Last Updated: Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:51
Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway admitted he was pleased his side avoided defeat against Premier League outfit Stoke following their 0-0 draw in the FA Cup.
The Eagles had several opportunities to progress with Wilfried Zaha, Jermaine Easter and Yannick Bolasie forcing fine saves from Thomas Sorensen and young sub Jason Banton hitting the side-netting.
Holloway, who took over at Palace two months ago, could do without a replay with his side third in the npower Championship and going all out for promotion.
Yet he praised his players' attitude against a Stoke side which included Michael Owen among its starters.
"I wanted to win or lose, basically, and wasn't bothered which as long as we had a good performance," Holloway said
"But the way the game went I'm glad we didn't lose because I don't think my boys deserved to lose.
"It's looking like my team now, and if that's after eight weeks I'm looking forward to the rest of the four years (in charge)."
Holloway was disappointed with a tackle from Ryan Shotton on the highly-rated Zaha, which went unpunished and brought the tricky winger's afternoon to a premature end.
"He's caught Wilf and Wilf's had to go off," Holloway added.
"He had crossed it, if we don't score that's a foul, isn't it? But Wilf will be fine. He's got another foot."
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