Athletic manager Iain Dowie is cursing the bad finishing against QPR in the first leg semi-final play-off game when he said, “It was a tight and edgy occasion, but we created the better chances and we should be going to QPR with the lead. If all the lads had shown the same composure as David Eyres, we’d be in front at the halfway stage. There was one chance in particular for Paul Murray, but the good thing is that, even though we were in charge for long periods, we can still play much better. QPR are a top-class side and it’s going to be difficult on Wednesday. The tie is in the melting pot and there might be a few fireworks. But, with all the adversity this club has faced, maybe it was written that we had to complete the job down there in order to get through. We didn’t play anywhere near the levels we’ve achieved before – especially with our centre-backs not driving out enough – but there’s no reason we can’t do it. Our away record has been tremendous this season, so I’m still very buoyant and the lads feel just the same. Although QPR will have Clarke Carlisle and Steven Kelly back in defence, they have lost a key player with Richard Langley’s sending-off. They will miss Richard because he’s very influential, but Eyresie said he back-headed him for the second yellow card.”“It was a fractious game and, to put it tactfully, I thought the referee enjoyed the attention. He set a precedent which meant he had to book everyone, but it’s a shame when people are watching for who will be sent off rather than
concentrating on the game. We always said this was going to be a close semi-final, and it will be a fantastic atmosphere in the second leg. We can’t afford to concede another terrible goal because QPR’s came from a mix-up between our ’keeper and David Eyres, who didn’t track his man. But there were some terrific performances out there and we’ll be ready to roll on Wednesday.”