Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has insisted that his side are not getting carried away after recording a seventh consecutive victory by beating Brentford 3-1 at Griffin Park on Tuesday night.

The Bluebirds were forced to come from behind after conceding an early opener, but goals from Sol Bamba, Callum Paterson and Kenneth Zohore ensured that they remain firmly on course for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Aston Villa's defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers means that Cardiff now have a seven-point gap to third place, but Warnock warned his players that the Championship is an unforgiving league if they let complacency creep into their game.

"It was a super night. It's the first time we've come across a team as good as that in the first 10-15 minutes, I thought they were brilliant. I warned the lads, but when you're not used to that it's difficult. But all credit to them, they gradually got themselves into it. We had to work a lot harder than anyone has ever done before because of the movement and passing," Warnock told reporters at his post-match press conference.

"Once we got a grip we looked dangerous every time we got forward, I'm disappointed we didn't score more goals, but I was really pleased with them. At half time I thought we could go on and win the game, and I can't fault them. They showed great character to go one down like that - it could have been two goals. That's what they're like, from the keeper right through to Junior [Hoilett]. It's a great spirit, the way they are on the pitch, and long may it continue.

"In December I thought we'd never win another game because we lost four on the trot. Football changes. I don't get carried away. We know we're in the playoffs, and we know we're doing well at the minute, but if you get carried away you get kicked in the teeth. It bites you back, the Championship.

"We just get onto the next game. Hopefully after the international break we might have two or three other players back, important players as well, and that will just supplement a decent squad as it is now. All credit to them tonight, they all put a shift in. I thought to was a good game to watch - you talk about excitement, that's my type of game. I was really proud of the whole club tonight - fans included. It's a good feeling because it isn't an easy place."

Cardiff will next look to make it eight wins on the spin when they travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Derby County on Sunday.