Cardiff boss Russell Slade praises 'terrific' Craig Noone equaliser

Craig Noone is mobbed by his Cardiff team-mates after equalising against Fulham

Cardiff manager Russell Slade hailed the impact of substitute Craig Noone after his spectacular equaliser earned a late point against Fulham.

Noone, who had an injury-plagued campaign last season, rifled home a 25-yard shot four minutes from time.

Slade felt it was no more than his side deserved in their Championship opener.

"You want a response when you make a substitution at any stage of the game. We got a terrific response from Craig," said Slade after the 1-1 draw.

"It was not easy to beat their keeper [Andy Lonergan] this afternoon, he was outstanding.

"We know what Craig can do, you see it in training.

"He did not get to those levels last season in terms of end product, but he has made the perfect start today so let's hope he can produce more of those."

A mistake by goalkeeper Simon Moore - deputising for the suspended David Marshall, who is a transfer target for West Bromwich Albion - had fumbled a high cross to enable Matt Smith to bundle home Fulham's 47th-minute opener.

But Slade said the squad refused to point the finger at Moore: "We are all in this together, we are all going to make mistakes during the season.

"It is about how you react, that is the important thing, that is all of us, the fans as well.

"They responded well today and stayed behind the team until the end, which was pleasing."

Cardiff are back in action on Tuesday night in the first round of the League Cup, at home to Wimbledon.