Chris Davies was in buoyant mood after his Birmingham side’s dominant 1-0 win over Exeter at St Andrew’s maintained their advantage at the top of Sky Bet League One.
Ethan Laird’s smart finish deep into first-half stoppage time proved the difference as Blues remained two points clear of second-placed Wycombe.
Davies said: “I thought it was a good win. I thought we deserved the win, to be honest. I thought we were strong in the game, looked solid.
“They didn’t have a shot at our goal – on or off target – so that tells you what we did defensively. We didn’t create many clear chances in the game but we had a lot of pressure building.”
Davies praised goalscorer Laird but challenged him to offer even more in advanced positions.
“I do think there’s more goals for him at the back post because he’s got a great spring, he’s powerful,” Davies added.
“So I’m really pleased for him because he’s had a good few weeks.”
Exeter’s Jack McMillan received a second yellow card in the 13th minute of stoppage time.
Gary Caldwell praised Exeter’s “amazing” travelling support but questioned his players’ own belief in their ability to win.
“I think we caused problems in moments but didn’t commit enough as a group of players, didn’t have enough belief in what we were doing, weren’t brave enough to find a free player as many times as we could have,” he said.
“So [there is] lots to learn from it, lots to get better from it. But the big thing for me is we have to understand to come to stadiums like this, you have to play with real character and real bravery too.
“Right at the end, the fans are still with us, they’re still pushing us on. Disappointed we didn’t get them anything today but it is amazing how many numbers do travel.
“It’s one of the biggest away followings, it’s fantastic on them and we need to do better on Tuesday and give them something when they travel to Peterborough.”
Caldwell also offered an update on the condition of Vincent Harper, who was carried off on a stretcher late in the game following a worrying head injury.
Caldwell confirmed: “It was a head knock. He wasn’t unconscious which is a good sign and he was sick on the pitch. It’s quite a serious head knock but he’s now getting assessed in the hospital.
“Thanks to the Birmingham staff that came on to help. And then he’s got to hospital as quickly as possible and hopefully gets assessed and it will be positive news.”
