Blues did move back into the top six thanks to a 1-1 draw, but were made to work hard for their point as Erik Huseklepp's opener was cancelled out by Mark Hudson. Marlon King also missed a penalty for the Blues, meaning they and Cardiff remain locked together in the league table.
"We were not at our best in the first half. We got an improvement in the second half up against a team which floods the midfield," Hughton said. "In 95 minutes their goal was the only chance they had."
He added: "We defended well as a team. The penalty miss was disappointing, but I thought we responded well afterwards and when Huseklepp scored I thought it was going to be the winning goal.
"But it was important that we remained solid and after Cardiff equalised we had to make sure we didn't lose the match. It gets us into the top six and it is now our responsibility to stay in that position."
Source: PA