Swansea 3-2 Cardiff

Darren Pratley was Swansea City's derby hero as he scored twice and set up another to help the Swans claim the bragging rights over rivals Cardiff in a pulsating Liberty Stadium showpiece.

Nathan Dyer's header from Pratley's free kick broke the deadlock on seven minutes before Pratley himself added a second six minutes later with a volley.

Cardiff drew level with goals in quick succession from striker Jay Bothroyd and an excellent Mark Hudson header at the far post.

But superb Pratley ensured Swans extended their unbeaten run to 10 with a fine volley just before the hour as the hosts held on.

It was the first time this season that the Swans had scored more than two goals in a league game.

The loss of captain Garry Monk in the warm-up to a calf injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Fede Bessone, his replacement, set up both Pratley's goals for Swansea's first derby league win in 10 years.

Swansea started strongly and had their first chance just three minutes in when Pratley's flick found Craig Beattie but the record signing could not beat David Marshall in the Cardiff goal.

It did not matter as the home side were ahead seven minutes later when Pratley's free-kick from by the corner flag was flicked on by Ashley Williams and Dyer was unchallenged to head into an empty net with Marshall nowhere.

It is the second time the former Southampton winger has scored against Cardiff since joining the Swans last season.

And the Swans doubled their lead six minutes later as Bessone crossed from the left and Beattie appeared to be bundled over in the box but it mattered little as Pratley pounced on the loose ball to fire home.

It was no less than the Swans deserved after taking the game to Cardiff with Pratley and Dyer looking particularly lively down the right.

606: DEBATE

" A great match played by two cracking teams. We have had great banter which has culminated in a great match. Swansea City and Cardiff City have done south Wales proud - and so have all our fans. One of the best derby games I have witnessed "

The lead took the sting out of the game and Cardiff tried to get themselves back into it with Ross McCormack, back for his first start in almost three months for suspended top-scorer Michael Chopra, lifting the ball over the bar from the edge of the box.

Swansea continued to threaten and Pratley was at the centre of the action and it was his ball that found Welsh midfielder Joe Allen on the edge of the box, but this time Marshall parried to safety.

Cardiff showed great character, though, as Dave Jones' men turned the game on its head in the space of 138 seconds.

Bothroyd reduced the deficit on 32 minutes with their first real chance when he beat the offside trap to superbly chest down Chris Burke's ball over the top and coolly fire past Dorus de Vries in bottom left-hand corner.

And within two-and-a-half minutes of Bothroyd's third goal in as many games, Cardiff were level.

McCormack's free-kick from the right was met at the far post by captain Mark Hudson who squeezed the ball home with a header from the narrowest of angles to score his first goal since his summer move to Cardiff.

The second half was understandably less lively, although Allen felt Swansea should have had a penalty when he tangled with Joe Ledley at the near post.

Just before the hour, the Bluebirds came close to taking the lead for the first time when McCormack sent a curling 25-yard free-kick crashing against the bar.

And within a minute, the visitors were behind when Bessone's left-hand cross at the other end found Pratley at the near post to volley home his second of the game and put the Swans back in front.

Pratley had not scored for 26 games since last season's corresponding fixture at the Liberty Stadium but he certainly proved Swansea's hero on the hour to seal the win.

Cardiff were unbeaten in their last six games and tried to find a way back into it. They piled on late pressure, but the Swans held firm to claim a vital win as Dave Jones suffered the dreaded manager of the month curse.

And Swans manager Paulo Sousa - who he defeated to win the managerial gong - celebrated, for the time being at least, moving his side into the Championship play-offs place.

Swansea City manager Paulo Sousa:

"When we made mistakes, they punished us. But we started the second-half well and put our identity on the game and controlled the rhythm with a lot of possession and personality - and our creativity was dynamic.

"When we took the lead, we started to control the game. It was difficult because they are a strong side especially with their long balls and set plays - but we are becoming mentally stronger, more focused and in the end we deserved this nice win.

"Darren Pratley played well and is coming close to his best with a lot of resource - he is an outstanding player.

"It means a lot to all of us and is not just special for us but the fans and the city, there is a lot of happiness here.

"We can be proud with ourselves, fans can go to work with more energy and to help the city to grow. The win reinforces our convictions and confidence and tells us once more that we're in a good way."

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones said:

"I'm disappointed to lose but I'm no more disappointed because it is a derby game, it's just the bragging rights go to them.

"But we must pick ourselves up, get going again and not worry about this game because we're okay and a decent side it is today we haven't played as well as we could have.

"It was an awful start for us and we didn't get close to their players, maybe nerves got to one or two of the players. It was a great fight back but we didn't kick on. We had a lot of possession and hit the bar but the three goals we gave away were dreadful.

"We never had any creativity about us and couldn't get any tempo going but full credit to Swansea who have the points and now we must wait until the return match to get this one out of our system.

"Any time you lose you let the fans down but we have to put up with it today and the season doesn't end with two derby matches so we have to fight back in our next game."