An early goal from Rudy Gestede secured three points for Championship leaders Cardiff City against Millwall on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts started brightly and were ahead in the eighth minute when Craig Noone delivered the ball towards the back post for Gestede to tap in from a couple of yards out.

Despite dominating the first period, Cardiff almost gifted the visitors an equaliser when Darius Henderson was left unmarked in the box but David Marshall reacted to keep out the striker's header.

However, Cardiff were once again in charge as the half ended and Craig Bellamy should have hit the target following a knock down by Gestede.

Millwall looked a better side in the early stages of the second period and the scores could have been level when James Henry found space in the corner of the box, but the shot that followed flew past of Marshall's post.

Bellamy once again wasted a chance in front of goal when he smashed a loose ball over the crossbar from 12 yards out.

As Millwall searched for an equaliser, the hosts enjoyed plenty of space on the counter-attack and Noone was close to putting the result beyond doubt with a fierce effort, but David Forde reacted superbly to tip the ball away from goal.

The visitors continued to apply pressure as the final whistle approached but Cardiff's defence remained stubborn to secure a well-earned victory.