Southend drew level with Leeds at the bottom of the Championship after Lee Bradbury's first half goal gave the Blues their first away win of the season.
Bradbury fired home into the top right corner of the net from 20 yards on 23 minutes after Freddy Eastwood flicked the ball on when Mark Gower's corner from the left was cleared by Cardiff's Kevin McNaughton.
Blues keeper Darryl Flahavan made a string of good saves after the break as the Bluebirds looked for an equaliser, but Steve Tilson's troops held out to gain three valuable points as their upturn in form continued.
The Shrimpers remain in bottom spot but are level on 24 points with Leeds, whose trip to Birmingham was postponed.
Full match report, reaction, analysis and pictures in Monday's Echo.
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