2013-14 Football League 1 Champions  - Match reports August - December 2013

Wolves won the third tier after two successive relegations.  Alhtough a tight fight in 2013, Wolves surged to a lead after defeating subsequently promoted rivals Brentford 3-0 at Griffin Park Feburary and remained top until the end.

In the final match versus Carlisle Carl Ikeme kept Wolves’ 25th clean sheet of the season, one of six club records to be broken along with most points, consecutive wins, most overall wins, most away wins, and least away goals conceded... as well as setting an all time points and clean sheets record for League One at 103 and 25.

Matchday one was part of the Football League 125th anniversary celebrations with league founders Wolves and Preston meeting at Deepale.  For more on the celebrations visit the Football League at http://fl125.co.uk/  and follow #FL125 on twitter

For April and May  match details please return to the main site here http://www.londonwolves.com/aprmay14.html

Match reports follow for March February January 2014 2013 follows August September October November December

December 2013

23 Sunday 29th December 15:00 Wolves 1 Ebanks-Landell 5 Leyton Orient 1 Baudry 60

ref Coote was no help denying Sako a pen and pulling us up for tackles not given against Orient; star strikers not picked; great first half, let them back in it and we could have lost.

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/12/29/wolves-1-leyton-orient-1-match-report/  Tim Nash wrote  December 29, 2013 5:09 pm

Wolves 1 Leyton Orient 1 - match report

Wolves had to settle for a point in the top-of-the-table clash against leaders Leyton Orient.  Ethan Ebanks-Landell’s fourth-minute piledriver gave Kenny Jackett’s side the platform to produce their best first-half of the season in front of a seasonal best crowd of 28,598 that rocked Molineux.  But they didn’t make the most of their first-half dominance, and then couldn’t quite match the same levels after the break as Orient came back into it and equalised through centre-back Mattieu Baudry on 59.  Virtually all of Wolves’ chances came in the first half as the impressive Michael Jacobs was twice denied by keeper Jake Larkins and Jake Cassidy was twice off target.  Soon the break, Henry was inches away and clean-through Kevin McDonald was denied by Larkins.  But they failed to maintain the same tempo and Orient snatched a point.   

Jackett made two changes from the side that beat Crewe 2-0 on Boxing Day as Ebanks-Landell and Bakary Sako replaced Scott Golbourne and Dave Edwards, who both dropped to the bench.  There was a place among the substitutes for 17-year-old Portuguese winger Eusebio Bancessi for the first time after a string of impressive performances for the Under-21s. Wolves kicked off and went on to produce a first-half performance befitting the occasion of such a big crowd as they really took the game to the leaders.  They took the lead in the first attack of the game as Ebanks-Landell lashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards after advancing forward from right-back unmarked and receiving a square pass from McDonald to net his second goal for the club.  Wolves started in a 4-2-3-1 formation and it was the three attacking midfielders – Henry, Jacobs and Bakary Sako - who made all the running and caused the problems to Orient as the home side set off at a cracking tempo.  The most impressive of the trio, Jacobs, played as if he is desperate to have his stay extended at Molineux after a high-quality showing.  Jacobs found himself clean through after getting in behind the Orient defence in the ninth minute but from a narrowing angle, his shot was beaten away by keeper Jake Larkins. Six minutes later the sight of Jacobs was a worrying one as he fell horribly going in for a far-post header from Sako’s cross.  Thankfully, the on-loan Derby winger got up quickly seemingly no worse for wear and went on to be his team’s best player in the opening period.  Henry’s 17th-minute corner was then flicked into the side-netting by Cassidy at the near post as Wolves continually looked to extend their adavantage.  Two minutes later, Henry, sliding in, just missed Jacobs’s cross before it took a last-ditch tackle by Os captain Nathan Clarke to deny Jacobs as he danced through the middle on 22.  A minute later, Jacobs was victim of a challenge that earned a booking for Lloyd James as Orient struggled to contain the tempo set by Wolves.  Wolves went close to a second goal in the 24th minute, Cassidy slightly off balance as he ended up screwing a foot wide after Larkins could only parry Jacobs’s 22-yard drive.  Four minutes later, we saw the first of Orient going forwards as Danny Batth deflected Marvin Bartley’s effort wide then Romain Vincelot sent a free header well over the bar from the resulting corner.  But Wolves soon returned to the attack and Cassidy glanced wide from Henry’s cross on 35.  Two minutes later, Jacobs’s first-time effort on the run in the inside right position was blocked by the sliding Vincelot after Henry threaded through the pass.  

Wolves started the second half as they started the first – on the attack, having swapped Jack Price for Edwards, while Orient .  Henry advanced to lash inches wide on 47 before Sako, from an Orient corner headed away by Ebanks-Landell, put McDonald away for what should have been a second Wolves goal a minute later.  The Scottish playmaker raced away but his shot was parried by Larkins.  Wolves continued to attack and Sako appeared to be barged over by Baudry as he wriggled through deep in the box on 49.  Cassidy appeared to only need to slide in to reach Henry’s cross but he didn’t react quickly enough and the ball rolled agonisingly across goal.  Seconds later, Orient levelled against the run of play when Cox crossed from the right and Baudry bundled the ball home at the far post.  Wolves, roared on by a partisan crowd, tried to pick up the initiative again and Henry advanced only for his left-foot drive to fly a yard wide on 63.  That was the last notable piece of action for the on-loan Millwall winger as he was the man to be sacrificed for Leigh Griffiths in the 71st minute, an arrival the crowd had long been chanting for.  It meant Wolves went to a more orthodox 4-4-2 as Orient replaced striker Ronnie Simpson with Yohann Lasimant at the same time.   Wolves struggled to maintain their earlier tempo in the latter stages of the game and Orient began to come into the game more.   First Lasimant unleashed a first-time rising shot that flew over on 80 then, two minutes later, Moses Odubajo’s ambitious curler from on the goalline floated wide with Ikeme scrambling back after initially closing the winger down.  Wolves looked in need of fresh energy and ideas and finally, Kevin Doyle replaced Cassidy in the 85th minute.   But he couldn’t engineer another goal and Wolves will be the more disappointed side after failing to make the most of their chances.

BBC

Leyton Orient dropped off top spot in League One despite battling back to claim a point at Wolves.  Ethan Ebanks-Landell put the hosts in front early on with a powerful finish after Kevin McDonald played him in.   Jake Cassidy and Michael Jacobs both missed chances to extend the lead as Wolves dominated.   The O's grew into the game and levelled when defender Mathieu Baudry converted from Moses Odubajo's cross before the game petered out in scrappy fashion. Brentford's convincing win over MK Dons means Russell Slade's side slip to second in the table while Wolves, who started the day in second place, drop to third. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25482454

FT 90 +4 HT 1-0

Sky Bet League One

Venue: Molineux  Date: Sunday, 29 December Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

                                                

 Lineup, Bookings (4) & Subs (5)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 23 Ebanks-Landell  18 Ricketts  11 McDonald  06 Batth  05 Stearman  07 Henry (Griffiths - 71' )  19 Price (Edwards - 45' ) 16 Cassidy Booked (Doyle - 85' )  10 Sako  27 Jacobs  Substitutes 01 Hennessey  04 Edwards  09 Griffiths  14 Evans  26 Golbourne  29 Doyle  47 Bancessi  

Leyton Orient

12 Larkins  08 James Booked  02 Omozusi  04 Vincelot Booked (Sawyer - 45' )  15 Clarke  06 Baudry Booked  11 Odubajo  21 Bartley  25 Simpson (Lasimant - 71' )  09 Lisbie  07 Cox  Substitutes 03 Sawyer  16 Lee  19 Lasimant 20 Gorman 26 Finney  27 Ling  28 Grainger

Ref: David Coote  Att: 28,598 .

Match Stats

Wolverhampton Wanderers Leyton Orient

Possession 56% 44%

Shots18 6

On target 5 2

Corners 9 3

Fouls17 16

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:36 Full time Full Time  Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Leyton Orient 1.  90:00 +1:20 David Edwards (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  90:00 +1:20 Foul by Lloyd James (Leyton Orient).  90:00 +0:29 Attempt missed. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner.  87:46 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  87:46 Foul by Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient).  85:31 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from the centre of the box misses to the left following a corner.  85:12 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mathieu Baudry. 84:59 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 84:08 Substitution  Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kevin Doyle replaces Jake Cassidy. 79:21 Attempt missed. Yohann Lasimant (Leyton Orient) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top left corner. 76:24 David Edwards (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76:24 Foul by Dean Cox (Leyton Orient). 76:06 Attempt saved. Yohann Lasimant (Leyton Orient) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 75:45 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves).

75:45 Moses Odubajo (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the left wing. 73:28 Booking Jake Cassidy (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 73:25 Hand ball by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 70:53 Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leigh Griffiths replaces James Henry. 70:21 Substitution, Leyton Orient. Yohann Lasimant replaces Robbie Simpson.

.69:46 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right following a corner. 68:54 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jake Larkins.  68:25 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Gary Sawyer.  67:51 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Elliot Omozusi.  66:29 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 66:29 Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  65:34 Booking  Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient) is shown the yellow card.  65:30 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  65:30 Foul by Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient).  62:33 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.  62:04 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  62:04 Foul by Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient).  61:54 Corner, Leyton Orient. Conceded by James Henry.  61:25 Foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves).  61:25 Gary Sawyer (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  60:00 Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing.  59:59 Foul by Robbie Simpson (Leyton Orient).  59:18 Goal scored Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Leyton Orient 1. Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Moses Odubajo with a cross.

58:29 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves).  58:29 Lloyd James (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

53:33 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves).  53:33 Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

51:28 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  51:28 Foul by Marvin Bartley (Leyton Orient).

50:02 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves).  50:02 Gary Sawyer (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the right wing.  48:00 Attempt saved. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.  47:24 Corner, Leyton Orient. Conceded by Richard Stearman.  46:46 Attempt missed. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.  45:00 Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Leyton Orient 0.

45:00 Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. David Edwards replaces Jack Price because of an injury.  45:00 Substitution, Leyton Orient. Gary Sawyer replaces Romain Vincelot because of an injury.  45:00 +3:13 Half time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Leyton Orient 0.  45:00 +0:21 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves).

45:00 +0:21 Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  44:54 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Moses Odubajo.  44:47 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked.  43:37 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

43:37 Foul by Robbie Simpson (Leyton Orient).  41:06 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves).  41:06 Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  40:00 Moses Odubajo (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  39:52 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves).  38:51 Booking  Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient) is shown the yellow card. 38:47 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  38:47 Foul by Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient).  38:11 Foul by Jack Price (Wolves).  38:11 Marvin Bartley (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

37:08 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mathieu Baudry.  36:59 Attempt blocked. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.  36:33 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  36:33 Foul by Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient).  36:01 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 34:54 Delay in match (Wolves).  34:11 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.  31:45 Michael Jacobs (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  31:45 Foul by Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient).  31:35 Attempt blocked. Lloyd James (Leyton Orient) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.  30:14 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves).  30:14 Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  28:04 Attempt missed. Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient) header from the centre of the box is too high following a corner. 27:34 Corner, Leyton Orient. Conceded by Danny Batth.  26:55 Foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves).  26:55 (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  24:43 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  24:43 Foul by Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient).  24:08 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves).

24:08 Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  23:52 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right.  23:36 Attempt saved. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.  22:31 Booking Booking

Lloyd James (Leyton Orient) is shown the yellow card.  22:27 Michael Jacobs (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  22:27 Foul by Lloyd James (Leyton Orient).  21:26 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Nathan Clarke. 20:53 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves).  20:53 Dean Cox (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

20:11 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.  17:17 Hand ball by Michael Jacobs (Wolves).  16:23 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) left footed shot from very close range is close, but misses to the left following a corner.  16:06 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Romain Vincelot.  15:59 Attempt blocked. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 15:01 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves).  15:01 Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  14:39 Delay over. They are ready to continue.  14:38 Delay over. They are ready to continue.  12:28 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  12:28 Foul by Nathan Clarke (Leyton Orient).  10:07 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  10:06 Foul by Moses Odubajo (Leyton Orient).  8:43 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jake Larkins.  8:30 Attempt saved. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner.  8:02 Attempt missed. Robbie Simpson (Leyton Orient) header from the centre of the box misses to the left.  4:18 Goal scored Goal!

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Leyton Orient 0. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Kevin McDonald.  3:06 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 2:28 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  2:28 Foul by Marvin Bartley (Leyton Orient).  0:00 First Half begins.

Second-placed Wolves take on League One leaders Leyton Orient in the battle of the top two at Molineux.

Wolves hope full-back Scott Golbourne is fit after picking up a dead leg in the 2-0 Boxing Day home win over Crewe.  Wolves are expecting a 25,000-plus crowd for Sunday's game, which would be Molineux's biggest of the season, topping the 22,693 that turned up for the Boxing Day win over Crewe. Orient midfielder Lloyd James and striker David Mooney are available after suspension but defender Scott Cuthbert serves a one-match ban. Jake Larkins continues in goal, with Jamie Jones sout for up to three months with a hairline fracture of his back.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade told BBC London 94.9: "We showed great character to come from behind and pick up something against Gillingham.  We just need to keep that going as it'll be a tough, tough game.  Whatever XI

goes out there we will be giving our best."

