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SHWAN JALAL has admitted he would be hoping for a change in fortunes should Bournemouth’s play-off fate need to be decided by penalties tomorrow night.

Goalkeeper Jalal made two crucial saves to help ensure honours would finish even in the first leg.

And with the tie delicately poised ahead of tomorrow’s second leg at the Galpharm, there is a chance it could need to be settled by a shoot-out.

Jalal and opposite number Ian Bennett, who saved a Danny Ings penalty at Dean Court, would be thrust into the spotlight if the teams were level after extra-time.

Town midfielder Kevin Kilbane revealed Town have been practising spot kicks just in case, as have their opponents.

Jalal said: "I am due a couple of penalty saves. I think I have faced eight this season and have saved only one. You get reports before games and can only go on what you are given and the taker’s body language.

"It is one of those lucky things and some people have got a knack for it and some people haven’t. I feel I’ve made up in other areas of my performances. If it were to go to that, hopefully my luck would change and I would be quietly confident I could do something."

Asked whether his saves ratio was a source of disappointment, Jalal replied: "Not really. The guy is 12 yards away and can put the ball wherever he wants. It is a bonus if you save them and that’s the way I look at it.

"It’s pot luck and the quality of the penalty influences it. As a keeper, you have got to try to guess correctly and hope the ball comes somewhere near you. Penalties are a horrible way to lose but somebody has got to win."

Cherries boss Lee Bradbury’s only previous play-off experience saw him exit in the semi-final on penalties when he played for Birmingham against Watford in 1999.

Bradbury netted his spot kick as the Blues were beaten 7-6 in the shootout, with Watford going on to beat Bolton in the final to secure a place in the Premier League.

"It was a great day for a lot of reasons and disappointing in many aspects as well," said Bradbury. "I want our lads to enjoy it and look back on it for all the right reasons.

"To get so close but to finish so far away is quite cruel. But it has got to happen to someone. We have come farther than a lot of teams this season and can be proud of what we have achieved so far. At the same time, we are not taking our foot off the pedal.

"We will practice penalties because, in shootouts, you always get players taking them who don’t normally. In training, you can never recreate the high-pressure situation you will find yourself in during a match. Self belief and the right mind-set are important with penalties."