Federico Macheda brace downs Port Vale

Federico Macheda scored twice as Cardiff City claimed a 3-2 win over Port Vale in their League Cup second-round tie this evening.

The hosts came close to scoring in the opening stages when Louis Dodds saw his effort saved by Simon Moore.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 26th minute when Joe Ralls fired a long-range strike into the bottom corner past Chris Neal.

Port Vale were not behind for long and levelled eight minutes later through Michael O'Connor's free kick.

On the hour mark, Cardiff retook the lead as Macheda slotted Declan John's cross into the net from close range.

The striker grabbed his second of the night in the 79th minute when he was played through on goal, before rounding the keeper and slotting home.

Michael Brown pulled a goal back in stoppage time for the hosts, but Cardiff held on to book their place in the third round.