February 22 2004

Iain Dowie

IAIN DOWIE rued defensive errors which cost his side victory as Palace lost 2-1 at Derby County.

It was the Eagles' first league defeat of the year as their five-game winning run came to an abrubt end against the struggling Rams.

Michael Hughes gave Palace the lead but goals from Spanish striker Manel and Leon Osman sealed an unlikely win for Derby.

DOWIE said: "For the first 60 minutes of the match we certainly did ourselves justice. At one end of the pitch we defended well whilst at the other end we created enough chances to have put the game beyond doubt.

"At the start of the second half we continued to look dangerous on the break but two moments of madness got them back in the game. We didn't defend well from a throw-in for the first and the second was a poor goal to concede.

"Mark Hudson's error gave them the opportunity for the winner which was disappointing as otherwise he was outstanding in the match.

"I was disappointed with our performance between the 60th and 90th minute in a spell which was the worst we have played in my nine games in charge.

"We will look at the video and work on the mistakes so that they don't happen again. My process doesn't alter whether we win or lose - today is over, done and dusted. We must now work together in preparation for the match against Gillingham next Saturday."