Last update on. From the section Championship
Alex Smithies, Cardiff goalkeeper, couldn't stop Jamie Paterson scoring his fourth goal of the season
Jamie Paterson led Swansea City's victory in the south Wales derby, which put pressure on Cardiff City boss Mick McCarthy.
Swansea's goalkeeper Paterson scored a memorable goal from 25 yards that put Swansea ahead.
To secure Russell Martin's greatest result as Swans boss, he then scored goals for Joel Piroe & Jake Bidwell.
It is now six consecutive defeats for the Bluebirds.
The nature of this latest reverse is just like to increase speculation about McCarthy's future as Cardiff. They are currently three points behind the Championship relegation zone, in 20th.
Only the third league win for Swansea since Martin assumed charge in August helped them climb to 17th.
While his side remains a work in process, this was the best indication yet that they are improving following a difficult start.
Jamie Paterson kicks off the scoring with a stunning long-range goal
Cardiff didn't start the match in such poor form. However, they were fortunate to not concede a third-minute penalty for Curtis Nelson’s clumsy challenge against Ethan Laird.
Swansea failed to establish their passing game in the first stages. Cardiff had the ball when Ryan Giles grabbed Kieffer Moore’s through ball, but Ben Hamer saved a weak shot.
Moore broke the offside trap and shot straight at Hamer, before Swansea entered the contest in stunning fashion.
Ryan Manning made a beautiful touch and pass, feeding Paterson to the centre for Piroe. Alex Smithies saved Piroe's point-blank shot at the near post.
The danger was still there. Swansea retained possession and eventually gave the ball to Paterson. He took a touch before unleashing an intense curling drive that hit both posts before going over the line.
This was a moment for inspiration from Paterson. It was the kind Martin's Swansea needed after struggling to score goals this season.
Cardiff haven't scored a Championship goal in the first half since last season. Swansea seemed to be growing in confidence as they won.
McCarthy was in need of a response following the break. There were set-piece opportunities early on, as Aden Flint's shot was deflected and Nelson went off target from the corner.
Swansea's third goal is scored by Jake Bidwell.
There were also Swansea threats, as Ryan Bennett and Laird saved Smithies from Ryan Bennett before Martin's team scored a stylish second goal.
Piroe passed the ball to Paterson and then ghosted into space for a clever return pass.
The Dutchman was clinical as he took down the ball on his chest and scored his seventh goal of this season with his weaker right leg.
Piroe was the ice cool of a day full of racing pulses.
Swansea again appealed for a penalty after Mark McGuinness ran in on Korey Smith. They then held their heads in frustration while Smith went wastefully wide, with the goal at Smith's mercy.
Another chance was missed by Oliver Ntcham, but Swansea got their third thanks to Paterson's fine work.
Laird, a former Bristol City player, signed Bidwell as a free agent. He chipped the ball to the far side for Bidwell to take home from a yard.
Swansea head coach Russell Martin:
It was an amazing performance. It was an amazing performance.
"It feels like a performance like this has been coming.
"We talked before the game about weathering storms early, while Cardiff have intensity and energy.
"I thought we had the match under control after the first 15 minutes. We are building a connection and Cardiff was hurt in the second half.
Mick McCarthy, Cardiff City manager:
"I am deeply disappointed. Blackburn was the same when we had our chance. Today we had two fantastic chances and it is clear that we need to improve in both areas. We were disappointed that we gave the ball away after we had conceded the first goal.
They are a great football team. Once they get 1-0 ahead, we have to chase it. I was really disappointed at the end.
"I expect them to give all, and they do. It can be difficult to run when it isn't all cohesive. Sometimes you feel more open.
"The game plan worked well at the beginning, but once we realized it was not working out, it was disappointing." They give all they have to the players, but I'd like us to do better.
