Greg Halford smashed home Cardiff City’s extra time winner against Portsmouth, but resisted celebrating his first goal for the Bluebirds.
The experienced Halford then revealed: “It was a mark of my respect for Portsmouth fans.”
He spent 20 months with the South coast club between 2010 and 2012 during a time when they were struggling financially, went into administration and were deducted 10 points.
“It was a tough time at Pompey, but the fans stuck together and stayed behind us,” said Halford in the tunnel at Cardiff City Stadium. “I wanted to show my appreciation to them.”
More than 800 Portsmouth fans made the trip to South Wales and Cardiff came from behind to win 2-1 in the Carabao Cup first round tie.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing equalised and Halford fired the winner with a beautifully struck shot from 20 yards.
“I have not been back to Portsmouth or played against them since I left,” he said. “I want to show their fans the same respect they showed me when I was playing for the club.
“I wasn’t expecting to score, but when it happened I didn’t want to celebrate. Portsmouth is a club close to my heart. The deduction of 10 points hurt everybody at the time.
“The players we had there were close and the fans stuck with us.”
The versatile Halford, 6ft 4ins tall and a player who can operate at the back or in midfield, made 77 appearances for Pompey and scored 12 goals.
He has had a dozen clubs during his 15-year playing career, starting at Colchester, and is a key player in manager Neil Warnock’s plans for this season.
His ability to play in several positions and his composure on and off the pitch are assets to the Bluebirds.
Cardiff hit back to win after a Sean Morrison own goal had given League One Portsmouth the lead.
“We showed quality in the second half,” said Halford.”Nathaniel (Mendez-Laing) made a difference with his power, pace and directness. He did extremely well.
“All the lads pulled together and it was a good performance in the end.
“We have more pace in the team this season and that showed with Junior (Hoilett) and Nathaniel coming on from the bench. Junior had two assists.
“We can be a bit more direct with that pace.
“We feel stronger, fitter as a team. Our pre-season was good with two weeks solid running before the games came thick and fast.”
Danny Ward, the striker who played alongside Halford at Rotherham, led the Cardiff attack against Portsmouth, linking with Anthony Pilkington during the first half and Lee Tomlin in the second.
Ward went on during their 1-0 win at Burton and operated wide on the left.
“Danny will bring goals,” says Halford.”He is a really good finisher, left and right foot. He has all the ingredients needed to score a lot of goals.”
The next match for Cardiff City is at home against Aston Villa in the Championship this Saturday (3pm).