Cardiff City goalscorer Adam Le Fondre says hard work pays off

Adam Le Fondre's winner at Watford was his second goal for Cardiff since joining from Reading.

Adam Le Fondre says hard work paid off when he claimed Cardiff City's winner in the 1-0 victory over Watford.

The striker's 12th-minute tap-in earned the Bluebirds' first away win of the season.

And Le Fondre was relieved to find the target for the first time in 17 appearances since moving from Reading in the summer.

"I think it's just the bit of luck that's been deserting me recently, I've been working really hard," he said.

"It's the hardest I've worked in my career and hopefully it's going to start reaping rewards.

"I'm getting chances now, which is what I've been asking for. Obviously I've been disappointed I haven't been taking them so if one falls in my lap I'm going to take it."

Le Fondre thought he had opened his Cardiff account in October's 3-1 win over Ipswich, but because his shot took a big deflection on the way into the net it was later deemed to be an own goal.

However, there was no mistaking whose goal it was on Saturday and the win at Vicarage Road means Russell Slade's side have gone three matches unbeaten, and lifted them into eighth place in the Championship.

Cardiff City have lost twice in eight matches since Russell Slade took over as manager.

Cardiff were lying 15th in the table when Slade was appointed as successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in early October and they have lost just two League games in that period.

Le Fondre says Slade has simplified things since arriving from Leyton Orient and that has helped the Bluebirds climb the table.

"If you look at the results they've improved a lot and it's benefited me, I've had a run in the team," added Le Fondre.

"The results are going really well and hopefully we can continue that because we've got a great squad here and a great mentality.

"We've stuck to one game plan rather than having a different one for each week and trying to stifle teams."

The one black mark from the victory was the hamstring injury suffered by Anthony Pilkington, which will rule the winger out for at least three weeks.

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall also has a groin niggle that the club's medical team are monitoring.

Cardiff City face Rotherham at home in their next match in the Championship on Saturday, 6 December.