Mark Kennedy said there were plenty of positives as City completed the league double over Oxford United.
Danny Mandroiu’s converted penalty was enough to split the two teams and Kennedy is pleased with the result against a “very good side”.
He said: “It wasn’t the prettiest win but it’s nice to win a game ugly. We’ve kept a clean sheet and won a game so there’s a lot of boxes ticked.
“Our players are a very coachable group and tactically they’re excellent. They came under a lot of pressure today but outside of set-pieces, I wasn’t worried and I thought we dealt with the opposition excellently.”
The head coach was also full of praise for both of his goalkeepers after Rushworth picked up his 14th clean sheet of the season.
He added: “A huge part of Carl Rushworth performing the way he is does is down to the pressure Jordan Wright puts on him. Jordan warrants an honest mention for what he delivers every day in training.
“Carl is phenomenal is an outstanding player. He’s a grade A goalkeeper and Brighton and Hove Albion have a real talent on their hands.
“Goalkeeping is a very unique position but I think he has everything, from his temperament to his agility – I’m a big fan.”