February 21 2009

Neil Warnock

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock was left to rue two key misses in the 2-0 loss at Sheffield Wednesday.

Victor Moses had a shot smack against the post and Clint Hill nodded against the crossbar with the scoreline goalless on both occassions.

Then Sean McAllister in the 80th minute and substitute Leon Clarke in injury time netted to give Wednesday all three points.

"If Victor Moses or Clint Hill had scored and not hit the post I think we would have been comfortable," he said.

"The first goal was always going to win it. I thought we should have stepped up a gear and tried to win, but that's something we're obviously not capable of."

Warnock believes the departure of on-loan defender Claude Davis through injury in the 56th minute was a turning point.

He said: "I thought it was there to win and we've ended up losing it, but I thought as soon as Claude Davis went off we got back to old ways.

"I thought that was the difference. When he was on we were comfortable but when he came off we were a good 20 yards deeper and invited more pressure."

Wednesday manager Brian Laws said: "It wasn't about our performance - it was about getting the win and avoiding a third straight defeat. That was the key.

"Even before the game, our back four was put together with some glue, sellotape and sticky back plastic.

"Yes, we did have fortune on our side as they hit the post twice, but I'm just delighted to get the win, especially for the supporters as they have backed us 100 per cent. Wins breed confidence and that will breath confidence into the side."