Q and A - Playoff Special

Last updated : 15 May 2005 By Smallsy
Andy Parsons who we spoke to before the first game gave both clubs his best wishes before the game tomorrow but first he spoke to us about the first leg in a special Q and A.

1. What was your verdict of the game at Hillsborough?
We played well in the first half. We needed an early goal and got it although we were unlucky to get another just afterwards. But the atmosphere was good and for once we did not crack under the pressure.

2. What were the highlights and the lowlights of the game on Thursday?
Obviously the goal, it was a well-struck shot and we needed the early start. The atmosphere was cracking, although I don't know where 10000 empty seats in our 39000-capacity stadium were! But the lowlights are quite a few to be honest. I think that the referee was abysmal and missed two clear sendings off from Framton and Rankin and booked Quinny for being punched in the head! And there's a few reports about a few morons racially abusing some of your players. A great occasion turned into a farce by a small minority who should never be allowed to watch football at Hillsborough again.

3. Which Wednesday and Brentford players impressed you?
Bullen was solid as a rock in defence for Wednesday but my man of the match goes to Quinn, his touch and link-up play was fantastic. He was on awesome form against Brentford and long may it continue! Whelan was excellent apart from when he was clattered by your henchmen! Burton impressed me though, he looked a class above everybody else. Gayle could also cause problems.

4. What sort of atmosphere will we expect in the second leg?
From the Wednesday fans, we sold out in about five hours so we can't wait. It was electric at Hillsborough and our away fans are brilliant. But it will be tense, especially if Brentford score first! Don't worry though, we will sing!

5. You guys have never played in the play-offs - feeling confident?
Me? Absolutely not! I am Wednesday through and through but when the pressure is on them then they very rarely perform! But think if we can hold out for the first half, we will be fine. Our first-half performances this season have been mainly poor, but I think Sturrock will have them up for the game.

6. What's Wednesday's game plan in the second leg?
Don't concede! Simple as that. Wednesday will not play for a draw, they will go out to win it. But if we can keep a clean sheet and perhaps nick a goal, the ball is in our court so to speak. But all the pressure is on Brentford, they will come at us no doubt and we have to be ready for that. Hopefully we will be going to Wales though, nothing against you guys but I can't want The Bees to win!

Thanks once again to Andy for some excellent responses and for answering my questions in this double header of playoff Q and A.