Craig Bellamy scored the winner as Cardiff City extended their lead at the top of the Championship with a 1-0 victory at Leicester City.

The Welsh international scored the only goal of the game against the run of play to give the Bluebirds the win at the King Power Stadium.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the match when Lloyd Dyer teed up Danny Drinkwater, but the former Bluebird blazed his effort over from the edge of the penalty area.

David Nugent then shot across the face of goal but David Marshall managed to stop his effort, before saving from Wes Morgan's header.

The Foxes continued to dominate the proceedings and came inches away from an opener when Andy King curled a shot against the inside of the far post.

Marshall was again called into action when he got down low to push away Anthony Knockaert's stinging drive before he denied the same player again a few minutes later.

However, it was Cardiff who took the lead against the run of play when Craig Conway delivered a cross from the left before Bellamy smashed a half-volley past Kasper Schmeichel.

The league leaders had the chance to double their lead moments later, first when Jordon Mutch flicked a free header wide, and then when Bellamy fired over after a defensive mix-up.

Leicester came inches away from an equaliser when a terrific shimmy and direct run from King led to him bending an effort just wide of Marshall's far upright from the edge of the box.

The home side nearly found a leveller just before the break, but Jamie Vardy flicked his header against the crossbar.

Despite a high-tempo start to the second half, there were few chances until substitute Rudy Gestede watched as his header deflected over the bar.

Zak Whitbread then came close to levelling the match, but his header was cleared off the line by Conway.

The Welsh outfit then had a chance to add a second goal, but Bellamy's pass to Aron Gunnarsson was played just behind the latter.

The visitors held onto extend their lead at the top of the Championship to three points, while the Foxes stay fifth.