Wolves boss clings to survival dream

Terry Connor has refused to give up on Wolves’ Premier League survival bid despite being six points adrift of safety.

Connor’s side took the lead on Saturday, only to succumb to Stoke’s superiority as Peter Crouch sealed Wolves’ sixth straight defeat on the bounce.

But Wolves’ caretaker boss felt his side were unlucky to concede the set pieces that led to both Stoke’s goals, and on another day could have recorded a much-needed victory.

“I thought we played really well today and I think we deserved something from the game,” he told reporters.

“I know there’s not a foul conceded by Stephen Ward for Stoke’s winning goal so I’m very disappointed with the result today. We fought every inch, we were up for it and we got beat on a dubious free kick.

“The lads were committed, they were passionate, they played good football and deserved something from the game.”

On the other hand, Stoke boss Tony Pulis was delighted with his side’s performance and their comeback which has seen them rise to 11th in the table, just three points off Everton in seventh.

“We’re just very, very pleased to get over that 40-point mark,” he said.

“We’re safe, and I have to say it’s been a remarkable season.

“To get to the last 30 in Europe, to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the third year running and to have 41 points with six games to go (is fantastic).

“The players, the supporters and everyone connected to the football club should be really proud of what this season has brought them.”

Pulis refused to be drawn on Connor’s view that some free kicks were dubious, instead stating that incidents like these happen throughout the season and can go either way.

“Those decisions can go for you they can go against you,” he said.

“Mark Halsey’s done his best and he hasn’t (got everything right all the time) but then I never get things right all the time and you (the press) don’t because we’re human beings.”