"They weathered the early storm and came back at us. In all honesty they didn't have to work hard for their goals.
"We got punished for two costly errors and you just can't give anybody chances like that.
"We forced our way back in the game with Ben Thatcher showing a real desire to get the ball back and we showed quality for the goal.
"At half time it was a case of Wednesday night when we beat Bristol City but instead we petered out and didn't show the same intensity and that was extremely disappointing.
"The sending off made it even more difficult although we gave it a go.
"We went 4-3-2 to try and be positive and try to exploit Danny Haynes pace but they saw the game out."
Magilton had little sympathy for defender Thatcher who was sent off on his return with David Wright out with a chest infection.
He said: "With the first booking he got a bit of ball but the second was a silly booking."
Dave Jones claimed Jay Bothroyd could be the "complete centre-forward" after watching him score in Cardiff's 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town.
Bothroyd and then Gabor Gyepes inspired the Bluebirds to three hard-earned points, before Jon Stead pulled one back for the Blues.
Cardiff boss Jones said: "Jay's quick and strong and has a great touch for a big fellow.
"If he could head the ball a bit better he could be the complete centre-forward.
"Now he's got to keep it going because, with the quality I've got at my disposal here, he knows it would be an easy option for me to leave him out.
"Eight clubs is a lot to have had and at every other one he's started well and then drifted.
"I think the penny's dropped for him now.
"He's spoken to me about getting his head right and working hard and that's the challenge for him from now on. All I can do is give him a stage to perform on."
Jones felt his side were good value for their victory and added: "In the first half we deserved to be in front because we played some super football.
"Then we took our foot off the gas, taking an extra touch and giving a sloppy goal away.
"In the second half we had to do it all again and we certainly would have made life a lot easier for ourselves if we'd scored a third goal."