MACKAY HAPPY WITH CITY ENDEAVOUR

"I was delighted with the discipline out there from my team and delighted with the way my squad played against a very good team in Brighton, who play to a certain style at home," he said. "If you don't make sure to keep the ball when you get it, then they'll keep the ball for an awful long time. But I thought our possession was fantastic - both teams ended with five shots on target, so it was a pretty even game. 

"We missed two from three yards, one in the first half, the first in the first half via Heidar, and then late on through Etien. Overall it remained honours even. We also had a shout for a penalty from a ball to an outstretched arm and the ball hitting his elbow, but it wasn't given and we'll get on with it.

"I felt as the game went on, every time the ball went anywhere near our box, our defensive play was excellent, my players clearing their lines very well. But the second half especially, I was quite comfortable every time they put the ball into our box. My whole team played well, making it one hundred and eighty minutes with a clean sheet. I have to be happy with that as it's a solid foundation to build on. "

Concerns came with the need to take off Jordon Mutch at half time, though Malky hopes the midfielder will be ok, while praising his second half replacement in Joe Mason.

"Jordon took a stamp on the top of his foot, meaning that he couldn't continue," Malky explained. "I thought that he had a very good first half and looked dangerous. Jordon is certainly adapting well to life in Cardiff. But we had to take him off, bringing young Joe on in his place who also did very well for us. Our strength in depth is improving, now with Matt Connolly coming in from QPR and Bo-Kyung Kim returning from South Korea, adding two very good footballers to our club."