Sheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City: Ashford's solo stunner sees Bluebirds through to FA Cup 4th round

Cardiff City are in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a stunning solo goal from Cian Ashford at Sheffield United.

Ashford was the standout performer on the night and his first-half strike was enough to separate the two sides and serves to continue building this slow momentum for Omer Riza's side, who are now four games unbeaten in all competitions.

This was an FA Cup tie between two teams at opposing ends of the Championship. Although it beggars belief that 20 places separate these two in the league standings on this showing, because Cardiff - and a much-changed Cardiff at that - were good value for their win.

You almost park the league when cup days roll around, but Omer Riza will certainly hope this acts as a positive springboard from which Cardiff can launch the second half of their campaign.

And the emergence of Ashford, Riza will also hope, almost feels like Cardiff have a new signing for the back end of the season. On this showing at Bramall Lane, it looks like the 20-year-old, who has four goal involvements in his last five first-team matches, could have a very big role to play in the coming months.

The Bluebirds started the tie with real vim and vigour and, in truth, should have been ahead early on. Kion Etete, starting his first senior match of the campaign, had two golden opportunities inside the first seven minutes but the ring-rust was evident in how he tried to finish the chances.

Rubin Colwill sent in a peach of an early cross straight on to the striker's head and despite turning a decent header on goal, 'keeper Adam Davies comfortably saved to his right. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

That bright spark Ashford was the architect of the second. The winger spun his