Neil Warnock sent out a strong side and was rewarded with goals from Bruno Manga, Anthony Pilkington a Junior Hoilett brace
PLUCKY Mansfield Town's resistance was finally broken by two goals in six minutes as Cardiff booked a glamour tie with Manchester City.
The League Two side battled well and could hold their heads high after only their second defeat in 21 games.
A tight first half ended a goal apiece before City took control after the break through Junior Hoilett on 66 minutes and Anthony Pilkington on 71 minutes.
A huge home crowd, which included City boss Pep Guardiola, produced a fantastic cup atmosphere.
And a pulsating first half saw chances at both ends and two goals in as many minutes.
Home keeper Conrad Logan did well to tip away a curling Hoilett finish on 18 minutes, while Pilkington was just wide on 21 minutes.
Encouraged, the home side began to create openings and Mal Benning sent a rising shot over the near angle from a good corner routine on 26 minutes while CJ Hamilton completely missed his kick on the half-hour as Jacob Mellis set him up in the box.
However, on 34 minutes Cardiff were ahead as Logan had to keep out a far post header from Sean Morrison from Joe Ralls' corner with Bruno Manga quickest to the loose ball to net from close range.
But the Stags went straight up the other end and Hayden White sent in a low ball the City defence failed to deal with and it ran to Danny Rose, who beat Neil Etheridge with a crisp, low finish.
Soon after the break Etheridge had to get down to his right to smother a low Mellis shot.
But Cardiff took an iron grip with two quick goals.
On 66 minutes Hoilett was on hand to turn home a low Callum Paterson cross from the right.
Soon after Loic Damour sent in a similar cross and this time Pilkington buried the killer third with huge power.
With two minutes to go, Stags cleared a cross as far as Hoilett, who lashed home a cruel fourth to put the icing on the cake.
