Former Swansea loan player Steven Caulker settled the South Wales derby in Cardiff City's favour as the capital club pulled themselves four points clear of relegation danger. Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay picked Craig Bellamy and faithful retainer Don Cowie in his XI as Korean player Kim and forward Fraizer Campbell dropped out. Otherwise this was the same team that started the goalless draw at Norwich. Swans manager Michael Laudrup meanwhile had Jonjo Shelvey back in place of Alvaro Vazquez in the only alteration to his side from the home draw with West Ham. Michu snatched at a shot when a Shelvey centre found him inside five minutes for the visitors and fired wide. Swansea took the game to their hosts in customary passing fashion. Michu worked David Marshall with Shelvey again the source of supply though this time in the centre. Cardiff were reduced to a sporadic set piece threat in a game that lacked nothing in commitment, but plenty of goalmouth action. Craig Bellamy saw a free kick deflected over off the head of Leon Britton. For a derby, the first half was decidedly cagey. After the break there was a worry for Laudrup as Michu had to go off and receive treatment on his foot. With an hour gone the improving Bluebirds scored from a set piece. Bellamy delivered and Caulker got up above Chico Flores to head home the near post corner. The visitors threw on Bony in Michu's place and Caulker defended bravely to prevent the Swans striker from getting a close range sight of goal. A Shelvey centre found the Ivorian, but David Marshall saved before Cardiff were relieved to see a raised offside flag. Jonathan De Guzman also tested the Bluebirds keeper with a late free kick, but he parried behind. Marshall also saved from Swansea sub Alejandro Pozuelo. A red card at the other end for Michel Vorm when he brought down Fraizer Campbell secured all three points for Cardiff. Cardiff: 1 David Marshall, 28 Kevin Theophile-Catherine, 4 Steven Caulker, 6 Ben Turner, 3 Andrew Taylor, 19 Don Cowie, 18 Jordon Mutch (17 Aron Gunnarsson 54'), 8 Gary Medel (13 Kim Bo-Kyung 88'), 7 Peter Whittingham, 39 Craig Bellamy (c), 11 Peter Odemwingie (10 Fraizer Campbell 75') 4-5-1 Goals: Steven Caulker 62' Swansea: 1 Michel Vorm, 22 Angel Rangel, 4 Chico Flores, 6 Ashley Williams (c), 3 Neil Taylor, 20 Jonathan De Guzman, 7 Leon Britton (24 Alejandro Pozuelo 71'), 12 Nathan Dyer, 8 Jonjo Shelvey, 15 Wayne Routledge (26 Alvaro Vazquez 81'), 9 Michu (10 Wilfried Bony 65') 4-2-3-1