Brian Barry-Murphy spoke to the press following City’s 2-1 victory over Stevenage in Sky Bet League One.
“I’m really pleased with the players and the way they played,” Brian began. “Especially when we went behind in the game, I thought we played really well.
“We didn’t get enough players into the box in the first half. They defend crosses really well and it was evident how strong they are defensively.
"We have the highest regard for Stevenage in what they’ve done and what they do, so we knew it was going to be difficult. But the players were even more strong-willed in how they played when we went behind, and I couldn’t be happier with the performance and the result.
“They’re hard to play against and they always create chances in games. We knew what they would do but our response was very positive. We created good chances and I’m so pleased for Callum [Robinson] and Yousef [Salech].
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the players we have here and how they’re training and preparing for every single game. The changes we make on a weekly basis are only possible because of the application of the players.
“It’s a good place to be at the top of the table - trying to stay there is the challenge.”
City attacker Callum Robinson scored his seventh goal of the season in the win, and Brian was full of praise for the Irishman.
“He’s been great for us, Brian continued. “I’m so grateful and so pleased that he had that brilliant moment.
“He has a great sense of when to arrive in the box. In the first half, the ball went across the box so often, but there wasn’t as much threat as I wanted.
"I was keen for Callum to make those runs he knows how to make in the second half and to get more players into the box.
"I trusted that he would create the chances we needed, and he timed it perfectly, which is very typical of his calibre."
The Bluebirds’ finished the year with a seventh consecutive home league victory, and the boss concluded by highlighting the role of the home support.
“I’m really grateful for the support - almost 20,000 again,” Brian concluded. “I know how extraordinary the expense is for families in December, and to see so many people come out again after such a short turnaround was incredible.
“Even when we went behind, I felt we were in a good place. Once you attack, you feel the energy increase and it drives the players forward. It’s an amazing stadium and amazing support that we’re very grateful for.”