22 Thursday 26th December 15:00 Wolves 2 Jacobs 3′ Griffiths 90′ Crewe Alexandra 0

FT 90 +4

HT 1-0  Michael Jacobs

Wolves 2 Crewe 0 - match report http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/12/26/wolves-2-crewe-0-match-report/

Wolves returned to winning ways with a deserved victory over Crewe at Molineux

  

Michael Jacobs headed Kenny Jackett’s side in front after three minutes but it wasn’t until substitute Leigh Griffiths rifled home his 13th goal of the season in the second minute of time added on that they sealed their first win in four games with a much-improved second-half performance.  Victory was no more than Wolves deserved though after Danny Batth and Griffiths hit the woodwork, Batth had an effort disallowed and Jacobs and Jake Cassidy went close.  The only concern for Wolves as they prepare for Sunday’s top-of-the-table visit of leaders Leyton Orient was an injury to left-back Scott Golbourne early in the second half.   Head coach Jackett made three changes to the side that drew 3-3 at Rotherham last Saturday.  Kevin McDonald, Michael Jacobs and Jake Cassidy replaced Bakary Sako, Kevin Doyle and Bjorn Sigurdarson.  McDonald returned from suspension, while Sako and Doyle joined Leigh Griffiths on the bench but there was no place in the 18 for Sigurdarson.  Wolves lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dave Edwards as the most advanced player behind lone striker Cassidy.  And it was the young striker who started the move for Wolves to take the lead in the third minute.  Cassidy swept the ball wide to Scott Golbourne and the left-back produced a sumptuous cross for Jacobs to rise highest in a crowded box to send a rising header into the roof of the net to give Kenny Jackett’s side the perfect start.  But they failed to build on it and again struggled to create chances in front of a subdued atmosphere.  Instead it was Crewe, who pressed Wolves high up the pitch to hassle them out of their stride, who created several threats.  Tom Hitchcock missed his kick from Kelvin Mellor’s cross in the seventh minute as Alex looked for a reply.  Chuks Aneke then produced a firm header on 27 from George Evans’s centre and keeper Carl Ikeme made the save look easier than it was.   Wolves almost grabbed a second goal a minute later when Danny Batth pounced on a loose ball from Jack Price’s cross but his sidefooted effort crashed off the post.  Aneke was foiled again on 31 when his shot on the turn was smothered by Ikeme. Jacobs was cautioned by tripping Byron Moore on 40 and Evans followed him into referee Stuart Attwell’s notebook two minutes later for bundling over McDonald as the game became scrappy. In between, Adbul Osman missed his header from close range from Matt Tootle’s cross, and when Boumesca Tue Na Bangna tried to retrieve it at the far post, the ball ricocheted off the grounded Osman and out of play.  

If the first half was laboured at times, Wolves improved after the break.  The hardworking Cassidy blazed high and wide on 47 but Wolves were then indebted to Carl Ikeme after the keeper smothered from Tom Hitchcock after Evans split the defence.  Wolves brought on Griffiths for Edwards on 59 after Ethan Ebanks-Landell replaced the injured Scott Golbourne a minute earlier and the striker’s arrival signalled a sustained period of pressure from the hosts. Cassidy had his first on target shot on 61 but his low drive proved easy for Garratt.  Then a lob by Ebanks-Landell landed on top of the net after he carried on his run and latched onto Cassidy’s shot on 65.  Jacobs went agonisingly close to his and Wolves’ second goal a minute later when his 20-yard drive was tipped wide.  Griffiths went even closer on 68 when his header was tipped onto the post by Garratt from Henry’s sumptuous cross.  A minute later, Cassidy saw a shot on the turn deflected wide before Danny Batth had the ball in the net on 73 but it was ruled out after he and Richard Stearman fouled Garratt.  In a rare break, Harry Davis curled a free kick wide after Ebanks-Landell fouled Byron Moore on the edge of the D.  But Wolves continued to boss the game and Henry’s shot was blocked after Griffiths was put through by McDonald’s sliderule pass in the box and crossed on 88.  And the second goal Wolves had been threatening finally arrived in the second of three minutes of time added on when Griffiths cut inside after Henry ran from deep and passed before lashing past Garratt.http://www.bbc.co.

bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25441874

Michael Jacobs' early strike set up promotion-chasing Wolves' victory over League One relegation battlers Crewe.  The on-loan Derby County winger started the move that brought his third-minute goal, heading home Scott Golbourne's left-wing cross from six yards.  Despite plenty of Crewe pressure, Wolves then twice hit the woodwork.  Crewe manager Steve Davis was on Wolves' shortlist in the summer, having been interviewed for their then managerial vacancy prior to the appointment of Kenny Jackett.  But they did not seal victory until two minutes into injury time when top scorer Leigh Griffiths fired his 13th of the season from the edge of the box.  Second-placed Wolves' first win in four games keeps them level on points with leaders Leyton Orient, who are due to visit Molineux for a top-of-the-table showdown on Sunday.  

Crewe drop a place to hit the bottom of the League One table for the first time, now four points adrift of safety after seeing their three-match unbeaten run come to an end.

Summer Wolves target Steve Davis's players stuck to their task well, loan men Chuks Aneke and Kevin Hitchcock both being denied by smart saves from Carl Ikeme. But Wolves stopper Danny Batth fired a low shot against the post before the break and the home side were again denied by the woodwork when visiting keeper Ben Garratt tipped a Griffiths header onto the post.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne (Ebanks-Landell - 56' ) 11 McDonald 06 Batth 05 Stearman 07 Henry 19 Price 16 Cassidy (Doyle - 93' ) 04 Edwards (Griffiths - 59' ) 27 Jacobs Booked Substitutes 01 Hennessey 09 Griffiths 10 Sako 14 Evans 20 McAlinden 23 Ebanks-Landell 29 Doyle

Crewe Alexandra

21 Garratt 03 Mellor 02 Tootle 08 Osman 05 Ellis 04 Davis 17 Hitchcock (Inman - 75' ) 22 Evans Booked (Grant - 74' ) 28 Na Bangna 26 Aneke 11 Moore (Leitch-Smith - 85' ) Substitutes 10 Leitch-Smith 12 Ray 13 Martin 14 Inman 16 Guthrie 19 Oliver 42 Grant

Ref: Stuart Attwell Att: 22,693

MATCH STATS 90mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers   Crewe Alexandra

Possession 47%   53%

Shots 14   8

On target5   4

Corners11   6

Fouls 14   4

Live Text Commentary

Full Time Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Crewe Alexandra 0. 90:00 +3:42 Full time Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Crewe Alexandra 0. 90:00 +2:05 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kevin Doyle replaces Jake Cassidy. 90:00 +1:25 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Crewe Alexandra 0. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by James Henry. 88:51 Attempt missed. Ajay Leitch-Smith (Crewe Alexandra) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 88:00 Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 87:57 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 87:43 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Harry Davis. 87:33 Attempt blocked. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 84:47 Sub, Crewe Alexandra. Ajay Leitch-Smith replaces Byron Moore. 84:21 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 84:21 Mesca (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 84:07 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 84:07 Abdul Osman (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 83:55 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 83:55 Anthony Grant (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 81:42 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Matt Tootle. 80:46 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 80:23 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. 77:52 Corner, Crewe Alexandra. Conceded by Danny Batth.  76:37 Foul by Jack Price (Wolves). 76:37 Anthony Grant (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 76:15 Attempt missed. Harry Davis (Crewe Alexandra) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner from a direct free kick. 75:32 Foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell

(Wolves). 75:32 Byron Moore (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 74:14 Sub0, Crewe Alexandra. Bradden Inman replaces Tom Hitchcock. 73:55 Sub, Crewe Alexandra. Anthony Grant replaces George Evans. 73:29 Attempt missed. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 72:58 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Kelvin Mellor. 72:22 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 72:22 (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 71:13 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 71:13 Foul by George Evans (Crewe Alexandra). 68:26 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Abdul Osman. 68:06 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the top left corner. 66:24 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Ben Garratt. 66:15 Attempt saved. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 65:09 Attempt missed. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. 62:08 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 62:08 Mark Ellis (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick on the left wing. 61:01 Attempt saved. Sam Ricketts (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 58:37 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leigh Griffiths replaces David Edwards. 55:13 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ethan Ebanks-Landell replaces Scott Golbourne because of an injury. 52:26 Attempt saved. Tom Hitchcock (Crewe Alexandra) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 48:12 Corner, Crewe Alexandra. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 46:59 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the right. 45:55 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 45:55 Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Crewe Alexandra 0. 45:00 +1:11 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Crewe Alexandra 0. 45:00 +0:43 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Harry Davis. 41:20 George Evans (Crewe Alexandra) is shown the yellow card. 41:17 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 41:17 Foul by George Evans (Crewe Alexandra). 39:51 Attempt missed. Abdul Osman (Crewe Alexandra) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. 39:08 Michael Jacobs (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 39:00 Byron Moore (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 38:58 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 37:36 Hand ball by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 35:28 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Ellis. 34:12 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Harry Davis. 31:48 Corner, Crewe Alexandra. Conceded by David Edwards. 31:08 Corner, Crewe Alexandra. Conceded by Michael Jacobs. 30:15 Attempt saved. Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 27:43 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Kelvin Mellor. 27:36 Attempt blocked. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 27:20 Danny Batth (Wolves) hits the left post with a right footed shot from very close range. 26:46 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Byron Moore. 26:18 Attempt saved. Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra) header from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 25:43 Corner, Crewe Alexandra. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 24:39 Attempt missed. Jack Price (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. 20:40 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Ellis. 19:49 Jack Price (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 19:49 Foul by Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra). 17:52 Foul by Abdul Osman (Crewe Alexandra). 17:52 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 17:20 Attempt missed. Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra) header from the right side of the six yard box misses to the right following a corner. 16:39 Corner, Crewe Alexandra. Conceded by Danny Batth. 8:27 Foul by Jack Price (Wolves). 8:27 Chukwuemeka Aneke (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 5:11 Attempt saved. Mesca (Crewe Alexandra) header from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 4:36 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 4:36 Abdul Osman (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 3:44 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 3:44 Mark Ellis (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 2:09 Goal scored  Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Crewe Alexandra 0. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) header from the right side of the six yard box to the top right corner.

Assisted by Scott Golbourne with a cross. 0:00 First Half begins.

Wolves have midfielder Kevin McDonald available after a one-game ban. Right-back Matt Doherty (hamstring) and striker Jake Cassidy (swollen glands) will have fitness tests.

Crewe Alexandra defender Adam Dugdale is absent as he is having a brain scan after being knocked unconscious in the 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury, so Mark Ellis is likely to  deputise. Striker Mathias Pogba (knee) and teenage winger Ryan Colclough (stomach) have both been ruled out.

21 Saturday 21st December 15:00 Rotherham Utd  3 Dicko 11′, 54′ Agard 37′ Wolves 3 Batth 10′ Sako 59′ (pen) Henry 64′

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/12/21/rotherham-3-wolves-3-match-report/

Kenny Jackett’s side looked dead and buried after former Molineux loanee Nouha Dicko struck in the 10th and 53rd minutes either side of Kieran Agard’s 36th-minute header cancelled out Danny Batth’s header on nine minutes.  But Bakary Sako’s penalty on 59 meant it was ‘game on’ and James Henry rifled home the equaliser on five minutes later.  Wolves, who produced a much-improved second-half performance, then looked in the ascendancy and substitute Leigh Griffiths had a clean-through chance and Sako and Henry further efforts as they tried to snatch the winner.  Head coach Jackett made two changes from the starting line-up that lost 2-0 to MK Dons last week.  Jack Price replaced the suspended Kevin McDonald and Bjorn Sigurdarson came in for Griffiths up front.  That meant Sako kept his place after being accused of a lack of effort last week.  Wolves started brightly in a highly-charged atmosphere in a snappy tempo and should have done better in the third minute when Sako ran 50 yards after Sigurdarson headed away Ben Pringle’s free kick.  He teased the Millers defence before finding the unmarked James Henry to his right but the winger ran into trouble and ended up winning a corner when he should have shot first time.  Dicko gave notice of Rotherham’s intentions in the sixth minute when he volleyed wide before strike partner Haris Vuckic fired inches wide from eight yards out after Scott Golbourne headed away a throw.  But Wolves broke to take the lead when Batth stooped to head home Henry’s whipped-in free kick for his first goal of the season.  The visitors’ lead lasted only a minute however as Rotherham levelled through Dicko, who tapped home at the near post from close range to convert Ben Pringle’s centre after Ikeme punched clear and Sako couldn’t get close enough to close the cross.  Inspired by his goal, Dicko tried an over-the-shoulder volley from 30 yards out that dropped a yard wide of Ikeme’s far upright on the quarter hour mark.  Instead of forcing the pace again, Wolves couldn’t respond and it was Rotherham who took hold of the game.  Ikeme was left screaming at his team-mates on 23 as right-back Mark Bradley was allowed to race through unmarked to latch onto Kieran Agard’s left-wing cross but fortunately for the visitors, he ballooned over.  The Millers remained on top and got a second goal as Agard climbed above Golbourne at the far post and sent a towering header in at the opposite side of the goal.  Ikeme had to be alert again seconds before the break but this time from one of his own players as Sam Ricketts’ backpass threatened to go over him and he managed to tip the ball over the bar as Wolves welcomed the half-time whistle, relieved to get to the break without suffering further.  Things went from bad to worse for Wolves as Ricketts was booked for pushing Dicko on 51 and two minutes later, the on-loan Wigan forward made it 3-1 when he ghosted into the box to chest home Pringle’s cross after the hosts worked the ball from right to left.  The goal was little more than the Millers deserved at that stage as they were far hungrier than Wolves, who lacked ideas and creativity.  But just six minutes later the game turned on its head to give the visitors renewed hope just when all seemed lost.  Doyle, Sigurdarson and Danny Batth all went up for a header from Golbourne’s cross and the referee signalled a penalty for handball.  Sako needed no second invitation as he rifled home his seventh goal of the season from the spot, keeper Adam Collin’s hand merely helping the ball into the roof of the net.  Griffiths replaced Sigurdarson on 62 and within two minutes, Wolves were level.  Dave Edwards threaded Henry through in the inside right position as Rotherham were left four on two but he didn’t need his team-mates as he held off a defender before lashing in a fierce shot off Collin for his fourth goal for the club.  For the first time since briefly taking the lead through Batth, Wolves were in the ascendancy as they finally took the game to the Millers.  Griffiths found himself clean through on 68 only for his control to let him down and the chance was lost.  Then Wolves had two chances within seconds of each other in the 71st minute.  

