Gardner gives Palace Cup edge

Anthony Gardner put Crystal Palace on course for their first major Wembley final since 1990 with the only goal in tonight's League Cup semi-final first leg against Cardiff. Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Gardner netted for the first time in more than a year to spark jubilant scenes at Selhurst Park and leave Palace fans dreaming of their first semi-final success in four attempts. Kenny Miller had an equaliser disallowed for Cardiff, who will nevertheless need to show more cutting edge in the Welsh capital in two weeks' time if they are to turn the tie around. Manchester City and Liverpool will contest the other semi-final, with the first leg tomorrow night at the Etihad Stadium.