Jones welcomes Purse return

Experienced defender back in Burnley victory

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 7th October 2007

Darren Purse

Purse: Cardiff return

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Cardiff boss Dave Jones admitted the return of defender Darren Purse was a key factor in their 2-1 victory over Burnley.

The Bluebirds have missed the experience of the former Birmingham player when he was on the sidelines through injury, but looked more solid at the back on their way to their first home win of the season.

Purse was introduced from the bench in the 23rd minute due to an injury to Glenn Loovens.

Joe Ledley headed Cardiff in front from Purse's cross before the break the deadlock, but Clarets boss Steve Cotterill sent on all three substitutes at half-time and the visitors levelled through Ade Akinbiyi.

But Paul Parry settled the match in spectacular style when he cut inside and unleashed a stunning drive which had Gabor Kiraly grasping at thin air.

Comfortable

And Jones said: "I felt more comfortable, especially with Darren Purse back in defence.

"He has only had six minutes of football this season but he brought experience to the back line just when we needed it.

"On our first half performance we should have been out of sight but we do tend to let the opposition in.

"The atmosphere was fantastic and the fans kept us going even though they were a little nervous after Burnley equalised."

Gambled

Cotterill felt his side deserved to take something from the game but were made to pay for defensive lapses.

He said: "We knew it would be tough coming to Cardiff and it is very disappointing to go away with nothing after getting an equaliser.

"We gambled by putting on all three subs for the second period and it almost paid off.

"In the second half I thought we did enough to earn at least a point if not go on to win but it is always an uphill task when you go behind and we have to tighten up at the back."