First Sako tried his luck with a curling shot that bounced in front of Collin, who parried but just out of Griffiths’s reach.   Wolves retained possession and Henry popped up on the left, lifting a chip that landed on top of the net.  The visitors continued to look the more likely scorers but couldn’t add to their tally and had to settle for a point.  But it was a much-improved second-half performance from Jackett’s side and they will hope to have regained their form as they go into Christmas.

FT 90 +5

HT 2-1  bbc.co.uk/football

Wolves avoided a third straight league defeat, coming from two goals down to halt Rotherham's winning run.   Danny Batth headed the visitors ahead but Nouha Dicko, who played four times during a loan spell at Molineux last season, turned in an equaliser.  Ben Pringle crossed for Kieran Agard to put the Millers in front and striker Dicko's chested second made it 3-1.  Bakary Sako's penalty gave Wanderers hope and James Henry finished off a swift attack to earn Wolves a point.  With Leyton Orient losing at home to Crawley, a Wolves victory would have been enough to take Kenny Jackett's side back to the top of League One, but the O's remain at the summit on goal difference.  Rotherham, who missed out on a fourth successive league win, remain in a play-off spot.  The hosts dominated the first 45 minutes but fell behind when centre-back Batth met Henry's free-kick to net his first goal of the season.  However, the Millers were soon level when Pringle - who created all three Rotherham goals - crossed for Dicko and they took a deserved lead into the interval when Agard nodded in from a corner.  After the break, Dicko made it six goals in six appearances since his loan move from Wigan, but Wolves clawed a goal back when referee Michael Oliver spotted an infringement in the penalty area and winger Sako fired in from the spot.  And they levelled when substitute Leigh Griffiths and David Edwards set up Millwall loanee Henry to slide the ball past home goalkeeper Adam Collin.  Nouha Dicko failed to score on his Rotherham debut, but has found the net in each of his five subsequent appearances for the Millers

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Venue: New York Stadium Date: Saturday, 21 December Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score & highlights on The Football League Show

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBS (5)

Rotherham United

21 Collin 14 Bradley 05 Davis (O'Connor - 77' ) 08 Frecklington 04 Arnason 20 Morgan 22 Agard 27 Tavernier 26 Dicko

28 Vuckic (Revell - 74' ) 18 Pringle Substitutes 01 Shearer 02 Brindley 03 Skarz 07 Worrall 09 Revell 10 O'Connor 23 Tidser

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts Booked 26 Golbourne 04 Edwards 05 Stearman 06 Batth 07 Henry Booked (Jacobs - 91' ) 19 Price (Davis - 68' Booked ) 29 Doyle 15 Sigurdarson (Griffiths - 62' ) 10 Sako Substitutes 01 Hennessey 08 Davis 09 Griffiths 14 Evans 20 McAlinden 23 Ebanks-Landell 27 Jacobs

Ref: Michael Oliver Att: 11,092

MATCH STATS 90mins

Rotherham  United  Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession    48%     52%

Shots            14          7

On target        5            4

Corners          4            5

Fouls            14             7

90:00 +4:05 Full time

Second Half ends, Rotherham United 3, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3. 90:00 +0:01 Sub Wolves . Michael Jacobs replaces James Henry. 86:47 David Davis (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 85:03 Foul by Craig Morgan (Rotherham United). 85:03 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 84:04 Attempt missed. Michael O'Connor (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 81:21 Foul by Lee Frecklington (Rotherham United). 81:21 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 80:02 Attempt missed. Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 78:07 Foul by Michael O'Connor (Rotherham United). 78:07 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 77:14 Attempt missed. James Tavernier (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 76:42 Sub Rotherham. Michael O'Connor replaces Claude Davis. 75:50 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Kári Arnason. 74:33 Kieran Agard (Rotherham United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 74:33 Foul by Scott Golbourne (Wolves). 73:05 Sub Rotherham. Alex Revell replaces Haris Vuckic. 70:53 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. 70:38 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. 68:49 Foul by Ben Pringle (Rotherham United). 68:49 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 67:16 James Henry (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 67:11 Sub Wolves . David Davis replaces Jack Price. 63:46 Goal scored Goal!

Goal! Rotherham United 3, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the centre of the goal. 63:00 Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 62:59 Foul by Scott Golbourne (Wolves). 62:24 Attempt missed. Sam Ricketts (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 61:56 Sub Wolves . Leigh Griffiths replaces Björn Sigurdarson. 61:36 Attempt missed. Lee Frecklington (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 60:02 Corner, Rotherham United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 58:06 Goal scored Goal!

Goal! Rotherham United 3, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. Bakary Sako (Wolves) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the high centre of the goal. 57:32 Penalty conceded by James Tavernier (Rotherham United) after a foul in the penalty area. 57:32 Penalty Wolverhampton Wanderers. Danny Batth draws a foul in the penalty area. 57:04 Foul by Mark Bradley (Rotherham United). 57:04 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 55:22 Foul by Kári Arnason (Rotherham United). 55:22 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 53:29 Goal scoredGoal! Goal! Rotherham United 3, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) header from the centre of the box to the top left corner. 51:22 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 51:16 Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 51:16 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 48:49 Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 48:49 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 45:00

Second Half begins Rotherham United 2, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1.

MATCH STATS 45mins

Rotherham United  Wolves

Possession   48%    52%

Shots             9        2

On target        4        1

Corners          3        4

Fouls              7        3

Live Text Commentary

45:00 +2:22 Half time First Half ends, Rotherham United 2, Wolves  1. 45:00 +2:15 Attempt missed. Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. 45:00 +1:25 Foul by Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United). 45:00 +1:25 Danny Batth (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 44:48 Corner, Rotherham United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 40:09 Corner, Wolves . Conceded by Craig Morgan. 39:09 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves ) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 38:39 Foul by Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United). 38:39 Richard Stearman (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 36:12 Goal scored Rotherham United 2, Wolves  1. Kieran Agard (Rotherham United) header from the right side of the box to the top left corner. 35:28 Foul by Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United). 35:28 Richard Stearman (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 34:59 Attempt saved. Kári Arnason (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 34:11 Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:11 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves ). 31:40 Attempt saved. Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 29:12 Foul by Kári Arnason (Rotherham United). 29:12 Jack Price (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 28:00 Kieran Agard (Rotherham United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 27:56 Foul by Scott Golbourne (Wolves). 22:37 Attempt missed. Mark Bradley (Rotherham United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. 21:36 Corner, Wolves . Conceded by Kári Arnason. 21:20 Corner, Wolves . Conceded by Kári Arnason. 18:17 Corner, Rotherham United. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 15:14 Attempt missed. Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 11:00 Foul by Kieran Agard (Rotherham United). 11:00 David Edwards (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 10:29 Goal scored Rotherham United 1, Wolves  1. Nouha Dicko (Rotherham United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner following a corner. 9:56 Corner, Rotherham United. Conceded by Scott Golbourne. 9:31 Goal scored Goal!

Goal! Rotherham United 0, Wolves  1. Danny Batth (Wolves ) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner following a set piece situation. 8:31 Foul by Kári Arnason (Rotherham United). 8:31 Kevin Doyle (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 8:06 Attempt missed. Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. 5:54 Attempt missed. James Tavernier (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 3:13 Foul by Kári Arnason (Rotherham United). 3:13 Kevin Doyle (Wolves ) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 2:24 Corner, Wolves . Conceded by Kári Arnason. 1:19 Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 1:19 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves ). 0:00

First Half begins.

Rotherham hope to welcome back midfielders David Worrall and Michael O'Connor and defender Pablo Mills.  However, Millers boss Steve Evans may opt to stick with the same XI that started the 2-1 win over Bristol City. Wolves will be without midfielder Kevin McDonald, who serves a one-match ban after picking up his fifth  of the season in the defeat by MK Dons. Right-back Matt Doherty (hamstring) is again missing but is due to return to training on Monday.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Rotherham boss Steve Evans told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"We're speaking to clubs now ahead of the [transfer] window opening, but it won't be a massive recruitment drive.  Billy McKay at Inverness is a player that I like and I admire, but whether he is the one we will get through the door I don't know. We've moved on from (St Johnstone's) Stevie May.  "When you say the name Wolves , you think of the top level of English football. This is a magical game for us because last season we had Accrington Stanley over the Christmas period."

20 Saturday 14th December 15:00 Wolves 0 MK Dons 2 Bamford 31′ Reeves 50′

London Wolves Xmas Party here

Wolves 0 MK Dons 2 Bamford 31′ Reeves 50′

FT 90 +5 HT 0-1 14 December 2013

London Wolves Xmas party was truly excellent thanks to Roy and Ruth's masterful organisation and our wonderful guests.  A great highlight marred by a lacklustre Wolves display party pictures here

At half time Mark Feehan and Peter Woodifield presented our cheque to Wolves Women captain Anna Perks and star player Leanne Rimmer (“the little blonde one”) ably assisted by Wolves midfielder Lee Evans

Wolves 0 MK Dons 2 - match report E&S http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/12/14/wolves-0-mk-dons-2-match-report/

Wobbling Wolves’ woes continued as they crashed to MK Dons for their second successive defeat.

Promotion-chasing Wolves fell to just a second home defeat in the league this season as MK Dons boosted their stuttering play-off hopes.  The visitors went ahead when Patrick Bamford finished well from a Samir Carruthers pass.  Ben Reeves doubled the lead with a superbly struck effort from long range after half-time.  Wolves sub Liam McAlinden fired across the face of goal but they were second best throughout.  Defeat for the hosts means they drop one point behind leaders Leyton Orient and are now just three ahead of third-placed Brentford. Karl Robinson's side, who had not won in the league since 2 November, remain nine points outside the play-off places.

Wolves started decently but weren’t the same after on-loan Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford’s 14th goal of the season on the half hour and a cracker from Ben Reeves on 55. The setback, Wolves’ third in the league this season and second in a row without scoring, came after they were lost 1-0 at Peterborough two weeks ago and they have now won just two of their last eight games in all competitions. Wolves had several shots in the first half but apart from James Henry’s 10th-minute chip tipped over by keeper David Martin, failed to create any serious chances until the unmarked Dave Edwards blazed over from eight yards in the 64th minute.  Half-time substitute Liam McAlinden had an effort ruled out for offside five minutes later and Henry blazed over nine minutes from time with only Martin to beat.  But Wolves were strangely lacklustre and looked weak, unconvincing and short of ideas going forward, reinforcing the need for more creativity and goals in the January transfer window.  Head coach Kenny Jackett made the one expected change, at wide right with Henry replacing Michael Jacobs, who dropped to the bench.  But the big talking point was the omission of Bjorn Sigurdarson from the entire 18, with striker Liam McAlinden preferred on the bench after his loan at Shrewsbury alongside Jake Cassidy.  McAlinden appeared as a half-time substitute with Jacobs in a double switch which saw the removal of Wolves’ top two scorers Leigh Griffiths and Bakary Sako, who were (very much below par and according to Jackett not working hard enough).    There were numerous half chances in a first half that grew increasingly niggly in the final 15 minutes as Wolves fought in vain to work their way back into the game following Bamford’s goal. Dale Jennings had the first opening in the fourth minute with a far-post header from which Carl Ikeme made a comfortable save after Lee Hodson’s cross.  Wolves responded a minute later with a 25-yarder from Leigh Griffiths that flew wide.  And the hosts forced the first real save in the 10th minute when Henry’s left-footed chip had keeper David Martin tipping the ball over.  Two minutes later a wild, right-footed effort from Bakary Sako sailed well wide after Kevin Doyle laid the ball into his path with his back to goal.  Sako was again the dangerman on 15 and this time he was a little closer, but still off target as he unleashed a fierce drive at the end of a twisting run into the box.  Kevin McDonald was next to try his luck on 20 with a first-time shot from the edge of the box after a one-two with Henry, forcing Martin into a flying save to his left, but the whistle had gone for a foul.  A minute later, Doyle cut inside from the right but his left-foot shot was scuffed and straight at Martin.  McDonald was the first of two Wolves bookings on 22 after he was judged to have hacked down on-loan Villa winger Samir Carruthers.  From the resulting free kick swung in by Ben Reeves, Dean Lewington’s header forced a fine save from Ikeme at his near post.  Wolves created another opening on 28 but after dribbling to the line and crossing, Golbourne saw Griffiths completely miss his kick from eight yards.  A minute later, former Wolves midfielder Darren Potter blazed over after Bamford then Reeves teed him up 25 yards out.  But MK Dons had their shooting radar spot on on the half hour as Bamford’s diagonal run was superbly spotted by Carruthers, who split the defence for the striker to squeeze a shot across Ikeme and into the far corner of the net for his 14th goal of the season.  Nine minutes later, Sako followed McDonald into the book for leaving Carruthers grounded on the touchline, which sparked an angry exchange between the French winger and Dons boss Karl Robinson.   It almost got worse for Wolves five minutes before the break when Reeves’s chip from the edge of the box took a deflection, forcing the back-pedalling Ikeme to tip over.

