Here's how the Cardiff City players rated in the 3-1 win at Preston.
Alex Smithies 7
Very little to do, for the most. Did what he needed to when called upon but was largely a passenger. Top saves from Scott Sinclair and Andrew Hughes in the second half.
Dion Sanderson 7
A couple of hairy moments for the Wolves loanee. A little sloppy in possession at times but grew into it, lovely assist for Joe Ralls' goal.
Sean Morrison 9 (star man)
If Cardiff are to reach the play-offs at the end of the season, their captain has to keep up this sort of form. Proved colossal once again. Simply unflappable.
Curtis Nelson 8
A top, top display from a player who is quietly earning his stripes in this division. Very good in the air and positionally much improved.
Joe Bennett 6
Tom Barkhuizen enjoyed a very good first half out on the Preston wing and proved difficult to deal with. But Bennett grew into the game as City's attack flourished late on.
Will Vaulks 8
Sat deep in the midfield three and was awkward and nasty for the Preston forwards. Didn't give them an inch of space.
Leandro Bacuna 7
Offers so much industry and dynamism and probably offered more at both ends of the pitch combined than anyone else.
Joe Ralls 7
Played slightly more advanced but struggled at times to get his foot on the ball. Popped up with a timely goal to set the Bluebirds on their way.
Albert Adomah 7
Gave his opposite number an array of problems but struggled to produce the goods at the end of it at times.
Junior Hoilett 7
Missed a gilt-edged chance when the Bluebirds were 1-0 but ultimately it didn't cost them. Tidy and calm throughout, another solid display.
Callum Paterson 6
Not the sort of game he would have liked, again, having to win headers and chase more lost causes. But stuck to it.
SUBS
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (on for Adomah, 65) 8
A top cameo and staked a claim for a starting spot next week. Looks fit, hungry and raring to go. A top finish to put City 2-1 up.
Robert Glatzel (on for Paterson, 65) 8
I could copy and paste what I said above. He has the bit between his teeth at the moment and is start to look a proper striker at this level.
Lee Tomlin (on for Ralls, 77) 7
A glimpse of his magic once again to produce the assist for Mendez-Laing. He will be desperate to start next time out.
Marlon Pack (on for Hoilett, 90) NA
Wasn't on long enough, but was introduced to shore up the middle of the park late on.
