"We started well and never eased up until the closing 15 minutes but I'm just a bit annoyed that we allowed them to score right at the end" said Dave Jones.
"I was surprised Jay Bothroyd took the penalty but he is now back on the scoresheet after a long break although I did think Peter Whittingham would take it.
"I was more pleased with the victory because we played well and it is down to hard work in training.
"I am a little angry that we never rubbed it in today in the nicest possible way but I can understand it because all the players put in a good shift for 75 minutes.
"We have been working to get out of this division since the start of the season and the fans should have enjoyed it today but it does help when they are not nervous.
"It is all about holding our nerve as we come into the last few games and we must win all our home matches and put on good performances but there is still some way to go".
Derby boss Nigel Clough expressed his disappointment at the result and insisted he knew it was going to be one of those days when nothing fell for his side.
He said: "We were in the game for long periods and had chances to score but it was one of those games where everything went wrong for us including having two players stretchered off (Paul Green and Gareth Roberts).
"Both have suspected knee ligament damage but we will need scans to confirm that.
"Cardiff's penalty looked a bit soft but Craig Bellamy is a very clever player and the referee was quick to point to the spot.
"We could have gone in level at half time but then we conceded early in the second half and I couldn't believe Steve Davis's miss as the ball was already going into the net from Shaun Barker.
"I hope none of my players think we are safe from relegation because we are not and the next two games are vitally important.
"We could have had something from this game but that has been the story of our season so far."