Crystal Palace moved closer to reaching its first major final in 22 years by beating Cardiff 1-0 at home in the first leg of the League Cup semifinals on Tuesday on Anthony Gardner's first-half goal.

Gardner's close-range header from a free kick in the 43rd minute at Selhurst Park was his first goal in more than a year. It has Palace fans hoping the team will make it to Wembley after having lost the 1990 FA Cup final to Manchester United.

Cardiff striker Kenny Miller had a goal contentiously disallowed in the second half for a foul on goalkeeper Julian Speroni.

Palace's squad was hit by a virus but only defender Nathanial Clyne was not well enough to play. He is expected to be fit for the second leg in Cardiff in two weeks' time.