"It was a hard-earned victory," said Dave Jones.
"I feel proud for the players and for the supporters who can go back up the motorway happy.
"From start to finish we pushed them really hard. It was a game we needed to win and we set our stall out to do that.
"When you sign good players it does one of two things, it either raises the quality already in the dressing room or players can't reach that quality and fall by the wayside.
"But bringing Craig in gave everyone a lift and bringing in good players alongside him enables him to be at his best.
"It will all be about Craig but I thought every player who went out and wore a blue shirt was magnificent."
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers admitted Bellamy was the difference between the two sides.
The Swans could have moved up to second with a victory but were instead leapfrogged by their rivals.
"The tension and atmosphere was fantastic, but we were undone by a piece of quality from Craig Bellamy," said Rodgers.
"It was a wonderful goal worthy of winning any game and that's why he's paid so much money.
"I thought they were better than us in the first half, but I thought there was only going to be one winner after the break.
"The players are obviously disappointed in the dressing room, for themselves and the supporters.
"Our performance wasn't bad and I thought it was a great advert for Welsh football. Yes I'm disappointed with the result, we all are, but I'm also very proud of the club and our supporters. They were magnificent.
"We created a few chances and I thought if it didn't stay goalless then we looked like winning it.
"But it wasn't to be and we've got to dust ourselves down because we've got another 16 cup finals to play.
"I hope both teams can push forward and get as high as they can in the table - us before them!"