Portsmouth set the tone by striking before halftime, and the 1-0 interval score left Cardiff chasing the game. Reports say Shaughnessy supplied the breakthrough, rewarding the home side's first-half work. Cardiff stayed within one goal after the restart, but Portsmouth held firm, protected their lead and then landed the decisive second goal, with reports crediting Milovanovic for wrapping up the result.
The final score gave the match a straightforward feel, even if Cardiff remained in touch for much of it. For Pompey, the highlights were simple and effective: take the lead, add insurance, and keep the clean sheet intact. The stats line that matters most is the one beside the result - two goals scored, none conceded, and another Championship win secured at home. Cardiff, by contrast, finished with a summary shaped by an uphill chase after falling behind and never quite finding a way back.