Wolves made the double switch at half-time but it made little difference as Dons doubled their lead with the first attack. There seemed little on but it didn’t matter to Reeves, who let fly with a tremendous shot from the inside right position that found the top corner, giving Ikeme no chance.  Jennings became the third player to be booked after sending Ricketts flying in the 55th minute and it was his last action as he was replaced by George Baldock seconds later. Dons remained the more dangerous side and Bamford took advantage of a briefly outnumbered Wolves defence by unleashing a hard low drive that Ikeme saved diving to his left on 58. Wolves finally produced their first effort of the second period four minutes later when Doyle threaded through McAlinden in his favourite inside left position but his drive flew narrowly wide.  Two minutes later, Dave Edwards should have done far better when from an unmarked position eight yards out, he could only scuff a volley straight at Martin from Henry’s cross.  Wolves remained on the attack and McAlinden swept the ball into an unguarded net after Jacobs freed Henry for a cross but the flag had already gone up for offside.  Henry blazed over with only Martin to beat after a promising dribble into the area on 81 before Jackett made a final throw of the dice when he brought on Jake Cassidy for McDonald two minutes from time.  But it was too little, too late to leave Jackett with plenty to ponder as they got off to the worst preparation for six games inside the next 20 days.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"To come here and win 2-0, it's arguably one of the most perfect performances you'll see from any side here - I think it's one of the most perfect performances you'll see anywhere in the country.  It had everything I love about football, the passion, the desire, the quality, the ball rotation, and two wonderful sets of fans. We are very happy about how we have performed, and we've got to use this as a catalyst for the rest of our games.  Patrick [Bamford] has got so much support mechanism whether it's from Chelsea or MK Dons, but it's not about the support we that give him, it's how he takes that responsibility - and he took that on and put that into the game. That's why he's going to be such a quality player and a quality asset for Chelsea.  Now [the players] are back to where they belong. They're back to a group of people who know what it takes to win football matches".

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 04 Edwards 06 Batth 05 Stearman 07 Henry 11 McDonald Booked (Cassidy - 88' ) 29 Doyle 09 Griffiths (McAlinden - 45' ) 10 Sako Booked (Jacobs - 45' ) Substitutes 01 Hennessey 08 Davis 16 Cassidy 19 Price 20 McAlinden 23 Ebanks-Landell 27 Jacobs

Milton Keynes Dons

01 Martin 05 Hodson 03 Lewington 07 Gleeson 23 Spence 06 Williams 22 Carruthers (Smith - 79' ) 08 Potter 12 Reeves (Galloway - 94' ) 15 Bamford 26 Jennings Booked (Baldock - 56' ) Substitutes 04 Flanagan 11 Smith 16 McLoughlin 18 Baldock 19 Galloway 21 Banton 24 Kay

Ref: Darren Sheldrake Att: 17,142

MATCH STATS 90mins

Wolves  Milton Keynes Dons

Possession  46% 54%

Shots             13 12

On target     5 7

Corners       53

Fouls         1612

Full Time

Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 2. 90:00 +4:34 Full time Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 2. 90:00 +3:45 Sub, MK Dons. Brendan Galloway replaces Ben Reeves. 90:00 +1:12 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 90:00 +1:12 Alan Smith (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +0:49 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 87:43 Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jake Cassidy replaces Kevin McDonald. 87:23 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 87:23 Jordan Spence (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 87:08 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Shaun Williams. 86:40 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 86:40 Foul by Alan Smith (MK Dons). 86:04 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 86:04 Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 85:28 Corner, MK Dons. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 85:20 Attempt saved. Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons) right footed shot from very close range is saved in the bottom right corner. 84:26 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 84:26 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 83:48 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 83:05 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  83:05 Foul by Shaun Williams (MK Dons). 80:43 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the right. 78:02 MK Dons. Alan Smith replaces Samir Carruthers. 77:47 Corner, MK Dons. Conceded by Michael Jacobs. 76:24 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 76:24 Lee Hodson (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 69:48 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 69:48 Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 67:46 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 67:46 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:38 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:38 Foul by Jordan Spence (MK Dons). 63:39 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves). 63:39 Shaun Williams (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 63:14 Attempt saved. David Edwards (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 62:56 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 62:56 Foul by Shaun Williams (MK Dons). 62:06 Attempt missed. Darren Potter (MK Dons) right footed shot from long range on the right is close, but misses to the right from a direct free kick. 61:56 Foul  by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 61:56 Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 57:10 Attempt saved. Patrick Bamford (MK Dons)  left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 55:02 MK Dons. George Baldock replaces Dale Jennings. 54:41 Dale Jennings (MK Dons) is shown the yellow card. 54:33 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 54:33 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 51:33 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 51:33 Foul by Jordan Spence (MK Dons). 49:41 Goal scored Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 2. Ben Reeves (MK Dons) right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. 49:02 Attempt blocked. Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 47:42 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. 46:51 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 46:51 Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 46:09 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 46:09 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 1. 45:00 Subs, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Michael Jacobs replaces Bakary Sako. 45:00 Liam McAlinden replaces Leigh Griffiths. 45:00 +2:10 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 1. 45:00 +1:55 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top right corner. 45:00 +0:08 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Patrick Bamford. 44:37 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jordan Spence. 41:45 Foul by Scott Golbourne (Wolves). 41:45 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 39:58 Corner, MK Dons. Conceded by David Edwards. 39:39 Attempt blocked. Ben Reeves (MK Dons) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 37:50 Bakary Sako (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 36:09 Attempt blocked. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 32:52 Attempt missed. Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 32:04 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 32:04 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 30:09 Goal scored Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 1. Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Samir Carruthers. 28:16 Attempt missed. Darren Potter (MK Dons) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 26:09 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 26:09 Foul by Patrick Bamford (MK Dons). 24:40 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 24:40 Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 21:37 Attempt saved. Dean Lewington (MK Dons) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the centre of the goal. 21:05 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 21:00 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 21:00 Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 20:47 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 20:19 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 20:16 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 19:41 Hand ball by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 16:17 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:17 Foul by Shaun Williams (MK Dons). 14:37 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 11:36 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. 10:11 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Martin. 10:00 Attempt saved. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 9:47 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Martin. 9:34 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top left corner. 9:14 David Edwards (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 9:14 Foul by Ben Reeves (MK Dons). 8:43 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 8:43 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 6:04 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 6:04 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 4:42 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 3:56 Attempt saved. Dale Jennings (MK Dons) header from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the top centre of the goal. 2:30 Attempt saved. Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom left corner. 0:00 First Half begins.

Wolves welcome back winger James Henry after four league and cup games out with a groin injury for their first competitive meeting with MK Dons. Striker Liam McAlinden could feature on the bench after being recalled from his loan spell at Shrewsbury. MK Dons have defender Antony Kay back after over two months out with a hip problem whilst Dale Jennings returns after being ineligible for the FA Cup. Dele Alli, Daniel Powell, Luke Chadwick and Dean Bowditch are all out injured.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"It's a big chance between now and Gillingham on 3 January as there are so many points at stake, so if we can have a good period then yes, it will give everybody belief  that we can do it [win promotion].  It's important that we never slacken off and lose concentration, or put one game above another, because they are all equally important. MK Dons have been a consistently good League One side, unlucky on several occasions not to go up through the play-offs and into the Championship."

November 2013

19 Saturday 30th November 15:00 Peterborough Utd 1 Wolves 0

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE  Derek Dougan inducted into Posh Hall of Fame on the 50th anniversary of him siging for Peterborough.  His sister Coreen and niece Jo Long particpated and a banner saying "We dig Doog" was unfurled.  Jo later tweeted the shirts picture of the dressing room pre-match.  The WWFC matchday magazine for Crewe covered this (left)

Venue: London Road Date: Saturday, 30 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Coverage: Full commentary on BBC WM (DAB), live text /match report on BBC Sport website, Final Score & highlights on The Football League Show

Peterborough  1 Bostwick 79'  Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/30/peterborough-1-wolves-0-match-report/

Michael Bostwick scored the only goal from a 25-yard free kick in the 79th minute after Richard Stearman fouled former Wolves winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.  Chances were few and far between with neither keeper making a serious save all match as Wolves were overtaken at the top by Leyton Orient who drew 1-1 against Sheffield United.  Wolves were denied a clear-cut penalty in the sixth minute when Kgosi Ntlhe handled Bakary Sako’s cross but referee Rob Madley didn’t see it.  The visitors were far better in the first period and had half chances from Leigh Griffiths twice and Sako, who hit the sidenetting.  But they were nowhere near their recent standards and in particular, their front four were below par and lacking in energy.  Only man of the match Kevin McDonald showed anything like the tempo we have come to expect this season as Wolves came nowhere near the heights they scaled in midweek.  Not surprisingly, Jackett named an unchanged team from the side that beat Tranmere 2-0 on Tuesday night.

The only changes were on the bench, where Matt Doherty and Aaron McCarey were replaced by David Davis and Wayne Hennessey.  Doherty was out with a tight hamstring sustained in training yesterday while Hennessey was back in a Wolves squad for the first time since Sunderland away in April 2012 as McCarey departed for a loan spell at York.  

Before kick off, there was a presentation to honour former Wolves and Peterborough striker Derek Dougan, who was inducted into Posh’s hall of fame.  His sister Coreen and niece Josephine travelled from Belfast to accept the award on behalf of the family.

When the action started, Wolves had the better of what was a really scrappy first half and monopolised all the half chances.  Leigh Griffiths fired high and wide after turning inside after just 67 seconds.  Posh replied with a low shot from Lee Tomlin that bounced wide a minute later before the moment when Wolves should have been awarded a penalty.  Kgosi Ntlhe clearly handled Bakary Sako’s right-wing cross, so much so that he appeared to carry the ball before dribbling away and clearing his lines.  But Telford referee Rob Madley, although close by, was on the blind side of it and didn’t see it and most of London Road breathed a sigh of relief.

Wolves, driven on by the inspired Kevin McDonald, went on to look the more threatening side without ever getting in behind Posh’s rearguard. Sako disappointed with a driven free kick into the wall in the 14th minute, after which Michael Jacobs placed his shot wide from 20 yards. Griffiths had the next opening in the 25th minute, but got underneath his header from the edge of the six-yard box and headed over after Jacobs beat former Wolves man Mark Little on the left before crossing.  Captain Sam Ricketts forced the only save of the half however, forcing Bobby Olejnik low down to his left at the near post after cutting inside and letting fly with his left foot with a low drive on 31.  Posh produced their only other attempt of a first period low on quality two minutes later with a wild volley that flew a few feet over after Ntlhe’s cross had come off Sako and bounced dangerously in the box without anyone being able to squeeze a shot in. Wolves returned fire three minutes before the break and Sako easily beat Ntlhe before racing in on goal only to lash his shot into the sidenetting from a ridiculous angle with team-mates screaming for a cross.  Danny Batth had Wolves’ final effort of the half on the stroke of half-time when he rose highest to a deep Sako cross only to float a looping header over.  Posh made a half-time switch with Nathaniel Knight-Percival on for Little and they created the first opening when Tomlin earned a free kick off Batth but could only curl the set-piece into the wall on 49.  Wolves made a change of their own in the 57th minute when Bjorn Sigurdarson came on for Kevin Doyle, who had had a quieter game.   Posh made their final two gambles of the dice on hour with the arrival of ex-Wolves winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Nathaniel Knight-Percival for Jermaine Anderson and Tyron Barnett. But the changes seemed to have little immediate impact as both sides continued to cancel each other out, with chances gradually dying up at both ends. Out of the blue, Posh grabbed the breakthrough that neither side had threatened for a long time.  A mazy diagonal run in from the left was halted by a lunge by Stearman that brought his former team-mate Mendez-Laing crashing to the ground 11 minutes from time. Stearman was booked and from the resulting free kick, Bostwick drilled home a tremendous low shot that ripped inside Carl Ikeme’s right-hand post.  In a desperate attempt to get back on level terms, Jackett brought on Zeli Ismail and Jake Cassidy for Jacobs and Griffiths with 10 minutes left. But Wolves continued to find the going tough against a team rejuvenated by their goal.  And in the end, they got what they deserved after a lacklustre second-half display.

the BBC said

Peterborough United ended a run of five straight League One defeats with their first ever home win over Wolves. Home captain Michael Bostwick scored the winner, firing a low free-kick under the wall and past Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme 11 minutes from time. Wolves' best chance fell to winger Bakary Sako who shot into the side netting from a narrow angle. The loss ended Wolves' 11-game league unbeaten run and cost them top spot to Leyton Orient. The O's, second in the table before the start of play, went above Wolves on goal difference following their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.  

