo and we talked about things going forward, which was a key point for me.
"I asked if he sees me as the future and he said he does, which is great for me.
"I have been here six years in total and have put in a lot of hard work. There is the caveat that I can go back to the academy if it does not work out, but I am very proud."
Of his side's performance, he added: "It was not a dazzling performance but for an hour it was a good away performance. We limited them and we countered well.
"But that period after half-time was where the damage was done. We gave ourselves a chance pulling one back, and I thought we might get something, but you cannot legislate for their third."