Cardiff City 2, Burnley 1 (Story by  www.icwales.com)   City were Led to seventh heaven by an extraordinary Joe. Home-town hero Joe Ledley inspired Cardiff to their first home victory in seven months against Burnley yesterday. The Welsh international and City academy product celebrated signing his two-year contract extension with a midfield masterclass to guide his beloved Bluebirds to a 2-1 victory at Ninian Park. Ledley fired City into the lead in the first-half before fellow Welshman Paul Parry unleashed a 20-yard scorcher to seal their first win in six Championship games. City boss Dave Jones hailed Ledley’s performance yesterday as the 20-year-old led by example. “I said to the chairman we should give him a contract every week if that’s the way he performs,” Jones said with a smile. “Joe typified everything about this football club. It was not just his quality but his grit, determination and a will to drive through the pain barrier because that was a physical match. “Joe could have walked away with the matchball because he was absolutely outstanding.” Ledley repaid Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale with an all-action performance just when his manager was starting to feel the heat. Ledley’s engine ran beautifully smooth as City’s driving force worked tirelessly from box to box, harassed attackers and, most notably, showed his nose for an opening when he squeezed between two Burnley defenders to score. Cardiff were without the industrious Stephen McPhail and Trevor Sinclair but Ledley ensured neither were missed as he enjoyed the freedom of Ninian Park. Cardiff’s superstar strike-force should have combined to give the hosts an early lead, however. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was unmarked and ready to pounce but Robbie Fowler’s powderpuff low cross was easily cut out by Steven Caldwell. Peter Whittingham wasted another glorious goal-scoring opportunity halfway through the opening period. Kevin McNaughton’s driven right-wing cross was begging to be converted but when it looked easier to score Whittingham somehow knocked it wide. Cardiff dominated the first-half yet lacked creative nous and a cutting edge. Their ageing front line have predatory instincts in abundance but virtually no pace or movement so the defensive visitors could deal with their threat, or lack of it, with consummate ease. But when Jones needed one of his labourers to show purpose, up stepped lively Ledley. He showed City’s experienced Premiership millionaires what a little driving force can do, ghosting in between two defenders to give his team the edge with 10 minutes before the break. Sub centre-back Darren Purse, on for crocked Glenn Loovens, was the unlikely provider but his right-wing cross invited Ledley to head home his second goal in successive games. Two minutes later, Ledley was just inches away from doubling his impact but Burnley goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly tipped the midfielder’s 25-yard thunderbolt over the bar. Visiting manager Steve Cotterill made his thoughts clear on Burnley’s first-half showing as he made three changes at half-time – and, within five minutes of the restart, one of his substitutes answered the SOS. Ade Akinbiyi capitalised on some typically generous Cardiff marking to nod Stephen Jordan’s routine cross past goalkeeper Michael Oakes. Winger Paul Parry is proving to be an enigma. For long spells yesterday, his forceful runs had the Ninian faithful on their feet but too often his final ball left a lot to be desired. Parry’s lack of cover for right-back Kevin McNaughton when Jordan crossed for Burnley’s leveller infuriated Jones but to emphasise everyone’s frustrations he showed what he can do if he really tries. The 27-year-old midfielder collected Hasselbaink’s lay-off in the right-hand channel, beat two defenders with distinction before striking a stunning left-foot rocket past Kiraly and into the corner of the net. Cardiff endured some edgy moments late on but for the first time in four games, City held their nerve and the lead.