Cardiff qualified for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and clinched Welsh bragging rights with a 2-1 win over Wrexham.
In the first meeting between the two Welsh clubs since 2004, it was the visiting League One team who deservedly won with goals from Youssef Sarek and Will Fish.
Wrexham, who conceded a whopping 23 shots to their rivals, equalized through Kieffer Moore’s goal, but it was to be Cardiff’s night.
Wrexham were booed at half-time after Phil Parkinson’s side had a heavy first half, with Sarec opening the scoring and the impressive Rubin Colwill taking a free-kick that hit the crossbar.
Substitute Moore’s towering header breathed new life into the hosts, but Fish’s strike ended a memorable comeback for another ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series.
The Bluebirds are now in the quarter-final draw for the first time since reaching the final in 2011-12 with a memorable win in North Wales.
The draw will take place on Wednesday after the Round 5 match between Newcastle and Tottenham.
Cardiff City’s William Fish celebrates after leading his team to a 2-1 win over Wrexham in the Carabao Cup
Parkinson: I take criticism lightly.
Phil Parkinson says criticism must be taken after Wrexham’s chances of reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals were ruined.
Coach Parkinson expressed frustration, saying, “In the first half, the pace was off.” “That’s probably an understatement. We didn’t close down with enough aggression or intent and made it too easy for them.
“Then in the second half I thought the changes got us back in the game and we felt we could keep winning the game, but we probably didn’t make the right decisions at the right time in the top third of the pitch.
“We are very disappointed, we knew it was an important night for us supporters.
“We have received a lot of praise over the years but I will take any criticism, myself included, for withdrawing from the cup tonight.
“We made a lot of changes and I think everyone will analyze it the same way I do, but we did it for the reasons that I thought were right for the schedule that was coming up.”
Barry-Murphy hopes to reach home quarter-finals
Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy said: “It was a tough game for us, but we played the way we wanted to from the start and I think we showed our character and skill level throughout the game.”
“I’m very happy and very proud of the whole club.
“It’s a new experience for me and I think it’s very exciting for the players as well.
“I think at the start of this competition you can choose how serious you want to take it, and when you take it as seriously as we did, you always hope to progress as much as possible.
“The uncertainty of who we will face in the next round is what makes this match so exciting.
“We want to get back to our own stadium. You saw the distance our supporters had to travel to Burnley in midweek and then here tonight. It would be great for them to be back at their home stadium and it would be a great opportunity for all of us.”
