Cardiff once again proved to be the scourge of Coca-Cola Championship rivals Barnsley as first-half goals from Joe Ledley and Michael Chopra tonight sent them on their way to a vital victory at Ninian Park.

Ledley maintained his knack of scoring against the Reds with the opening goal after just three minutes - converting a Peter Whittingham corner.

Then just before the interval, former Barnsley striker Chopra tapped in from close range after Whittingham's shot was spilt by Heinz Muller.

Substitute Jon Macken did pull a goal back for Barnsley after the break, but their hopes of an unlikely comeback were extinguished moments later as Andranik Teymourian was sent off for two yellow cards.

The dismissal proved costly, Cardiff regaining control and securing their fourth successive victory over the Tykes - Whittingham drilling a shot in off the post in the 88th minute.

Barnsley have not beaten the Bluebirds in eight attempts and are perilously close to the relegation zone.

Ledley, who netted the only goal in the FA Cup semi-final between these sides last season, put his team one up when he blasted home from close range after an inswinging Whittingham corner had caused havoc in the Reds' penalty area.

Cardiff were soon into their passing rhythm - with the Barnsley midfield, who received glowing praise from their manager after their performance against QPR at the weekend, struggling to get hold of the ball.

After a quiet period in the first half, City almost doubled their lead on 30 minutes - but Whittingham's curling free-kick was tipped round the post by Muller.

The reprieve did not last long, Chopra on target in the 43rd minute.

The visitors started the second half well, Daniel Bogdanovic testing Dimitrios Konstantopoulos and then substitute Darren Moore heading just wide at the far post.

The pressure eventually told on the hour when, after a long throw from Rob Kozluk, Moore knocked the ball down to Macken - who slotted the ball in with his first touch.

But two minutes later, that good work was undone by a moment of madness.

On-loan Fulham midfielder Teymourian, who had already been booked in the first half, raised his hands in a melee on the edge of the area to give the referee no choice but to show him a second yellow.

Gavin Rae's thunderbolt cannoned off the bar, but it was not long before Cardiff scored a third when Whittingham capped a fine display with a shot from outside the area.

Teams

Cardiff Konstantopoulos, Blake, Gyepes, Roger Johnson,Kennedy, Parry (Owusu-Abeyie 74), Rae, Ledley, Whittingham,Eddie Johnson, Chopra (McCormack 69).

Subs Not Used: Capaldi, Comminges, Scimeca.

Booked: Eddie Johnson.

Goals: Ledley 4, Chopra 43, Whittingham 88.

Barnsley Muller, Hassell, Foster, Guedes (Moore 45), Kozluk,Campbell-Ryce, Colace, Teymourian, Hammill (Rigters 81),Mifsud, Bogdanovic (Macken 62).

Subs Not Used: Steele, Van Homoet.

Sent Off: Teymourian (65).

Booked: Teymourian, Foster.

Goals: Macken 62.

Att: 15,902

Ref: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire).