Cardiff City 1, Nottingham Forest 0
Neil Warnock has a firm instruction for Aaron Gunnarsson, telling the Icelandic midfield player: “Shoot more often and hit the target.”
Gunnarsson fired Cardiff City’s winner against Forest with a beautifully struck shot from 25 yards which swerved on the way in.
That was his third goal of the season and Warnock said: “He usually whacks the pigeon off the top of the stand when he shoots like that.
“Fortunately it was one of those when the goalie had no chance. As soon as you saw it from the dugout, it looked just like a missile, the way it went in.
“Gunnarsson a great lad and an important part of the squad. I think he can do better (going forward). He knows what I think.
“He should be pushing on 10 goals and we are working on that. We are also trying to get more from the wide players.”
The Bluebirds have won three successive home matches and are now 13th in the Championship.
Forest were pushed towards relegation problems by their defeat and are now in 21st place.
City could have doubled their score. Peter Whittingham’s long-range shot hit the bar.
Drama was provided by Warnock’s assistant Kevin Blackwell and his opposite number David Weir, who had to be separated after they had a scuffle.
Cardiff scored after 70 minutes when a Kadeem Harris cross was only half-cleared and Gunnarsson lashed a first time shot which moved in the air as it flew past goalkeeper Jordan Smith.
“We did more than enough to get a point,” said Forest manager Mark Warburton. “I’m disappointed we conceded a goal from 25 yards.
“If we play like we did against Cardiff and show the same desire and work ethic we’ll be okay.”
Cardiff City: McGregor, Peltier (Richards 64), Morrison, Manga, Bennett, Hoilett, Gunnarsson, Whittingham (Halford 86), K Harris, Pilkington (Ralls 77), Zohore. Subs not used: Noone, Lambert, Murphy, M Harris.
Nottingham Forest: Smith, Lichaj, Worrall, Fox, Pinillos (Vellios 81), Brereton (Clough 76), Cohen, Vaughan, Carayol, Ward (Assombalonga 75), Osborn. Subs not used: Mancienne, Evtimov, Lam, Cash.
Referee: Andy Madley.
Attendance: 16,413.