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire:

"I felt we did deserve it. The second half we were far better with more tempo to our game.  It was a gutsy, brave performance. It was never a classic and it was never going to be. Concentration had to be on making sure we didn't make any mistakes.  I felt today was a day for the substitutions. Mendez-Laing does what he does and sometimes you have to accept to make a career out of the game he might be an impact player. Of course he wants to start but he's better when he comes on, there's no question about that.  The result was always going to be the important thing today and we've got one. We're eight points behind, hopefully that's our bad run out of the way and I do feel now that we can go on a run similar to the start of the season."

FT 90 +4

HT 0-0

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBS (6)

Peterborough United

01 Olejnik 31 Little (Knight-Percival - 45' ) 03 Ntlhe 15 Anderson (Mendez-Laing - 61' ) 06 Bostwick 04 Brisley 08 Payne

22 Ephraim 12 Vassell 23 Barnett (Ferdinand - 61' ) 10 Tomlin Booked Substitutes 07 Swanson 11 McCann 13 Day 18 Ferdinand 19 Mendez-Laing 20 Knight-Percival 36 Jeffers

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 04 Edwards 05 Stearman Booked 06 Batth 27 Jacobs (Ismail - 81' ) 11 McDonald 09 Griffiths (Cassidy - 80' ) 29 Doyle (Sigurdarson - 57' Booked ) 10 Sako Substitutes 01 Hennessey 08 Davis 15 Sigurdarson 16 Cassidy 19 Price 21 Ismail 23 Ebanks-Landell

Ref: Robert Madley Att: 8,170

MATCH STATS

Possession 55%  45% 90mins

Peterborough United Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shots 6 15

On target 1 5

Corners 1 3

Fouls 13 12

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:32 Full time

Second Half ends, Peterborough United 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. 90:00 +3:12 Attempt missed. Lee Tomlin (Peterborough United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 90:00 +1:46 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 90:00 +1:46 Kyle Vassell (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 89:02 Foul by Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves). 89:02 Michael Bostwick (Peterborough United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 88:19 Attempt saved. Richard Stearman (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 87:16 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 87:16 Foul by Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Peterborough United). 86:44 Attempt missed. Hogan Ephraim (Peterborough United) left footed shot from the left side of the box is just a bit too high. 81:34 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Michael Bostwick. 80:04 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Zeli Ismail replaces Michael Jacobs. 79:55 Sub Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jake Cassidy replaces Leigh Griffiths. 78:58 Goal scored Peterborough United 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. Michael Bostwick (Peterborough United) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Hogan Ephraim. 77:20  Richard Stearman (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 77:02 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 77:02 Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 75:55 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom right corner. 74:20 Attempt missed. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 62:17 Hand ball by Lee Tomlin (Peterborough United). 61:29 Attempt missed. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Peterborough United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 61:12 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 61:12 Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 60:24 Sub, Peterborough United. Kane Ferdinand replaces Tyrone Barnett. 60:17 Sub, Peterborough United. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing replaces Jermaine Anderson. 60:04 Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 60:00 Nathaniel Knight-Percival (Peterborough United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 59:51 Foul by Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves). 58:40 Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 58:40 Foul by Sean Brisley (Peterborough United). 57:23 Attempt blocked. Sam Ricketts (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 56:42 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Björn Sigurdarson replaces Kevin Doyle. 56:13 Lee Tomlin (Peterborough United) is shown the yellow card. 54:22 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in th centre of the goal. 52:51 Corner, Peterborough United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 52:17 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 52:17 Nathaniel Knight-Percival (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 50:14 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 49:32 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 49:32 Foul by Hogan Ephraim (Peterborough United). 47:43 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 47:43 Lee Tomlin (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 45:00

Second Half begins Peterborough United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. 45:00 Sub, Peterborough United. Nathaniel Knight-Percival replaces Mark Little because of an injury. 45:00 +1:03 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Peterborough United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0.

MATCH STATS

FT

45mins    Peterborough United  Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession47%53%

Shots29

On target02

Corners02

Fouls95

45:00 +1:03 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Peterborough United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. 45:00 +0:37 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. 45:00 +0:05 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:00 +0:05 Foul by Hogan Ephraim (Peterborough United). 43:58 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 42:35 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 42:35 Foul by Michael Bostwick (Peterborough United). 41:11 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 39:38 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Sean Brisley. 34:00 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jack Payne. 32:35 Attempt missed. Mark Little (Peterborough United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 30:14 Attempt saved. Sam Ricketts (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 29:33 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 29:33 Foul by Hogan Ephraim (Peterborough United). 27:54 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 27:54 Foul by Kyle Vassell (Peterborough United). 27:11 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 27:11 Hogan Ephraim (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 26:13 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 26:13 Hogan Ephraim (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  25:00 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 24:55 Foul by Tyrone Barnett (Peterborough United). 24:23 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is too high. 22:17 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 22:17 Mark Little (Peterborough United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 21:30 Foul by Jack Payne (Peterborough United). 21:30 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 13:37 Attempt missed. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 13:23 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 12:07 Michael Jacobs (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 12:07 Foul by Sean Brisley (Peterborough United). 11:29 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 11:29 Foul by Kyle Vassell (Peterborough United). 10:12 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 10:12 Foul by Jermaine Anderson (Peterborough United). 8:55 Lee Tomlin (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 8:55 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves) 6:39 Attemptsaved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 2:10 Jack Payne (Peterborough United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 2:10 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 1:37 Attempt missed. Lee Tomlin (Peterborough United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 0:51 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 0:00

First Half begins.

Posh have lost their last five League One matches to slip to fifth in the table.  Wolves have lost just once in 18 league matches, to go nine points clear of third-placed

Preston

Peterborough's leading scorer Britt Assombalonga is banned, but Nat Knight-Percival is fit and Kane Ferdinand is back from a loan spell at Northampton.  Captain Tommy

Rowe (knee) will be out until the new year, joining Craig Alcock, Danny Kearns and Joe Newell on the sidelines.

League One leaders Wolves have no fresh injury worries following Tuesday's 2-0 home win over Tranmere Rovers. Winger James Henry (groin) remains boss Kenny Jackett's

only absentee.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire:

"I wouldn't say I enjoy [losing five league games in a row], but I quite like this test. It isn't a test of ability, it is a test of our character now.  It's important we win on Saturday and then we hang on in there until January when obviously I can make changes.  I have to be confident. It's not arrogance. I have to have the focus and think we'll win. Hopefully we can get going again and start a bad patch for Wolves.  Wolves have been consistent and we haven't, but I do feel if we play 100% and the opposition does, we will win."

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett: "Peterborough are a wounded animal and we have to beware but we can't focus too much on the opposition.  We have to go and relish what is a very big challenge for us.  We go there on top of the table and shouldn't be frightened of that.  You want to try to carry on playing away from home as we have done with plenty of commitment, effort and pride in the shirt."

18 Tuesday 26th November 19:45 Wolves2 Griffiths 17′ Edwards 42Tranmere Rovers 0

Thanks to Bristol City WW go top

FT 90 +2 HT 2-0

26 November 2013

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Venue: Molineux Date: Tuesday, 26 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Wolves 2 Tranmere 0 - match report http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/26/wolves-2-tranmere-0-match-report/

Wolves regained top spot in League One after cruising to one of their most emphatic victories of the season.

Leigh Griffiths (16) grabbed his 12th goal of the season while Dave Edwards’s header three minutes before the break ended up being all Wolves had to show for a performance of utter and unbroken dominance from start to finish.  Wolves are top after Leyton Orient drew 2-2 at Bristol City, while Saturday’s opponents Peterborough suffered a fifth straight league defeat, going down 3-2 at Brentford.  Tranmere, who were on a six-match unbeaten run, never forced Carl Ikeme into a single save and failed to create a worthwhile chance all game.  Head coach Kenny Jackett made just the one change from the side that drew 0-0 with Brentford on Saturday, with the return of Scott Golbourne at left-back for Matt Doherty, who dropped to the bench.  The change saw captain Sam Ricketts switch from left-back to right-back. Wolves started the game on the offensive and continued it to dominate the first half, deserving their two-goal cushion at the break.  No one was more influential than Michael Jacobs, who again looked a really tidy player and continually looked to stretch Tranmere at every opportunity with his intelligent movement.   Just like he did on Saturday, Kevin Doyle had the first chance inside the first minute, his low shot after 45 seconds forcing a diving save from keeper Owain Fon Williams diving to his left even though the ball seemed to be drifting well wide.  Bakary Sako, who is enduring an inconsistent spell of form, was then put through in the 13th minute but this time Fon Williams was alert to the danger and darted off his line to smother. Jacobs tried his luck from distance after letting fly from 30 yards in a drive after 16 minutes which drifted just wide as Wolves kept their foot pressed firmly to the floor in pursuit of a breakthrough. Seconds later, Wolves had the goal their impressive play deserved when Griffiths unloaded a low, powerful drive form similar distance that Fon Williams seemed to have covered only for the ball to squirm through his grasp and over the line. Ten minutes later, Doyle had the chance to make it 2-0 only to fire wide with a shot on the turn following Sako’s fierce cross and some fine play from Jacobs.  Wolves remained firmly in command in what was fast becoming their best footballing display of the season against opponents who seemed overawed at times despite thrashing Coventry 5-1 away on Saturday.  Jacobs was the provider yet again 10 minutes before the break when he squeezed in a cross at the second attempt after a lovely flick from Griffiths into his path down the right and Sako drilled just wide from the edge of the box.  Griffiths had another half chance four minutes before the break but his firm, glancing header from Sako’s deep cross flew wide.  If Wolves fans thought they had seen their side control the first half, they dominated even more in the second – if that were possible.  

At half-time Jake Cassidy came on against the team he starred for in two loan spells in the last two seasons for Griffiths, who didn’t appear to be carrying any injury.  Tranmere swapped Max Power with James Wallace at the break.

A stream of shots peppered the Tranmere goal as it descended into a training game. The best was the first, as Cassidy was left clean through by Doyle’s flick but could only roll the ball inches wide with Fon Williams to beat.  Although Jean Louis Akpa-Akpro fired weakly and well wide three minutes later, Wolves attacked at will. Doyle fired into the sidenetting on 58 after taking the ball off Sako, who then blazed over the next opening on 62 after Golbourne’s cross for Cassidy deflected off a defender into his path. Two minutes later Sako’s powerful drive on the run was split by Fon Williams at the near post but no one was close enough to apply the finishing touch. Jacobs then teed up Cassidy on the edge of the box on 68 but the young striker had to dig the ball out a bit and hit a rising effort over. Rovers introduced their final two substitutes in the 68th minute when former Albion midfielder Jason Koumas and Jake Kirby made way for Akpo Sodje and Abdulai Baggie.  Wolves quickly returned to the attack, and, after assessing the options around him, Doyle lifted a 25-yarder over as he looked around him for a pass.  The utter calm of the most routine Wolves victory was rocked in the 80th minute by a crude lunge by Wallace on Jacobs, which saw players come together on both sides and the Tranmere sub booked.  Sako, who hadan improved second half, put Wolves back on the offensive with an angled fierce drive that stung the hands of Fon Williams as Wolves won at a canter.Leigh Griffiths (16) grabbed his 12th goal of the season while Dave Edwards’s header three minutes before the break ended up being all Wolves had to show for a performance of utter and unbroken dominance from start to finish.  

