Cardiff needed extra-time before securing their Carling Cup progress with a 4-1 win over Burton Albion.
McCormack steals the show in South Wales
Cardiff needed extra-time before securing their Carling Cup progress with a 4-1 win over Burton Albion.
Ross McCormack was the star of the show on Wednesday night, as he stepped off the bench to inspire Dave Jones' to victory.
The Scottish striker, who is reported to be attracting interest from afar, scored two well-taken goals in extra-time to end Burton's plucky resistance.
The tie went past the 90-minute mark despite the Bluebirds opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Peter Whittingham found himself in space on the left and crossed for Bothroyd to score his second goal in as many games with a neat close-range finish.
Their joy proved to be short-lived, though, as an under-hit backpass from Anthony Gerrard allowed Shaun Harrad to steal in and equalise for the League Two side - his sixth goal in his last eight games.
Jones' injury problems continued to mount when he lost Bothroyd and Adam Matthews in quick succession at the start of the second half.
Pressure
Both sides were struggling to create chances in a tame start to the second period, with McCormack coming closest when he found the side netting from 20 yards.
Whittingham was not too far away with a long-range effort after 69 minutes, while at the other end Greg Pearson was unlucky at the near post when his shot was deflected wide.
McCormack had a header ruled out for offside as normal time ticked away, while Michael Chopra spurned two chances and Gabor Gyepes headed just wide as the Bluebirds upped the pressure in the first half of extra time.
The home side finally snatched a second goal in the 107th minute. A good run from Jason Koumas ended with a shot which was only parried by Adam Legzdins, and the ball eventually fell to McCormack who tucked the ball home via the far post.
Burton found themselves 3-1 down shortly afterwards when McCormack found some space on the edge of the box and picked his spot into the bottom corner.
And Chopra completed the scoring with two minutes remaining, slotting home a superb through-ball from Koumas.
