FOOTBALL: BOB'S THE JOB

MIGHTY atom Robert Earnshaw stepped back in triumph to fire Cardiff to a victory that banished those home blues.

The 21-year-old Welsh international striker had spent a month of frustration before finally being called up for his first league start of the season after staking his claims with a midweek Worthington Cup hat-trick at Boston.

And he shook off those cobwebs to fire a clear warning that he does not intend to relinquish his place.

In fact, he needed just 55 seconds to fire Cardiff in front. And from that stage on his irrepressible pace and Trojan work rate were key weapons in a victory that brought sweet relief to Ninian Park.

"The little fella was terrific. He did all I could ask of him," said delighted Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence.

Now Cardiff have the chance to top the Second Division table when they have another home game against Brentford on Tuesday.

"It was an important win, even at this early stage, because it will give everybody here - players and fans - that extra confidence," said Lawrence.

The Welsh side got off to a dream start, when Earnshaw's persistence earned them a corner inside the first minute. Graham Kavanagh rolled the corner kick to Gareth Whalley, who chipped it in into the penalty area where Earnshaw managed to get his body in front off Stockport player-manager Carlton Palmer to score with a decisive header.

Cardiff could easily have put the result beyond doubt in an awesome opening 15 minutes.

Earnshaw's chip was turned onto the crossbar by Stockport keeper Lee Jones, Peter Thorne sent one glorious heading opportunity wide and then Spencer Prior's powerful header was desperately cleared off the line by Stockport skipper Dave Challinor.

At this stage the Cheshire side were chasing shadows as their defence threatened to fall apart against the constant waves of Cardiff attacking.

But the whole picture changed dramatically as the visitors snatched a lifeline with a 16th-minute equaliser.

Cardiff's entire back line stood still waiting for an off-side decision as Luke Beckett raced on to a through ball.

But no whistle came and the striker was allowed to round goalkeeper Neil Alexander and slot home his first goal of the campaign.

Cardiff were stunned by the setback and that early fluency suddenly began to disappear from their play. They needed a break - and it came six minutes before half-time.

Earnshaw was again heavily involved, latching on to Andy Legg's cross and setting up the chance for Kavanagh to rifle home a low drive that was deflected by Challinor past the helpless Jones.

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