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 04 Edwards 06 Batth 05 Stearman 27 Jacobs (Price - 86' ) 11 McDonald 09 Griffiths Cassidy - 45' ) 29 Doyle 10 Sako (Ismail - 89' ) Substitutes 02 Doherty 15 Sigurdarson 16 Cassidy 19 Price 21 Ismail 23 Ebanks-Landell 31 McCarey

Tranmere Rovers

01 Williams 02 Holmes 23 Ridehalgh 17 Power (Wallace - 45' Booked ) 20 McNulty 05 Goodison 15 Kirby (Bell-Baggie -   69' ) 14 Atkinson 09 Lowe 22 Koumas (Sodje - 68' Booked ) 26 Akpa Akpro Substitutes 03 Horwood 06 Hateley 08 Wallace 11 Bell-Baggie 12 Rowe 19 Sodje 33 Mooney

Ref: Graham Scott Att: 14,989

MATCH STATS 90mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers  Tranmere Rovers

Possession             51%       49%

Shots                     23             5

On target                 8             1

Corners                   7             2

Fouls                       5             8

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +1:59 Full time

Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Tranmere Rovers 0. 90:00 +0:49 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 90:00 +0:49 Ryan Lowe (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 89:58 Foul by Abdulai Bell-Baggie (Tranmere Rovers). 88:55 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Zeli Ismail replaces Bakary Sako. 88:01 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 86:55 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 85:08 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jack Price replaces Michael Jacobs. 81:49 Akpo Sodje (Tranmere Rovers) is shown the yellow card. 81:10 James Wallace (Tranmere Rovers) is shown the yellow card. 81:02 Michael Jacobs (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 81:02 Foul by James Wallace (Tranmere Rovers). 79:47 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. 79:31 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. 79:19 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 79:19 Foul by Chris Atkinson (Tranmere Rovers). 78:03 Attempt saved. Akpo Sodje (Tranmere Rovers) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 71:49 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 70:06 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.  68:45 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. 68:27 Tranmere Rovers. Abdulai Bell-Baggie replaces Jake Kirby. 67:29 Tranmere Rovers. Akpo Sodje replaces Jason Koumas. 67:02 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jimmy McNulty. 63:50 Attempt blocked. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 63:25 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jimmy McNulty. 63:01 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 61:57 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 58:00 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jimmy McNulty. 57:46 Attempt blocked. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. 54:50 Corner, Tranmere Rovers. Conceded by Scott Golbourne. 54:08 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 54:08 James Wallace (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 52:37 Attempt missed. Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. 51:06 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 51:06 James Wallace (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick on the left wing. 49:22 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. 47:22 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 47:22 Foul by Liam Ridehalgh (Tranmere Rovers). 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Tranmere Rovers 0. 45:00 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jake Cassidy replaces Leigh Griffiths. 45:00 Sub, Tranmere Rovers. James Wallace replaces Max Power.

MATCH STATS Half time

45mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers  Tranmere Rovers

Possession       54%                      46%

Shots                11                        3

On target           4                         0

Corners             4                         1

Fouls                 2                         4

Live Text Commentary

45:00 +1:19 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Tranmere Rovers 0. 45:00 +0:55 Attempt missed. Jimmy McNulty (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 42:41 Attempt missed. Sam Ricketts (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. 41:25 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Tranmere Rovers 0. David Edwards (Wolves) header from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom left corner. 41:05 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Ian Goodison. 40:51 Attempt blocked. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is blocked. 40:06 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 40:06 Foul by Jason Koumas (Tranmere Rovers). 35:49 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 34:46 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:46 Foul by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere Rovers). 31:17 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. 30:52 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Ian Goodison. 29:30 Attempt missed. Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Tranmere Rovers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. 28:56 Corner, Tranmere Rovers. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 25:27 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 25:27 Jake Kirby (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 24:48 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. 24:15 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 23:24 David Edwards (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half.  23:24 Foul by Max Power (Tranmere Rovers). 22:49 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 22:49 Jimmy McNulty (Tranmere Rovers) wins a free kick on the left wing. 19:18 Attempt blocked. Liam Ridehalgh (Tranmere Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 16:06 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Tranmere Rovers 0. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michael Jacobs. 15:06 Attempt missed. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 11:52 David Edwards (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 11:52 Foul by Chris Atkinson (Tranmere Rovers). 6:31 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box is high and wide to the left. 6:15 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Liam Ridehalgh. 5:34 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Danny Holmes. 0:51 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 0:00

First Half begins.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett could name the same side that drew 0-0 with Brentford on Saturday.

On-loan winger Michael Jacobs made his debut against the Bees and should keep his place, with James Henry still out.

Tranmere will be forced into at least one change following Ash Taylor's red card in Saturday's 5-1 win at Coventry.

Club captain James Wallace scored against the Sky Blues, after nearly a year out with a knee injury, and could have another cameo role from the bench.

17 Saturday 23rd November 15:00 Wolves 0 Brentford 0

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Venue: Molineux Date: Saturday, 23 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

 

Wolves 0 Brentford 0 - match report and reaction http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/23/wolves-0-brentford-0-match-report/

Wolves had to settle for a point despite creating the more chances in a 0-0 draw against fellow high-flyers Brentford in an absorbing contest at Molineux.

Leigh Griffiths hit the post in the first half and Brentford right-back Alan McCormack did the same after the break.

But although Griffiths fired inches wide in their best chance of a more dominant second period, Wolves had keeper Carl Ikeme to thank for vital late saves from Toumani Diagouraga and McCormack.  It was only the third time in the league that Wolves have failed to score this season, while Ikeme kept his 10th clean sheet of the season. Head coach Kenny Jackett made six changes to the side that lost their 11-match unbeaten run on Tuesday night to Oldham in the FA Cup first round replay.  Matt Doherty, Sam Ricketts, Michael Jacobs, Dave Edwards, Bakary Sako and Kevin Doyle came into the side for Ethan Ebanks-Landell, George Elokobi, Bjorn Sigurdarson, Jack Price, Scott Golbourne and Jake Cassidy as Jackett went for an attacking 4-4-2- line-up.  Doherty returned after missing the last six games with a hamstring injury, Jacobs was making his debut after his loan move from Derby, Sako was back after a tight hamstring kept him out of the Oldham game and Doyle returned after being out of the last two matches due to international duty.  Ebanks-Landell, Sigurdarson, Price, Golbourne and Cassidy were all on the bench, Golbourne having been dropped for the first time in the league as captain Ricketts was deployed at left-back.  In a lively half during which Wolves started brightly before fading a little, the Ireland international saw an angled shot deflected over by Harlee Dean at the near post.  From the resulting corner swung in by Jacobs, Doyle’s near-post header hit the sidenetting.  Wolves continued their energetic start to the game through Griffiths, who was crowded out deep inside the box as he tried to find room to shoot after Sako missed a cross by Jacobs, who started on the left wing with Sako on the right.  The home side went so close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Griffiths let fly with a fierce, low drive which hit the inside of the post and bounced away from Doyle’s pass. Brentford hit back with a chance for Adam Forshaw, who blazed over unmarked at the far post from Kadeem Harris’s centre.  Griffiths was the man again in the 20th minute, his shot on the turn forcing a diving save from keeper David Button.  Again Brentford replied with a chance of their own after a Wolves one when Clayton Donaldson broke free a minute later and lobbed keeper Carl Ikeme only for the ball to sail inches wide of the unguarded net. Brentford remained a threat on the break and Marcello Trotta’s shot hit Jonathan Douglas and bounced a few feet wide on 28. Play continued to switch from end to end with Wolves keeping Brentford well in the game with their own loose play as they frustrated the crowd by giving the ball away cheaply.  No one was more inconsistent at this point than Sako, who was particularly wasteful in his play.  But Wolves had another sight of goal in the 33rd minute when Jacobs was presented with a shooting chance on the edge of the box but it was a difficult bouncing ball and he failed to keep it down as he sliced it over. Five minutes later some sloppy play from Ricketts and Richard Stearman allowed Donaldson a sniff of goal but from a tight angle, he could only fire straight at Ikeme, who smothered his shot. More sloppy play from Wolves saw them concede successive corners, but they kept them out and broke through Griffiths, whose low shot two minutes before the break arrowed inches wide. The second half took a while to get going but when it did, right-back Alan McCormack’s fierce low cross hit the post with Ikeme at full stretch in the 16st minute. Brentford, who introduced former Walsall striker Will Grigg for Harris in the 58th minute, made their second switch when they brought on Sam Saunders for Trotta on 65.  It was Wolves though who showed more attacking intent and controlled long periods of the second half possession-wise.  They brought on Zeli Ismail for Jacobs on the right in the 73rd minute and the home side had the next chance a minute, but Griffiths rifled inches wide after Ricketts pressured Harlee Dean into losing the ball on the edge of the box.  But Brentford came into the game in the final quarter of an hour and Grigg fired inches wide on the angle in the 84th minute then Ikeme was forced into two vital saves within seconds of each other on 86. First he palmed away from Diagouraga then he produced an even better stop, tipping over McCormack’s volley.  Wolves then made a double substitution to try to win the game in the 88th minute as Doyle and Griffiths made way for Cassidy and Sigurdarson.  But despite four minutes of added time, there was to be no grandstand finish and a draw was a fair result.  

And after the game Jackett felt Wolves were unlucky not to win as they surrendered top spot in League One to Leyton Orient.  “I felt we dominated the game for long spells and were unlucky not to get a goal or two, particularly in the early part of the game,” he said.  “Brentford’s best spell was in the last quarter where they had a flurry and their broke off our bad play.  Overall it was two good teams and I’m not too disappointed with a point. To dominate the game and possession is something we should be doing and want to do – with the end product of goals.  It was an attack-minded side and we want to be at home. We want to try to attack sides. It was a cat and mouse game and it was cagey but our goals against column is very good and we have to keep that.  It’s not just the forwards scoring, it’s about everyone, we had a number of corners and we have to get some from set pieces.  James Henry can score, Michael Jacobs has got a goal in him and Dave Edwards too. It was Dave’s first 90 minutes for a while but he was excellent and goals have to come from everywhere in the side.”

beeb

Wolves were knocked off top spot in League One after being held by promotion rivals Brentford at Molineux.

Wolves' 11-goal top scorer Leigh Griffiths was closest to breaking the deadlock when he lashed a fierce 11th-minute shot against the foot of a post.  But Adam Forshaw blazed over from six yards before home keeper Carl Ikeme's fine save from Clayton Donaldson.  

Bees like the Black Country

Brentford have only lost once in their last five league visits to Molineux Ikeme maintained his impressive form to help League One's meanest defence earn a third clean sheet in four games. But Wolves' first goalless draw since the first day of the season saw them overtaken again by Leyton Orient. It also ended a six-match winning run for Uwe Rosler's Bees, who had scored 10 in their previous two league and cup games. Brentford made a late push to snatch the points but they remain in fourth, as Toumani Diagouraga and Alan McCormack could not find a way past the assured Ikeme.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Brentford manager Uwe Rosler speaks to BBC London 94.9:

"It is fantastic to see how many people now follow us away from home, and really believe that we can do something at Wolves, players, very proud of them.  I think the first 10-15 minutes the tempo took us a little bit, they had a better momentum. We kept on being offensive and kept the pressure high, we had probably the better chances in the first half apart from the post from Griffiths. Second half we went a little bit more compact, didn't pressure as high as we did in the first half, and they were running out of ideas, we had one or two good chances in the end."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 18 Ricketts 04 Edwards 05 Stearman 06 Batth 27 Jacobs (Ismail - 72' ) 11 McDonald 09 Griffiths  (Cassidy - 88' ) 29 Doyle (Sigurdarson - 88' ) 10 Sako Substitutes 15 Sigurdarson 16 Cassidy 19 Price 21 Ismail 23 Ebanks-Landell 26 Golbourne 31 McCarey

Brentford

27 Button 12 McCormack  24 Bidwell 08 Douglas  05 Craig 06 Dean 04 Forshaw  17 Saville (Diagouraga - 79' ) 29 Trotta (Saunders - 65' Booked ) 09 Donaldson Booked 26 Harris (Grigg - 58' )  Substitutes 01 Lee  07 Saunders 10 El Alagui 11 Grigg 14 Logan 20 Diagouraga 28 Nugent

Ref: Michael Naylor Att: 19,061

MATCH STATS90mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers   Brentford

Possession  56%  44%

Shots 11 11

On target 3 7

Corners 6 4

Fouls 12 11

Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Brentford 0. 90:00 +4:07 Full time

Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Brentford 0. 90:00 +3:42 Zeli Ismail (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 90:00 +3:42 Foul by Alan McCormack (Brentford). 90:00 +2:31 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jonathan Douglas. 90:00 +1:39 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 +1:39 Foul by William Grigg (Brentford). 90:00 +0:50 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 90:00 +0:50 Harlee Dean (Brentford) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +0:17 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 90:00 +0:17 Foul by Clayton Donaldson (Brentford). 89:41 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 89:41 Alan McCormack (Brentford) wins a free kick on the left wing. 87:42  Jake Cassidy replaces Leigh Griffiths. 87:34  Björn Sigurdarson replaces Kevin Doyle. 87:18 Sam Saunders (Brentford) is shown the yellow card. 86:41 Attempt saved. William Grigg (Brentford) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 85:56 Corner, Brentford. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 85:44 Attempt saved. Alan McCormack (Brentford) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. 85:07 Attempt saved. Toumani Diagouraga (Brentford) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.  83:59 Attempt saved. Sam Saunders (Brentford) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 82:58 Attempt missed. William Grigg (Brentford) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 78:02 Toumani Diagouraga replaces George Saville. 77:01 Clayton Donaldson (Brentford) is shown the yellow card. 76:57 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76:57 Foul by Clayton Donaldson (Brentford). 75:32 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 75:32 Foul by Jonathan Douglas (Brentford). 73:53 Attempt saved. George Saville (Brentford) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 73:03 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 71:58  Zeli Ismail replaces Michael Jacobs. 69:15 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 67:23 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 67:23 Jonathan Douglas (Brentford) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 64:54 Substitution, Brentford. Sam Saunders replaces Marcello Trotta. 64:30 Michael Jacobs (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 64:30 Foul by George Saville (Brentford). 61:02 Attempt saved. Adam Forshaw (Brentford) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. 58:07 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Alan McCormack. 57:14  William Grigg replaces Kadeem Harris. 54:09 Corner, Brentford. Conceded by Matt Doherty. 53:19 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jonathan Douglas. 50:12 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 50:12 Foul by Clayton Donaldson (Brentford). 47:43 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:43 Foul by Clayton Donaldson (Brentford). 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Brentford 0. 45:00 +1:12 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Brentford 0. 42:48 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 42:10 Corner, Brentford. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 41:15 Corner, Brentford. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 38:49 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 37:48 Attempt saved. Clayton Donaldson (Brentford) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the bottom left corner. 36:26 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Alan McCormack. 34:14 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:14 Foul by Alan McCormack (Brentford). 32:36 Attempt missed. Michael Jacobs (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. 27:44 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 27:44 Alan McCormack (Brentford) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 27:22 Attempt missed. Jonathan Douglas (Brentford) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 26:38 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 25:41 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 25:41 Harlee Dean (Brentford) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 25:18 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Tony Craig. 23:36 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 23:36 Foul by Alan McCormack (Brentford). 21:16 Attempt missed. Clayton Donaldson (Brentford) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 20:06 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom right corner. 18:35 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 18:35 George Saville (Brentford) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 17:09 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 17:09 Marcello Trotta (Brentford) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 16:35 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 16:35 George Saville (Brentford) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 12:28 Attempt missed. Adam Forshaw (Brentford) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. 11:48 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) hits the left post with a left footed shot from the left side of the box. 8:33 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolves). 8:33 Harlee Dean (Brentford) wins a free kick on the left wing. 5:44 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. 4:53 Clayton Donaldson (Brentford) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 4:53 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 4:35 Foul by Jake Bidwell (Brentford). 4:35 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 4:00 Harlee Dean (Brentford) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 4:00 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves). 1:57 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 1:57 Harlee Dean (Brentford) wins a free kick on the left wing. 0:44 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left following a corner. 0:26 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Harlee Dean. 0:21 Attempt blocked. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked. 0:00

First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

League One leaders Wolves will be without on-loan winger James Henry (groin) for the visit of Brentford.

Michael Jacobs, another loanee, could make his debut in Henry's place, while head coach Kenny Jackett hopes Bakary Sako (hamstring) will be fit.

Brentford manager Uwe Rosler has no injury or suspension worries. The Bees are looking to record their sixth successive league win - a feat they last achieved in 1991-92, when they were promoted to the second tier. The west London club have risen to fourth in the table, but are nine points behind Wolves.

Tuesday 19th November 19:45 Wolves 1 Oldham Athletic 2 FAC1Replay

rFA CUP FIRST ROUND REPLAY  Attendance 4226 Matt Murray and Thommo say WW weren’t up for it

Venue: Molineux Date: Tuesday, 19 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Full match commentary on BBC WM (95.6 FM and DAB), coverage on BBC Radio Manchester, live text and match report on BBC Sport website.

Wolves 1 Oldham 2 - match report http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/19/wolves-1-oldham-2-match-report/

Lacklustre Wolves’ poor FA Cup form continued as they deservedly lost 2-1 to Oldham in front of their smallest home crowd for over 21 years.

Leigh Griffiths’s 11th goal of the season with almost the last kick ended the game on a brighter note in front of just 4,226, but it was a dreadful performance from Kenny Jackett’s side who never looked like recovering from strikes by Danny Philliskirk (20) and substitute Adam Rooney (73).  Oldham now go through to the second round and a home tie against League Two Mansfield.  Griffiths also hit the post for Wolves in the third minute of time added on and flashed a shot narrowly over.  But Wolves, playing in front of their lowest home gate in the FA Cup since 1894, could have no complaints and could have lost by a greater margin as keeper Carl Ikeme superbly denied Philliskirk on seven and 51 minutes. Jackett made four changes to Saturday’s side that beat Notts County 1-0 – but it was still a strong team that should have performed far better.  George Elokobi, Bjorn Sigurdarson, Jack Price and Leigh Griffiths replaced Bakary Sako, James Henry, David Davis and Dave Edwards.  Henry is out for three weeks with a groin injury and Davis dropped to the bench but there was no place in the 18 for Sako, Edwards, or Jamie O’Hara, who Jackett says needs to get fitter.  Oldham started the better and created the first chance when makeshift right-back Korey Smith split the home defence for Danny Philliskirk to bear down on keeper Carl Ikeme in the seventh minute. But Ikeme sprinted off his line to make a superb block with his legs and Cristian Montano lobbed over from the rebound.  Wolves looked wooden and ponderous against much more slicker opponents but they fashioned their only chance of the first half in the next attack, when man of the match Kevin McDonald’s blistering angled volley was acrobatically tipped around the post by keeper Mark Oxley.  Wolves’ struggles were typified by the uncomfortable Elokobi, who was booked for the free kick that led to Oldham taking the lead.  The powerful left-back was caught the wrong side of the lively Jonson Clarke-Harris and pushed him to the ground as the striker went past him.   From the resulting free kick, Clarke-Harris’s well-struck curling effort seemed to be well held by Ikeme, but the keeper dropped it and Philliskirk prodded home the loose ball.   Referee Keith Stroud initially appeared to whistle for a Wolves free kick, then looked up to see his assistant flagging for the goal and seemed to change his mind, much to the fury of the home players and support.  However, the decision was ultimately proved right as there wasn’t any contact on Ikeme.  Oldham continued to look the more fluent outfit and play the more controlled football and Clarke-Harris let fly with a spectacular effort in the 25th minute, but from Philliskirk’s neat lay-off only for the shot to fly high and wide.  Chaos reigned seven minutes from the break when there was a long delay as Oldham stopped the game at their own corner, seemingly to wait for Philliskirk to come back onto the pitch after treatment when Stearman had been booked for a foul on him. Bizarrely, the referee and his assistant seemed to have no control over the situation.  And when the flag-kick from Anton Rodgers was eventually swung in, James Tarkowski headed powerfully inches over the bar when James Dayton, who had been remonstrating with both officials, was also off the pitch.  McDonald had been the only Wolves player who looked like he could create anything, but without anywhere near invention or movement around him, he struggled to cause Oldham problems or find the killer pass.  So it was no surprise then to see Wolves booed off by the sparse Molineux crowd at the break.

And Jackett made two changes in an attempt to drag Wolves back into the game, with the half-time arrival of Sam Ricketts and Zeli Ismail for Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Elokobi.  Ricketts went to play right-back and Ismail left midfield, with Golbourne dropping back to left-back in a more attacking 4-4-2.  It failed to pay any dividends in the early stages of the second half as Oldham looked the more dangerous side.  The impressive Clarke-Harris somehow squeezed in a shot across Ricketts which Ikeme showed good reflexes to hold on to in the 48th minute.  Ikeme proved he was over his error for the goal as he made a superb save in the 51st minute, blocking with his legs going the wrong way to deny Philliskirk from point-blank range after the striker had exchanged passes with Clarke-Harris and continued his run into the box.  Philliskirk was the man again two minutes later, sending a firm drive narrowly wide as Oldham looked to reinforce their advantage.  Wolves suddenly started to bare their teeth as the lively Griffiths tried to make his mark.  The Scotland international got a lucky bounce as he beat two defenders but could only finish poorly in the 54th minute with a shot straight at Oxley.  Three minutes later he dug out a rising effort on the turn that flashed a foot over after peeling away at the far post when Ismail’s cross was cleared.  Wolves struggled to maintain the initiative however, and although Sigurdarson blazed well over after wriggling into a good position 22 yards out, Oldham returned fire in clinical fashion.  First Philliskirk smacked a shot against the post with Ikeme beaten, then Oldham deservedly made it 2-0 in stunning style.  Substitute Adam Rooney, a 67th minute replacement for Clarke-Harris, hit a superb angled strike into the far bottom corner of the net from the right corner of the box after fellow sub Sidney Schmeltz broke down the right from a Wolves attack and switched the play.  Wolves finally pulled a goal back through Griffiths in the fourth and final minute of time added when the Scot stabbed home.

But it was too little, too late for the hosts and they got what they deserved – nothing.

LINEUP, BOKINGS (5) & SUBS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 23 Ebanks-Landell (Ismail - 45' ) 03 Elokobi Booked (Ricketts - 45' ) 19 Price Booked 06 Batth 05 Stearman booked 15 Sigurdarson (Evans - 69' ) 11 McDonald 09 Griffiths 16 Cassidy 26 Golbourne Substitutes 08 Davis 14 Evans

18 Ricketts 21 Ismail 32 Foley 41 Flatt 50 Tank

Oldham Athletic

01 Oxley 08 Smith  12 Mellor (Lanzoni - 75' ) 17 Rodgers Booked 05 Kusunga 06 Tarkowski  19 Dayton 04 Wesolowski 14 Clarke-Harris (Rooney - 67' ) 27 Philliskirk 11 Montaño (Schmeltz - 62' Booked ) Substitutes 07 Schmeltz 09 Rooney 10 MacDonald 18 Lanzoni 29 Rachubka 35 Bove 36 Pritchard

Ref: Keith Stroud Att: 4,226

MATCH STATS 90mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers Oldham Athletic

Possession  53%                       47%

Shots          10                          18

On target      4                             7

Corners         2                            2

Fouls            12                           8

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +5:48 Full time Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Oldham Athletic 2.

90:00 +4:49 Goal scored Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Oldham Athletic 2. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Zeli Ismail. 90:00 +4:24 James Dayton (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card. 90:00 +4:17 Lee Evans (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +4:17 Foul by James Dayton (Oldham Athletic). 90:00 +2:44 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Genséric Kusunga. 90:00 +2:33 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) hits the left post with a left footed shot from the centre of the box. 90:00 +1:13 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right following a corner  90:00 +0:45 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Matteo Lanzoni. 88:33 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Danny Batth. 85:26 Anton Rodgers (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card. 85:15 Jack Price (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 85:15 Foul by Anton Rodgers (Oldham Athletic). 84:42 Jack Price (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 84:42 Foul by James Dayton (Oldham Athletic). 82:31 Attempt saved. Lee Evans (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 80:28 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Korey Smith. 79:36 Foul by Scott Golbourne (Wolves). 79:36 Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing. 77:10 Sidney Schmeltz (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card. 77:00 Jack Price (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76:58 Foul by Matteo Lanzoni (Oldham Athletic). 75:43 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 75:43 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing. 75:24 Attempt saved. Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 74:25 , Oldham Athletic. Matteo Lanzoni replaces David Mellor. 74:14 Jack Price (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 74:07 Foul by Jack Price (Wolves).  74:07 Sidney Schmeltz (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 72:26 Goal scored Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Oldham Athletic 2. Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Sidney Schmeltz. 71:48 Attempt blocked. Anton Rodgers (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 71:28 Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) hits the left post with a right footed shot from the centre of the box. 69:15 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 69:15 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 68:42 Wolverhampton Wanderers. Lee Evans replaces Björn Sigurdarson. 68:22 Attempt missed. Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. 66:28 Oldham Athletic. Adam Rooney replaces Johnson Clarke-Harris. 61:45 , Oldham Athletic. Sidney Schmeltz replaces Cristian Montaño. 59:19 Attempt blocked. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 58:20 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 58:20 Foul by Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic). 56:56 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. 54:54 Attempt missed. Anton Rodgers (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left from a direct free kick. 54:19 Foul by Jack Price (Wolves). 54:19 Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 53:52 Attempt missed. Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 53:17 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 52:19 Attempt missed. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 51:21 Attempt missed. Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. 50:55 Attempt saved. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 47:54 Attempt saved. Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 47:26 Attempt blocked. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 45:20 Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 45:20 Foul by Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic). 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Oldham Athletic 1. 45:00 , Wolverhampton Wanderers. Sam Ricketts replaces George Elokobi. 45:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers. Zeli Ismail replaces Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 45:00 +2:59 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Oldham Athletic 1. 45:00 +0:09 Foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves). 45:00 +0:09 Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 43:34 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 43:34 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 38:53 Attempt missed. Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) header from the left side of the box misses to the left. 36:58 Attempt missed. James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high following a corner. 35:46 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by George Elokobi. 35:18 Richard Stearman (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 35:07 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 35:07 Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 31:17 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 31:17 James Dayton (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 27:22 Attempt missed. Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) header from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 26:01 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 26:01 Foul by Genséric Kusunga (Oldham Athletic). 25:20 Attempt saved. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 24:01 Attempt missed. Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 20:26 Goal scored Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Oldham Athletic 1. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. 19:32 Attempt saved. Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 18:22 George Elokobi (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 18:19 Foul by George Elokobi (Wolves). 18:19 Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 15:53 Attempt blocked. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 14:28 Attempt missed. Richard Stearman (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left. 14:13 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Oxley. 13:51 Attempt saved. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. 9:14 Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing. 9:14 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 7:38 Foul by Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic). 7:38 George Elokobi (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 7:12 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 7:12 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 6:57 Attempt missed. Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. 6:23 Attempt saved. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 1:07 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 1:07 Foul by Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic). 0:00

First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Wolves are without injured winger James Henry and full-back Matt Doherty for their FA Cup first-round replay against Oldham Athletic at Molineux. The two League One sides drew 1-1 at Boundary Park on 9 November.

