Slade's hopes for Cardiff fans' return after Colchester win

Cardiff manager Russell Slade Credit: PA

Cardiff manager Russell Slade admitted his players had to create their own atmosphere as the Bluebirds booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Cardiff cruised past League One strugglers Colchester 3-1 on Friday night but the third round tie was played out in front of only 4,194 fans.

That was the lowest attendance in the six-year history of the Cardiff City Stadium, well below the figure of 5,545 who saw the League Cup tie against Dagenham & Redbridge in August 2009.

There were several reasons for the record low crowd with Cardiff's poor form allied to the game being shown live on television in Wales and the fans' continued disenchantment with owner Vincent Tan and his re-branding of the club.

Vincent Tan, Cardiff City chairman Credit: PA

Cardiff have gone five games in the Sky Bet Championship without a win and slipped down to 12th in the table, but Slade hopes this victory will act as the launchpad for improved league form.

"I think it can, though it doesn't mean it will," Slade said.

"We've won a football match and that's important, we'll gain confidence from it and that's what it's about really."