May 15 2004

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie was delighted with his players after they came back from a goal behind to win 3-2 in their play-off first leg against Sunderland.

Marcus Stewart gave the Black Cats the lead from the penalty spot on 51 after Tony Popovic had fouled Carl Robinson in the box.

A minute later, Neil Shipperley levelled for the Eagles before Danny Butterfield's deflected shot on 64 put Palace 2-1 in front.

Kevin Kyle brought it back to 2-2 on 85 minutes until Andy Johnson scored Palace's third two minutes later.

"It was some game - I thought they were two very good sides and the tie was never going to be over," said Dowie.

"We are delighted to take a slender lead but we're not getting carried away. We know it will be a tough task on Monday (in the second leg). We have had a lot of questions asked of us, but we have answered them."

He added: "Mick (McCarthy) has got a great side and they caused problems for us. They are going to cause us problems, as they have got great players."