Cardiff City eased their fears of relegation with an impressive win over Bristol City in the Severnside derby on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Sory Kaba and Jaden Philogene helping them to a deserved 2-0 victory.
The victory ended Bristol's unbeaten run of nine league games but most importantly puts distance between Cardiff and the dreaded drop zone, with manager Sabri Lamouchi unable to hide his joy post-match as he lauded the "absolutely massive" victory.
It was an encouraging afternoon for Bluebirds everywhere, but here we take a look at some of the main talking points.
Ojo silences doubters
One of two changes to Lamouchi's starting line-up for the derby day clash, Sheyi Ojo turned up when it really mattered as he impressed against Bristol.
The 25-year-old has largely blown hot and cold since rejoining the club last summer but delivered perhaps his finest performance in a Cardiff shirt as he proved a constant danger to Bristol's defenders. Asking plenty of questions with his pacey, purposeful runs, he was integral in helping move his side up the field and turn defence into attack.
READ MORE: Sabri Lamouchi absolutely buzzing with Cardiff City win as he reveals why Perry Ng ended up in goal
He was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself midway through the first half as he let fly with a fizzing shot from outside the box that stung the hands of Bristol keeper Max O'Leary and nearly created an opportunity for Sory Kaba to open the scoring.
Ojo may have been on the receiving end of some at times deserved criticism of late but his derby showing proves that when it clicks for him, there is some player in there.
Philogene a cut above
It was an absolutely sensational performance from Jaden Philogene on Saturday and one that makes you forget that he is only 21 years of age.
The youngster ran the show for the Bluebirds and was absolutely everywhere, in defence and attack. The 22,000 fans inside the Cardiff City Stadium didn't need to know the stats to recognise he was the best player on the pitch by a mile, but they make for impressive reading as he topped the charts for most dribbles completed (four), most duels won (four) and most tackles won (also four).
The Aston Villa loanee just kept running and even when those around him flagged, his strength, speed and determination to keep the ball moving kept Cardiff in the contest. He was one step ahead of everyone else on the pitch and looked dangerous every time he was in possession as he chose the right pass nearly every time.
And what about the goal? Something made completely out of nothing as Philogene received the ball in a non-threatening position before dribbling past Josh Dasilva and Anis Mehmeti and firing a low strike from 20 yards, which left O'Leary well beaten.
With Villa reportedly set let him leave on a permanent deal when his loan in the capital is up, if he can keep up his recent performances under Lamouchi, he may become a must-buy come the end of the season.
Opportunity for Alnwick
It was a sad end to Ryan Allsop's derby day as he was given his marching orders in a moment of madness, with the keeper becoming involved in a mix-up with Mark McGuinness as he rushed out of his goal to challenge Bristol's Harry Cornick and being deemed to handle the ball in the process.
The shot-stopper had been one of the stand-out performers in Saturday's win, putting his body on the line to keep a much-wanted clean sheet. He denied Andreas Weimann and Anis Mehmeti from close range with two blocks, before tipping the latter's free-kick effort over the bar to keep his side ahead.
With Allsop's red card ruling him out of the next weekend's game away to Preston, Lamouchi admitted in his post-match press conference that Cardiff will miss his presence in goal. However, his absence also presents an opportunity to backup keeper Jak Alnwick, whose last appearance came in the 5-2 pasting at home to Leeds in the FA Cup in January.
The number one spot has been up for debate in recent weeks with Allsop looking shaky at times, so a solid performance from Alnwick at Deepdale could potentially ramp up the competition, although admittedly the focus is likely to remain on what is happening at the other end of the pitch.
Lamouchi may not even have to look to Alnwick to find his replacement, with Perry Ng keeping a clean sheet in his six minute cameo in the net! The boss even told the defender following the win: "You're starting next game".
Stranger things have happened! Well, not quite that strange, perhaps, so Alnwick it is, with Ng in his usual position in the defence.
READ NEXT:
