"We didn't play as well as we are capable of, but our finishing was clinical. That was the highlight of our performance," said Dave Jones
"Derby started well. But the second goal knocked the stuffing out of them, and the third one killed them off.
"It was important to get maximum points because it was one of our games in hand, and it was a great way to sign off our final floodlit game at Ninian Park.
"We're under no illusions we can play a lot better than this - but at this stage of the season, results are all that matter.
"All we can do is keep the pressure on the top two and keep the dream alive."
Derby boss Nigel Clough was unhappy with his defence.
"I'm sure Cardiff will be delighted with all four of the goals but all four of them were down the centre of the pitch.
"We lost because Cardiff's two central defenders were outstanding and our defence wasn't.
"We have looked good going forward in the last three months - but not defensively.
"It's disappointing, and we have to improve.
"It is the same problem we have known about, we just can't do anything about it at the moment.
"On Saturday, we restricted Burnley and kept a clean sheet before that against Barnsley.
"It just seems, at certain times, we are very vulnerable, as we looked tonight, but there is not much we can do.
"We cannot change the personnel because we haven't got any options, so we'll try to get through the next six games."