McLeish bemoans Wolves draw

Blues boss disappointed, McCarthy happy with point

Last updated: 29th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

McLeish bemoans Wolves draw

McLeish: Left to rue dropped points

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Birmingham boss Alex McLeish was disappointed his side did not win their top-of-the-table clash against Wolves.

McLeish's troops looked to be heading towards a big three points after substitute Cameron Jerome fired them in front early on in the second half.

But Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's late leveller 16 minutes from time earned the home side a draw to keep them six points clear at the top of the table.

Birmingham dominated the first half and McLeish felt his side should have gained the victory.

Disappointed

"I'm disappointed we didn't get three points," bemoaned McLeish.

"The way we played in the first half, especially. Wolves had a lot of the ball in the second half but we had a lot to contend with.

"Sebastian Larsson had to pull out just before kick-off (due to personal circumstances), we lost Nicky Hunt with a hamstring injury and I thought the way the players played after that was absolutely fantastic.

"(We showed) great spirit and determination. We get in front and could have been more in front by that time, and that always left Wolves with a lifeline."

He continued: "But I've got mixed feelings. It's great to come here and not lose, that's the best we've played away from home all season, especially in the first half."

Wolves chief Mick McCarthy was satisfied with the draw as his side maintained their push for promotion.

"First half it was fairly even with lots of chances, but maybe they just shaded it," said McCarthy.

"Second half, it was a poor goal for us to concede and they had the better of it I thought for 10 minutes or so.

Deserved
"Once we recovered from that, we started playing and I think we ended up the stronger side and the most likely winner - I'm not saying we deserved it.

"But overall I thought it was a fair point for both sides. We certainly deserved a point.

"I've got a very pragmatic view to life, as I have to football, and if someone had asked whether I would have taken four points from the last two games then the answer to that is quite clearly 'yes'. "

Fittingly, when asked if either side had learned anything about their nearest challengers for promotion to the Premier League, McCarthy replied:

"I think they'll know we're a good side and I'm aware they're a good side. The status quo remains the same."