Boss blames pitch for stalemate

Last updated : 13 February 2006 By Nik Taylor

Iain Dowie has put the blame on a bumpy Hillsborough surface for Palace’s inability to turn a goalless draw into a win on Saturday.

The Eagles looked short of ideas during the match against Sheffield Wednesday, and the Palace boss says his team are suffering from playing regularly on sub-standard pitches.

"It wasn't the greatest of surfaces to pass on. We've got the same at home and it's not easy, particularly at this time of year - it's bouncing everywhere," said Dowie.

"We managed at times to pass it, but nowhere near as well as we would have liked. We're not pleased with a point, but it's not the end of the world.

"It was a very average performance, but we never looked like conceding."