Gloucester kept themselves on course for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, and a Pool Six showdown with French champions Stade Francais next month, by subduing a spirited Blues side at the Arms Park.

But it was a fractious contest with three players sin-binned as the game turned sour late on.

Gloucester had their former Cardiff prop Gary Powell yellow-carded by Irish referee Alan Lewis as things got out of hand, and Powell's indiscretion almost cost his team a try.

While Powell was trading blows, Gloucester's Jon Goodridge went over in the other corner but Lewis disallowed the score.

In the end, it did not matter as Gloucester claimed a priceless away win through tries from Goodridge and wing Marcel Garvey while centre Henry Paul chipped in with three penalties and two conversions.

Cardiff, already eliminated from the competition, suffered a fourth-successive pool defeat but they had their moments and made the visitors work hard for their victory.

Gloucester are just one point behind Stade Francais, courtesy of the French side's defeat against Ulster in Belfast today, and the group promises to provide a thrilling conclusion.

Gloucester were boosted by the return of their Australian fly-half Duncan McRae, who made his first appearance since suffering a neck injury six-weeks ago, but the early exchanges were scrappy in front of a 10,000-strong crowd as Cardiff went 6-0 ahead through two Thomas penalties, the second after Gloucester flanker James Forrester had been sin-binned for killing possession.

However, Garvey struck just when Gloucester needed some inspiration.

His weaving sprint from 30 metres out saw him evade the clutches of opposite number Craig Morgan, and Paul's touchline conversion gave Gloucester a 7-6 interval advantage.

A Goodridge try and Paul conversion 10 minutes into the second period doubled that advantage and Gloucester were well on their way especially after introducing lock Alex Brown as a substitute and giving the forwards fresh impetus.

Thomas then completed his penalty hat-trick but a Paul penalty double in three minutes put Gloucester further in control.

Cardiff, despite never shirking an attacking game, were too far behind on the scoreboard to deny a Gloucester victory but they certainly ensured no easy ride for the visitors.

Powell's yellow card failed to defuse the situation and referee Lewis had no option but to reach for his pocket again, picking out Jones following a prolonged scrap involving several players from both teams.

Paul's third successful penalty made the game safe, but Cardiff had the final say when Morgan was sent over out wide and Thomas converted.

Gloucester now have a month until their next European game, Ulster away, and matches in Belfast and at home to Stade Francais look set to shape their season one way or another.

Cardiff meanwhile, have no chance of reaching the knock-out stages, but they provided enough evidence today to suggest that better times could be around the corner for their beleaguered coach David Young.

Teams:

Cardiff Blues: R. Williams, Tuilagi, James, Shanklin, Morgan, L. Thomas, Powell, Jenkins, R. Thomas, M. Jones, D. Jones, Sidoli, N. Thomas, M. Williams, Schubert.

Replacements: Macleod for R. Williams (74), Yapp for M. Jones (54), Sowden-Taylor for N. Thomas (65).

Not Used: Evans, G. Williams, Budgett, Dewdney.

Tries: Morgan.

Cons: L. Thomas.

Pens: L. Thomas 3.

Sin Bin: D. Jones (74).

Gloucester: Goodridge, Garvey, Fanolua, Paul, Bailey, McRae, Gomarsall, Bezuidenhout, Parkes, Powell, Eustace, Cornwell, Forrester, Boer, Balding.

Replacements: Mauger for Fanolua (64), Brown for Cornwell (44), Buxton for Forrester (74).

Not Used: Elloway, Wood, Page, Davies.

Sin Bin: Forrester (32), Powell (68), Boer (74).

Tries: Garvey, Goodridge.

Cons: Paul 2.

Pens: Paul 3.

Att: 10,186

Ref: A Lewis (Ireland).