Brian Barry-Murphy flagged an offside in Blackburn Rovers' first goal but conceded Cardiff City could only blame themselves for defeat after a poor first half.
Rovers led 2-0 at half-time after nullifying the visitors' possession-play. Cardiff had plenty of territory but without testing Balazs Toth.
At the other end, Blackburn were clinical, with Andri Gudjohnsen and Todd Cantwell putting them in a commanding position.
Cardiff responded after half-time, scoring through Callum Robinson, but left themselves too much to do despite applying pressure.
"Even when we were seemingly in control in the first half, it wasn’t to the levels that we want," Barry-Murphy said.
"We didn’t have enough control of the game. We play an aggressive game, and we go for it, create a lot of chances.
“We didn’t create enough chances in the first half, we didn’t have a shot on goal.
"We showed signs of what we can do in the second half but at this moment, it only heightens the frustration at the levels we produced in the first half.
“First goal was offside but we’re not looking for excuses today. We have to look at ourselves. We didn’t feel as if it was good enough to give ourselves the chance to win the game.
ROVERS 2-1 CARDIFF DEBRIEF
"We have to take it on the chin that we weren’t good enough today.
"We could and should have scored more goals in the second half but when you play like we did in the first half, you leave yourself open to having that uphill struggle.”
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