Town boss Joe Royle felt his side never really got going against Cardiff but hailed his players' honesty as they cemented their place in the play-offs.
Royle said: "I was keeping a check on the scores in the other matches in the final 10 minutes because I had to decide whether to put on another forward.
"I knew Palace were losing at half-time and when I heard West Ham had equalised at Wigan the decision was made for me because a draw was going to be good enough.
"We never really got going and there were a lot of nerves out there. I had to change something because the ball was coming back at us all the time.
"Kuqi was disappointed to come off but I could just as easily have withdrawn Darren Bent. I kept Darren on because he is our leading scorer and we needed a goal.
"It was a difficult decision to withdraw Jim Magilton, who has been a massive influence for us this season - but we had little cohesion in midfield.
"I felt Martijn Reuser could give us a bit more width and he can also make goals from freekicks and corners.
"Jim had a complete sense of humour failure when he came off but I'm not bothered. There is no stigma in being substituted for the right reasons.
"We have an outstandingly honest bunch of lads who have come a long way in the 12 months since we have been in administration.
"Matt Elliott, on loan from Leicester, has been terrific at the back. He has been a calming influence because he knows where to be and what to do. With Matt and John McGreal together at least we don't panic.
"It was always a tricky game and I suppose we staggered over the line into the play-offs.
"I never expected Cardiff to roll over so their performance didn't surprise me."
Royle now has to look forward to his side facing West Ham in the play-offs, the first at home next Saturday: "They beat us at Portman Road and we won at their place.
"When they beat us here it was at a time when we couldn't win a game to save our lives."
Cardif boss Lennie Lawrence was pleased with his team's display: "We gave a very professional performance. There was personal pride at stake and we certainly showed it.
"It is a difficult situation when there is nothing at stake in a match but fortunately for us the occasion, with a big crowd and television cameras present, inspired us.
"It was a travesty that we were only drawing at the interval. We had three clear chances and a couple of half-chances. We deserved to be in front, but weren't.
"The second half was even but I am pleased with the way the lads finished the season. They didn't let themselves down.
"We need more consistency. We have played many times like that but lost too many home games.
"We'll get there in the end but have to take things step by step.
"Expectations in Cardiff will be considerably greater next season and we must aspire to do what Ipswich have done.
"We showed physical strength, mental strength and good quality. These are all the things we will need on a regular basis."