After back-to-back defeats the Bluebirds are back to winning ways and for long periods today showed real quality - particularly in the first half.

Birmingham responded well after the break, but could not break down the Cardiff defence.

Both sides also had strong penalty appeals turned down during a second half in which momentum swung back and forth.

If that's your football fill for today then enjoy the weather responsibly.

And if not there is plenty more football to follow, including all the rest of the day's EFL action here.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff manager Steve Morison said: "We were excellent, first half tremendous, we should have scored at the start of the second half and then we went a bit flat.

"They got half a foothold in the game, but the changes worked in our favour.

"We should have had a couple more but we won.

"That's what it takes, one of the key aspects is to limit other teams and we limited Birmingham to a very low chance of scoring.

"I'm pleased as punch sitting here, if we had a draw I'd be fuming right now."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff defender Mahlon Romeo said: "That was a proper good win, we set the standard against Norwich then fell short at Reading.

"We can't get much better than three points and a clean sheet.

"The gaffer said at half-time we were doing it all right.

"We had to turn up physically to earn the right to do what we wanted to do and we did enough.

"It's only three games in, it's a long season, we've got to keep level and keep improving.

"But I've liked it here, it's a big step up, and I'm loving it."

Cardiff's Callum O'Dowda told Sky Sports: "It was very important, going from Reading away (a 2-1 loss) we knew we weren't up to our standards.

"I thought we were brilliant today, really happy with the three points.

"We need to keep building on results, the league is quite relentless, we've got a big squad and we'll need it."

Jason Perry
Former Cardiff defender on BBC Radio Wales

What you saw was a Cardiff side that stuck to the task and defended well.

The question I asked was can they manage the extra time, and they did exactly that, they showed everything that's needed to be successful.

Jaden Philogene's first-half goal is enough to secure a home win for the Bluebirds.

It was a brilliant team goal, a move that deserved a finish from the Aston Villa loanee.

After completely dominating the first half the second was much different, Birmingham having large spells of possession but failing to really threaten the Cardiff goal.

Steve Morison will be pleased with the performances of a number of his players, particularly Callum O'Dowda and Mahlon Romeo.

But for Birmingham it is a first league defeat of the season, and they remain on four points.

Cardiff leapfrog them into third place, but that will almost certainly change before the afternoon is finished with plenty of kick-offs fast approaching across the EFL.

Maxime Colin goes into the referee's book for fouling a breaking Sheyi Ojo.

That may just do it for Cardiff.

Ryan Allsop punches the cross clear and Kion Etete launches the ball into the Birmingham half.

Here come the visitors again.

It's all Birmingham now, but they are still struggling to create a clear-cut opportunity.

They do have a corner though.

Both sets of players grab another quick drink while Josh Williams is down injured.

Birmingham will restart with possession in their own half.

The fourth official has indicated there will be a minimum of six minutes of added time.

Teams are allowed five substitutes each this season which has seen longer times added on.

Cardiff substitute Sheyi Ojo looks to place a left-footed effort into the far left corner but overhits his effort which curls the wrong side of the post.

Kion Etete wins another free-kick for the Bluebirds who have seen the last five minutes pass with relative ease.

Kion Etete wins a free-kick for Cardiff after being pulled down by Dion Sanderson.

More crucial seconds off the clock for the Bluebirds and an attacking opportunity.

Przemyslaw Placheta blasts a long-range effort high and wide.

The travelling fans have been making the majority of the noise for the last 20 minutes, but that penalty shout has brought the home supporters back to full voice.

Less than 10 minutes to go in the Welsh capital.

Jason Perry
Former Cardiff defender on BBC Radio Wales

I'll tell you what, you've seen them given, he goes across him and there's definitely a little touch.

Sheyi Ojo is on for Callum O'Dowda, who has been a strong candidate for man of the match today.

Cardiff are back on top, for now at least, and are convinced they should have a penalty.

Andy Rinomhota breaks free and plays Callum O'Dowda into the Birmingham box.

O'Dowda goes down under contact but like Scott Hogan earlier, the referee waves away protests.

Jason Perry
Former Cardiff defender on BBC Radio Wales

He's just got to guide it in and go back across goal, he's not in control, missed opportunity.

That was almost game, set and match for Cardiff.

Rubin Colwill plays a lovely diagonal ball to Mark Harris who drives at Maxime Colin.

The Welshman plays a lovely lofted ball to the back post but Kion Etete can only head the ball wide of the upright.

A big let off for Birmingham, who are still firmly in this game.