The Trotters were edged out in the FA Cup with Budweiser fourth round tie at the Reebok by a solitary Fraizer Campbell goal.
But despite the defeat, Freedman says he was proud of his side’s effort in more than matching the Bluebirds over the piece.
Speaking in his post-match press conference he said: “I thought that in the first half we were very compact and defended very well. It was a good response after last weekend.
“Going forward we created three or four half chances so we’ve got to try and take those. That’s a little bit disappointing.
“At half time Cardiff changed things up in an attempt to try and break us down. They were able to bring on two very good attacking players in Fraizer Campbell and Craig Noone. That was probably the difference today, when we got in and around their box we just didn’t quite have the quality to properly work their goalkeeper.
“Unfortunately, we made one error at the back and that was the only thing we really did wrong all game. I feel that was what proved decisive.
“We can’t single out Andrew Lonergan for the goal. He’s been outstanding since he came into the side, and in truth he didn’t really have a lot to do today.
“The game got a little bit scrappy in the second half, but all in all I’m very pleased with the spirit and the performance.
“We now look to the game on Tuesday at QPR. It’s exactly what we need right now.”