|
|
Malky Mackay praises 'nerves of steel' of Cardiff City penalty takers following League Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace
Bluebirds manager was ecstatic to see his players stay calm during late drama, while Palace manager Freedman was happy with his side's effort and fighting spirit
25 Jan 2012 00:27:00
By John Stammers
Getty Images
Cardiff City manager Macky Malkay was delighted his penalty heroes were able to hold their nerve in the League Cup semi-final, while Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman hopes his side will move on quickly.
The Bluebird' boss stated that after suffering at the same stage before, he was pleased to see his players who were brave enough to take a spot-kick managed to keep their heads under the pressure.
Mackay told the BBC: "We've been at this stage before in this competition and the guys who took the penalties had nerves of steel."
The 39-year-old congratulated his goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, who pulled off two penalty saves in the shootout, suggesting that his display made-up for an error in the first leg.
He added: "Tom Heaton has been our cup keeper and with some of the blame given to him after the goal in the first leg, maybe there was a bit of justice tonight."
Crystal Palace went into the tie with a goal advantage, but the lead was evened out early on following an own goal from Anthony Gardner. Later on the Eagles also had Patrick McCarthy sent off for a second yellow card on 78 minutes.
Palace boss Dougie Freedman conceded he was disappointed with the defeat, however was encouraged by his side's fight stating their style of play will have won them some recognition.
He said: "Obviously I'm disappointed with the outcome but the lads were tremendous, we've won a lot of hearts on the back of that performance.
"Cardiff are an outstanding team but we came at them. Football's not always about passing and movement, it's about hunger and desire."
Although the hosts had plenty of chances to kill the game off, the 38-year-old thought the match was close enough to deserve to be decided by spot-kicks. He also is hoping for the side to not dwell on the defeat for too long.
He added: "We showed some fantastic pace on the break. We fight for each other and on another night we'd have maybe taken one of our opportunities, but we deserved to take it to penalties.
"We've come a long way in such a short space of time. We've taken a lot from this and hopefully will move on quickly."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Bluebird' boss stated that after suffering at the same stage before, he was pleased to see his players who were brave enough to take a spot-kick managed to keep their heads under the pressure.
Mackay told the BBC: "We've been at this stage before in this competition and the guys who took the penalties had nerves of steel."
The 39-year-old congratulated his goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, who pulled off two penalty saves in the shootout, suggesting that his display made-up for an error in the first leg.
He added: "Tom Heaton has been our cup keeper and with some of the blame given to him after the goal in the first leg, maybe there was a bit of justice tonight."
Crystal Palace went into the tie with a goal advantage, but the lead was evened out early on following an own goal from Anthony Gardner. Later on the Eagles also had Patrick McCarthy sent off for a second yellow card on 78 minutes.
Palace boss Dougie Freedman conceded he was disappointed with the defeat, however was encouraged by his side's fight stating their style of play will have won them some recognition.
He said: "Obviously I'm disappointed with the outcome but the lads were tremendous, we've won a lot of hearts on the back of that performance.
"Cardiff are an outstanding team but we came at them. Football's not always about passing and movement, it's about hunger and desire."
Although the hosts had plenty of chances to kill the game off, the 38-year-old thought the match was close enough to deserve to be decided by spot-kicks. He also is hoping for the side to not dwell on the defeat for too long.
He added: "We showed some fantastic pace on the break. We fight for each other and on another night we'd have maybe taken one of our opportunities, but we deserved to take it to penalties.
"We've come a long way in such a short space of time. We've taken a lot from this and hopefully will move on quickly."
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
