The visitors went in front when Harry Wilson’s inswinging free-kick from the right was met with a close-range header from Curtis Nelson.
More wretched defending by the hosts allowed Kieffer Moore yards of space to head his 11th goal of the season from Sheyi Ojo’s 25th-minute cross and the result was never in doubt from then on.
The only downside for Cardiff was losing goalkeeper Alex Smithies, who had to be substituted after only 11 minutes because he was feeling unwell.
McCarthy said: “Alex looked really ill when he came off and to watch him leave on a stretcher was not good.
“But I have just seen him sitting up in the dressing room and it doesn’t look too bad. We have no idea what the problem was.
Denne historien er fra February 7, 2021-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
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Denne historien er fra February 7, 2021-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.
