"Overall we deserved the win and after we scored we never sat back but kept pushing on because that is the way we play," Dave Jones said.
"I never felt they could open us up during normal play but set-pieces were a worry.
"All the players want to do well and you could see the difference after we scored. It was a great result and I am really pleased for them."
Anthony Gerrard got cut in a collision with his own player and Joe Ledley dropped to the deck as he attempted to defend a rare Preston attack. On his injured players Gerrard and Ledley, Jones said
"Anthony Gerrard's wound was too big to allow him back on and Joe Ledley has turned his groin but fortunately Riccy Scimeca came back in today and did well for us as did Kevin McNaughton.
"Normally I would have replaced both players as they haven't played competitive football for some time but due to the injuries they both had to stay on."
Preston boss Alan Irvine was disappointed his side left with nothing.
"There was not much between the teams and I thought it would end in a draw but the one moment of quality in the game produced the goal. That gave Cardiff a boost and we looked a little tentative after that," Irvine said.
"We have now conceded three top-quality strikes in the last four matches and Andy Lonergan had no chance today.
"We have lost 1-0 and shouldn't have done so but we didn't deserve to win the game as we never made enough chances even though Jon Parkin had two great opportunities.
"Cardiff are a very good side but if you are not quite right you lose games but today they were lifted by the goal."
