Last Updated: Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:56
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay praised his side's strength in depth after Aron Gunnarsson stepped off the bench to seal a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
The half-time replacement helped turn the tide for the hosts after a below-par first half, before meeting Craig Bellamy's corner from close range to notch his sixth goal of the season and clinch the three points.
Earlier, Mile Jedinak had stunned the sell-out crowd with an early opener before Craig Noone equalised a minute before the interval.
Mackay said: "This year we have a very similar sized squad to last year, but there is more strength in depth and players go in and out on performance.
"It is about making sure you take your chances and grab it and Aron came in and did that. He scored but also did exceptionally well in the second half.
"They are a great group with a lack of ego there and that makes them work hard for each other whether on the pitch, the bench or the squad."
The home side had to work hard for the win and had keeper David Marshall to thank for a string of fine saves as Mackay's men moved five points clear at the top of the npower Championship.
The Bluebirds boss added: "They know if they work hard and step on like we did in the second half then we have footballers who can open team up and it is about patience and doing the correct things and that is what they did."
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