City boss Brian Barry-Murphy spoke to Cardiff City TV following the victory over Exeter City in the Vertu Trophy.
Callum Robinson scored the only goal of the game in the second half as City continued their unbeaten campaign in all competitions.
"I'm really pleased," Brian began, reflecting on the win. "I liked a lot of things in the performance. I think it was a lot better than what we did on Saturday if I'm honest.
"It's good to get the opening win in the group stage."
A pre-planned change around the half hour mark saw one Bluebirds debutant replace another, with Omari Kellyman replaced by Academy graduate Troy Perrett.
"I'm delighted with the younger players. I wanted to be really clear when I came into this dressing room what is expected of them.
"Troy, coming on at such an early stage of the game so we didn't take any risks with Omari, was very good.
"I think it's always important. Accomplishments like this can sometimes be overlooked. For someone like Troy, with his first taste of playing for his Club at this level, and in front of so many supporters is really exciting for him."
Robinson's winning goal was his first strike of the current campaign. Brian, though, expressed his belief that this goal was always coming.
He continued: "It wasn't really a concern for me, but all players of his quality want to score goals. It's what they're made of.
"Cian provided a great cross. It was clear for us that he was going to get his goal at some stage because of his movements. He does things in the box that I couldn't dream of coaching. So to see him get that reward was very pleasing.
"For all of our players, there will have been benefits to tonight's game. For Callum, we wanted him to have the minutes to get him to optimum performance levels. This is also the case for David Turnbull and Perry Ng.
"For our younger players also to play alongside players of their calibre and see the example they set is beneficial for us all moving forward."
The final word from the boss was on the City support, who have travelled in their numbers all season to back Brian's side, and who will be very much looking forward to the upcoming top-of-the-table League One clash against Bradford City this coming weekend.
Brian concluded: "There was a lot more of tonight's performance that looked like us and how we wanted to be. That gives us a lot of momentum going into Saturday and another tough game.
"I can't wait. The games in the home stadium so far have been exceptional in terms of atmosphere.
"It's nice for our supporters to see us back there after selling out the away end at Stockport. I've never seen supporters come to one of these games too in such numbers and give the players their backing.
"I hope we gave them more elements of our performance that pleased them."