Cardiff City maintained their lead at the top of the League One table with a hard-earned home win over Exeter City, a result that plunged the visitors back into the relegation zone on Boxing Day.
Having been frustrated by obdurate opponents during a goalless first half, Cardiff made the breakthrough early in the second as Alex Robertson controlled Dylan Lawlor's superb long ball before finishing neatly for the only goal of the game.
Grecians Frustrate the Leaders
Cardiff enjoyed as much as 70 per cent possession during a highly competitive first half but could not truly seize control, as Exeter remained well organised defensively, dropping deep to protect their penalty area while also pressing effectively.