September 25 2011

Dougie Freedman

Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman bemoaned his side's bad luck in the 1-0 defeat at Doncaster.

John Oster's deflected strike proved to be the difference between the sides and Freedman said: "We did enough to get something after a decent 1st half but probably in the second half just didn't have enough to win the game.

"It was frustrating because I thought we should have had at least one penalty and to concede a goal like that just made it worse.

"You can't do anything about refereeing decisions and it just wasn't our day. A penalty decision is out of my control, the referee is viewed by an assessor and he will be the one who gives the view on his performance and decisions.

"The club decided to change manager yesterday but I am only really concerned about what my team do and I maintain our performance was one which shouldn't have seen us beaten but also on the other hand it was not one which meant we deserved to take all the points.

"The stage in the game where Billy Sharp came on gave the crowd a lot of momentum and they had a bit more pressure in the second half but still didn't have that many chances.

"We set high standards and expectations for this group of players and they do of themselves so that means I have a dressing room with lads who are devasted they didn't win.

"I do know though that If we play to our ability we will win more games than we will lose."

New Doncaster boss Dean Saunders added: "We were awful in the first half and I could see that players were nervous.

"We couldn't keep hold of the ball at all and I just told them at half-time to relax and try to pass the ball better.

"We got a bit of luck with the goal but if you don't chance your arm and shoot you don't score.

"It was vital to get three points and to keep a clean sheet was a bonus but best of all was to see the supporters leaving the ground with a smile on their faces."