Cardiff City produced a superb display to beat Birmingham City 1-0, with Joel Colwill starring and the Bluebirds' defence outstanding throughout

Cardiff City secured a superb 1-0 victory over Birmingham City thanks to Yousef Salech's first-half strike at Cardiff City Stadium.

The striker made amends for an earlier penalty miss to fire the Bluebirds ahead, before a tremendous defensive display helped Brian Barry-Murphy's side over the line.

Here is how the players rated on an afternoon when Cardiff secured their third successive home victory and first league clean sheet since April.

Nathan Trott 8

Produced an absolutely sensational save to deny Demarai Gray in the dying minutes, guessing correctly and throwing himself to his right to preserve Cardiff's lead. A match-winning intervention from the goalkeeper when his side needed him most.

Perry Ng 8

Excellent defensively, particularly when producing a superb recovery challenge on Liam Millar in the first half. Won the penalty and showed real composure throughout against dangerous opposition.

Will Fish 9

An outstanding defensive display from the centre-back, who produced a string of crucial blocks and interceptions. His reading of the game was exceptional, particularly when denying Jay Stansfield on several occasions in the second half.

Joel Bagan 9

Was moved to centre-back just 10 minutes before kick-off following Krystian Bielik's withdrawal and barely put a foot wrong. Produced some thunderous challenges and showed terrific awareness to snuff out danger, particularly when Stansfield threatened to break through.

Calum Scanlon 8

Moved from the wing to left-back just before the match and did brilliantly at both ends of the pitch. Defensively assured against Carlos Vicente and a real threat going forward, with his powerful running causing Birmingham problems.

Alex Robertson 7

A typically composed performance in the middle of the park, helping Cardiff retain control in difficult conditions. His set-piece delivery was excellent and created several dangerous opportunities for his team-mates.

Joel Colwill 9 (star man)

The perfect game for him in the hammering rain, with his energy, tenacity and physicality absolutely tailor-made for the occasion. Was everywhere, winning tackles, recovering possession, driving Cardiff forward and generally producing an outstanding midfield performance.

Cian Ashford 8

Aside from failing to finish a couple of glorious chances, he was absolutely marvellous throughout. Defensively brilliant, incredibly strong in possession and a constant threat with his movement and direct running.

Ollie Tanner 8

Another assist for the winger, whose driven cross was brilliantly converted by Salech for the winner. Looked dangerous whenever he got on the ball and was effective once again with his directness and willingness to attack defenders.

Jack Moylan 7

Not quite as influential in front of goal as he has been in recent weeks, but his movement and intelligent link-up play still caused Birmingham problems. Played his part in several promising attacking moves and worked tirelessly for the team.

Yousef Salech 7

Showed tremendous strength and composure to score the decisive goal, but otherwise looked understandably ring-rusty on his return to the starting XI. Missed a penalty and squandered several promising openings, but ultimately delivered the moment that mattered most.

Subs

Chris Willock (Tanner 68) 7 – Made an immediate impression with some excellent deliveries into the box, including one which Ashford came agonisingly close to converting. Looked lively and offered Cardiff a useful outlet.

Ronan Kpakio (Scanlon 68) 7 – Slotted into the defence comfortably and helped Cardiff see out a difficult final period. Showed good discipline and energy as Birmingham pushed for an equaliser.

David Turnbull (Moylan 87) N/A – Introduced in the closing stages to help Cardiff see out the victory.