Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway has said he’s proud of the players following the draw with Sunderland but he knew it should’ve been all three points.
Heading to the Stadium of Light for the tie against Simon Grayson’s new side, Idrissa Sylla gave us the advantage in the 37th minute but Aiden McGeady equalised just after the hour mark to share the spoils.
Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media following the game, Holloway admitted everyone’s ‘bitter disappointment’ at not taking all three points from the game but ultimately we blew the opportunity to increase our advantage.
‘We’re bitterly disappointed. We got ourselves in front and felt we could get the next goal, which we needed. If you analyse the game and the amount of chances we’ve created as the away team, we’re disappointed not to win.’
Holloway went on to say.
‘It’s a difficult place to come, but we aren’t getting what we deserve on the road. It’s a great strike for Sunderland`s goal, but we’re disappointed we didn’t put a foot in or a block to stop it. The lads have looked a good side today and it was a decent away performance. We feel we should have got more out of it.’
With news coming in ahead of the game that Jack Robinson would be set for a spell on the sidelines having picked up a broken hand during training, Holloway added that he was likely out for around the next month.
‘We’ve had injury after injury at the back, and lost Jack this week. He`s been absolutely fantastic for us. But I thought we handled it really well today. Jake Bidwell played at left centre-half when he`s really a left-back. But you wouldn`t have known that. Joel Lynch and Alex Baptiste also did well back there. So I`m very proud of my team. Yes, we wanted some more points, but never mind. Let`s go again. If we keep doing the right things, we`ll be tough to beat and pick up more points.’
Ryan Manning was also speaking to the press following the game, and for him although there was disappointment at not taking the win, he felt QPR could take plenty of positives.
‘It`s a little bit frustrating. We got in front and were in control of the game. But I think it`s a good point in the end. We`ve gone up two places in the table so we`re moving in the right direction. To come away disappointed with only a draw from a trip to Sunderland shows what the squad is thinking.’
He went on to say.
‘Every team is going to have a spell during a game when they`re on top and it`s just trying to capitalise on that and get that second goal and put a bit of daylight between us. But we`re creating chances and, with a bit more luck and perhaps with a better final ball, we`ll start putting teams away.’
Having replaced Robinson in the line up following his injury, he added.
‘It`s unfortunate for Jack, he`s been playing really well. All of us are training hard, though, and ready to step in when called upon. Everyone knows what the plan is and what our identity is as a team. I think we`ve got a squad now where anyone can step in for anyone and do a job. Obviously I was happy to get my chance and get back out there.’
With Bolton Wanderers next up and another long away trip, he ended by saying.
‘I don`t think many teams are going to want to play us this season. I`m sure teams will come away and say we`re a difficult team to play; we`re in everyone`s faces and really put the pressure on. We`ll look forward to going to Bolton and hopefully, if we play like we did today, we can come away with all three points.’
