A late howler from Adriano Basso allowed Cardiff to snatch a 1-1 draw from their trip to Bristol City.
Bluebirds leave it late to snatch a point
A late howler from Adriano Basso allowed Cardiff to snatch a 1-1 draw from their trip to Bristol City.
The Brazilian spilled a tame effort from Eddie Johnson in the 88th minute, allowing Ross McCormack the simplest of levellers.
That effort cancelled out Nicky Maynard's spectacular 70th minute opener, with the Robins striker lashing a 20-yard scorcher past helpless Bluebirds debutant Stuart Taylor.
However, Dave Jones' side responded well to going behind and struck the woodwork twice before McCormack's late leveller.
The result sees Cardiff move back into the play-off places, while Bristol move up a place to eighth, having thrown away the opportunity to go sixth themselves.
Following an even start to the game, the visitors came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 15th minute as Roger Johnson rose superbly to meet Paul Parry's corner - only for Stern John to head the ball off the line.
Michael Chopra then curled a shot narrowly wide of the far post as the visitors continued to press.
However, Gary Johnson's men retained an attacking threat of their own - and Louis Carey forced Taylor into action with a thunderous, swerving strike from 30 yards.
Jamie McCombe then produced an outstanding block to deny Jay Bothroyd following a flowing Cardiff move - and at the other end, Liam Fontaine headed over from 12 yards when unmarked at the far post.
Bright
Michael McIndoe also went close for the Robins 10 minutes before the break with a left-footed strike from the edge of the area, but neither side was able to find a breakthrough as the opening 45 drew to a close.
The home side began the second half brightly and McIndoe saw a shot well blocked by Roger Johnson before Gavin Williams tried his luck with a dipping 30-yard volley which landed on the roof of the net with Taylor frantically back-pedalling.
It proved to be Williams' final contribution as he limped off moments later to be replaced by Cole Skuse.
Jamie McAllister saw a stinging left-footed strike fly inches over the bar after 55 minutes and the hosts came even closer to breaking the deadlock nine minutes later as they began to take total control.
McIndoe's initial strike was palmed away by Taylor and the Bluebirds goalkeeper had to react well to keep out Maynard's follow-up before a third effort from Lee Johnson was deflected wide.
The Robins were eventually rewarded for their pressure in the 70th minute as Maynard grabbed his 10th of the season.
However, Cardiff almost equalised immediately as Gabor Gyepes headed a Peter Whittingham free-kick against the crossbar and Eddie Johnson also struck the post with a diving header before McCormack's strike.
McIndoe almost snatched three points for the hosts at the death, but his free-kick was palmed away by Taylor.
