Neil Warnock's dreams of a return to the Premiership were dashed last night.
His Crystal Palace side lost 2-1 at Bristol City, tonight, losing 4-2 on aggregrate. City to go through to the Championship Play off final
against Hull or Watford.
It was Warnock, 59, who was in charge at Bramall Lane 12 months ago when Sheffield United were relegated from the Premiership. Three days
after losing to Wigan, Warnock ended his seven year reign.
By October, Warnock had taken over at Palace, leading them to tonight's play-off semi final second leg.
Palace had lost 2-1 at home in the first leg leaving an uphill battle. In fact, no-one had ever come back from a first leg home defeat to
win through to a Play Off final.
Warnock though is not a man lacking in confidence. He went into the Ashton Gate clash as one of the most successful managers in this type
of match; his previous sides have won four play-off finals and he had a 100% record in semi-finals (played five, won five).
As usual he was animated on the touch line as Bristol applied early pressure.
His Londoners coped defensively though and took a fortunate lead (2-2 agg) when a mix up between Bristol goalie Adriano Basso and centre-
half Jamie McCombe delivered the ball to midfielder Ben Watson's head. He stuck his ginger nut on the ball from 20 yards and it looped in.
South Yorkshire ref Howard Webb had to step in when temperatures began to boil just before half-time.
The flashpoint was triggered by Palace defender Clint Hill who went high on Louis Carey. City assistant boss Keith Millen was sent to the
stands after a complaint of "aggressive attitude" from the fourth official. Hill and Clinton Morrison wwere yellow-carded.
Watson could have put the tie beyond doubt for Palace on 73 mins, but failed to convert a penalty - the only thing he did wrong all night.
A disputed foul by Nick Carle on Tom Soares had led to the spot kick.
Warnock's men dominated as the game headed to extra time; although Lee Trundle's dipping shot from the right wing clipped the top of
Palace's bar.
Then Trundle's breath-taking left foot curler levelled on the night - and Warnock's Premier dream went sour again.
Michael McIndoe made sure with a late screamer.
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