Cardiff's four-match losing streak in the league came to an end as they thrashed basement boys Sunderland 4-0 at home in the lunchtime kick-off.
With rumours suggesting the Mackems could go into administration before the season ends, the future is looking black over there on the 'Dark Side'.
The thrashing at Cardiff puts them in a serious position and relegation to League One cannot be ruled out ... so much so it seems a certainty.
Callum Paterson opened the scoring in the first minute of the second half, Black Cats midfielder Didier Ndong was sent off three minutes later for a challenge on Junior Hoilett and Joe Ralls then extended the hosts' lead in the 55th minute.
Paterson notched his second goal in the 80th minute and substitute Anthony Pilkington's stoppage-time effort completed the rout as Sunderland's ex-Wales boss Chris Coleman endured a thoroughly miserable return to the Cardiff City Stadium.