Skipper Sam Ricketts is back from Wales duty, having missed Saturday's 1-0 win at Notts County, as Wolves seek a home tie against Mansfield in round two.  The Latics remain without the three players whose absence caused Saturday's game with MK Dons to be postponed.

Carl Winchester and Kirk Millar were due to feature for Northern Ireland Under-21s against Cyprus on Monday night, while Edijs Joksts is scheduled to play for Latvia Under-21s against Croatia on Tuesday.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Oldham manager Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Manchester:

"The FA Cup has got that tradition. The fans love it and, as a player, I loved it. I felt we could have won the first game, but on the balance of the 90 minutes, it was a fair result. It's almost like another round to us because of the financial side of it, going to Wolves where there will hopefully be a big crowd.  We want to get through and we'll be going all guns blazing trying to get a result. Underestimate us at your peril because we weren't too far away in the last game against them away [a 2-0 defeat in League One in October]."

Going up the league

Wolves were third in League One when they beat Oldham 2-0 last month, up to second when the two sides met again in the FA Cup first round on 9 November and now go into Tuesday's replay top of the league.t

16 Saturday 16th November 15:00 Notts County 0 Wolves 1 Ebanks-Landell 76′

FT 90 +5

HT 0-0

15 November 2013

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE  Venue: Meadow Lane Date: Saturday, 16 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Wolves go top of league one with this 1-0 win away as Preston also beat Orient thanks to debutant Ethan Ebanks Landell  Attendance 7,520. 2,730 are WWFC

Posn Team      Played  GD  Points

1  Wolves            16    20   39

2  Leyton Orient  16    23   38

3  Peterborough  15    13   32

4  Brentford        16      8   30

5  Preston           16     8   30

6  Swindon         16   10   26

Tim Nash E&S said Kennny Jackett was questioned about Wolves' performance: " I wouldn't say it was ugly. Our performance grew in the second half. We had some clear cut chances to put the game away but we didn't take them.  Some of that is down to Notts County's determined attitude.They were resilient under their new manager.  We were slack in the first half, we didn't capitalise on the space"

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/16/notts-county-0-wolves-1-match-report/

Ethan Ebanks-Landell was the unlikely hero as Wolves belatedly turned it on to win 1-0 at Notts County and go top of League One for the first time this season.  The 20-year-old homegrown defender drove home left-footed in the 76th minute to reward Wolves’ 2,730-strong following after the visitors had been second best for almost two-thirds of the game.  But Wolves won’t care as they went above leaders Leyton Orient, who were beaten 1-0 at home to Preston, to make it 11 games unbeaten.

Substitute Bjorn Sigurdarson should have made it 2-0 four minutes from time but he fired against the post when clean through. Earlier, two flashpoints inside three minutes should have provided the breakthrough for lacklustre Wolves, who took until virtually the last half hour to bare their teeth. First substitute Leigh Griffiths was denied by keeper Bartosz Bialkowski in the 56th minute then midfielder Callum McGregor was only booked instead of being sent off for bringing down James Henry as last man two minutes later in a flashpoint which saw both managers come together.  Jake Cassidy fired straight at Bialkowski on 69 minutes as Wolves got their act together before Ebanks-Landell’s moment of glory.  But County had their chances too and former Walsall defender Manny Smith sent a free header over in the 20th minute while McGregor, substitute Yoann Arquin and Mark Fotheringham missed late half chances for Shaun Derry’s side in his first home game in charge.  The only downside of the victory was Henry going off with a groin injury in the 82nd minute that makes him a doubt for Tuesday’s FA Cup first round replay at home to Oldham.  Head coach Kenny Jackett made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Oldham in the FA Cup last week.  As expected, Ebanks-Landell and Kevin McDonald came into the side, at the expense of the the unavailable Sam Ricketts and Jack Price, who tweeted to say he was ill.  Ebanks-Landell was making his first League start for Wolves while in a day of pleasing firsts for Wolves’ homegrown players, Danny Batth was captain for the first time in a league game in the absence of Ricketts.   McDonald returned after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.  Surprisingly, Griffiths was left on the bench as Cassidy continued on his own up front and there was no place in the 18 for Jamie O’Hara for the second game in a row as Wolves lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Dave Edwards just behind Cassidy.  Watched by League Cup-winning manager John Barnwell – who managed both clubs - Wolves, threatened first with a 25-yard drive from Cassidy which was held by keeper Bartosz Bialkowski in the third minute. They also forced the second chance with a fierce shot from Bakary Sako, appearing in Nottingham where the city’s other club, Forest have had several bids rejected for him, but it flew a few feet wide from similar distance.  But County went on to dominate for almost all of the rest of the first period.  Henry and left-back Alan Sheehan were perhaps both lucky to escape punishment in the 18th minute after the County defender caught the Wolves winger late and Henry reacted by shoving him in the chest.  If the incident happened in the Premier League we may have seen both players sent off but instead referee David Webb lectured both players before allowing play to continue without showing any cards.  The incident seemed to spice the game up with a few meaty tackles going in.  But it was certainly County who settled the quicker and they remained the better side for the rest of the first half.  Smith crashed a free header against Richard Stearman then saw his shot from the rebound hit Stearman and fly over from point-blank range from Sheehan’s free kick after Ebanks-Landell brought down Jamal Campbell-Ryce on the County left in the 20th minute. Batth became the first player to be booked in the 22nd minute for dragging back eight-goal top scorer Callum McGregor just over the halfway line as he broke forwards.  Luckily for Wolves, Sheehan’s resulting free kick hit the defensive wall.  Wolves eventually replied in the 27th minute with a shot from Cassidy which swerved away from Bialkowski at the last moment, but the Russian keeper fell to his left to make a comfortable save.  County remained the more threatening side and one-time Albion trialist Marcus Haber, on loan from Stevenage, should have done better after climbing at the far post to a Sheehan corner but headed wide on the half hour. Three minutes later David Davis became the second Wolves player to be booked when he caught centre-back Gary Liddle late in a challenge for a loose ball that left both players briefly injured. In another isolated attack, Henry’s rising shot was palmed away by Bialkowski from 25 yards on 37 before Sako’s driving run ended in a right-foot shot which forced a simple save from the keeper.

A big improvement was needed from Wolves and in an effort to coax a better performance from his players, Jackett brought on Griffiths at half-time in place of Davis as they switched to a more orthodox 4-4-2 formation. But the switch didn’t have the immediate effect the head coach was looking for as County remained on top initially. Campbell-Ryce curled a few feet wide after taking on and beating Henry down the left before cutting inside in the 50th minute.  Wolves broke to produce their best chance a minute later however when Sako volleyed a cross from the byeline and Sheehan deflected Cassidy’s stabbed attempt over the bar.  Five minutes later Griffiths thought he had made the breakthrough when Henry broke clear and fed clean through Griffiths to his left.  But the 10-goal top scorer was denied by Bialkowski’s legs as he struck it low and first time.  Wolves were now just coming into the game and McGegor was lucky to stay on the pitch in the 58th minute for dragging Henry back when he was last man 30 yards out, the on-loan Celtic midfielder booked instead of being sent off.  Haber and Kieron Freeman were also yellow-carded on 65 and 66 minutes as County fought to contain Wolves, for pulling back Griffiths and obstructing Sako respectively.  Cassidy missed a golden chance to put Wolves ahead in the 69th minute, sidefooting straight at Bialkowski on the angle after being teed up by Henry.  The breakthrough finally came from Ebanks-Landell, who took a touch then drove home left-footed in a crowded box after Henry’s curling free kick on the left had been flicked on by Stearman at the near post then County failed to clear.  It was the 20-year-old’s first goal for the club on his full Wolves League debut.

After the goal, County had their chances to have equalised but failed to take them.  Although Sigurdarson sidefooted against the post when Griffiths put him through on the counter attack, McGregor volleyed wide when in the clear on 83 minutes, substitute Arquin fired wide on 87 and former Wolves trialist Fotheringham’s shot was deflected off target a minute before five minutes of time were added on.  But Wolves had little trouble in hanging on as County’s fire fizzled out."

Notts County started the brighter of the two sides before Wolves made a half time substitution when Leigh Griffiths replaced David Davis.  "Leigh was a constant threat", said Jackett, " I was pleased with him, despite missing one of the chances of the game."

James Henry was fouled when through on goal which sparked debate on the touchline between Jackett and new County boss Shaun Derry. Jackett said: "It was either a red card or no free-kick. When he gave the free-kick, I was expecting a red card. I wasn't happy but I'll accept it.  "It looks like a groin injury (for Henry) but no confirmation yet. He'll be doubtful for Tuesday's FA Cup tie at Oldham."  39 points excellent return, great to be top for us and supporters, we are there to be shot at. Our points tally is good.  Jamie O’Hara status, "I’d pick him if he was ready but training with first team and as I’ve always said that would be the case."  

The Beeb said: Ethan Ebanks-Landell's first Wolves goal earned victory at bottom-of-the-table Notts County and took Kenny Jackett's side top of League One.  The defender smashed home from close range as new Magpies boss Shaun Derry suffered a third straight defeat.  The hosts were the better side for most of a feisty first period in which Manny Smith wasted a great double chance.  But Wolves had the better of the second half and wasted several excellent openings before Ebanks-Landell struck.

The defeat was cruel on Notts, whose performance made light of the 26 points that separated the two teams before the match and was an ideal response to Derry's pre-match demands.  Marcus Haber, Callum McGregor and Jamal Campbell-Ryce posed problems for the visitors throughout - particularly before the break.  But their best chance was squandered by Smith, who wasted a free header from a free-kick and then should have scored with the close-range follow-up.  Wolves, backed by 2,730 noisy visiting supporters in Notts' biggest crowd of season of 7,520, had threatened through Bakary Sako and the excellent James Henry.  But they began to get on top after the interval.

Substitute Leigh Griffiths's low shot was well saved by Bart Bialkowski and the keeper was forced to make several decent stops.  And with the pressure mounting, Ebanks-Landell reacted quickly to fire in the winner following a free-kick. Bjorn Sigurdarson almost added a second on the counter-attack, but his shot clipped the outside of the post.  Notts sub Yoann Arquin screwed an effort wide in the final 10 minutes but the visitors held on with relative ease to go top of the table thanks to Leyton Orient's home defeat against Preston

LINEUP, S (5) & SUBS (6)

Notts County

01 Bialkowski 24 Freeman Booked 03 Sheehan 16 Labadie 04 Liddle 05 Smith 20 Campbell-Ryce (Haworth - 82' ) 22 Fotheringham Booked 12 Haber  19 Murray (Arquin - 81' ) 08 McGregor Booked (Bell - 90' ) Substitutes 09 Showunmi 11 Bell 15 Arquin 18 Haworth 23 Speiss 26 Hollis 34 Holt

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 23 Ebanks-Landell 26 Golbourne 08 Davis Booked (Griffiths - 45' ) 05 Stearman 06 Batth Booked 07 Henry (Elokobi - 82' ) 11 McDonald 16 Cassidy (Sigurdarson - 84' ) 04 Edwards 10 Sako Substitutes 03 Elokobi 09 Griffiths 14 Evans 15 Sigurdarson 27 Jacobs 32 Foley 41 Flatt

Ref: David Webb Att: 7,520

MATCH STATS  90mins

Notts County   Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession  48% 52%

Shots         15 11

On target    1 7

Corners       9 5

Fouls          8 13

Live Text Commentary

Full Time Match ends, Notts County 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 90:00 +4:57 Full time

Second Half ends, Notts County 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 90:00 +3:07 Foul by Marcus Haber (Notts County). 90:00 +3:07 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 +2:41 Mark Fotheringham (Notts County) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +2:41 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 89:48 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 89:29 Notts County. David Bell replaces Callum McGregor. 89:04 Attempt missed. Andy Haworth (Notts County) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 88:45 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Kevin McDonald. 88:34 Attempt blocked. Mark Fotheringham (Notts County) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 85:57 Attempt missed. Yoann Arquin (Notts County) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. 84:43 Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) hits the right post with a left footed shot from the centre of the box. 83:52 Björn Sigurdarson replaces Jake Cassidy. 83:37 Andy Haworth (Notts County) wins a free kick on the right wing. 83:37 Foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves). 82:09 Attempt missed. Callum McGregor (Notts County) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right misses to the left. 81:30 George Elokobi replaces James Henry because of an injury. 81:03  Andy Haworth replaces Jamal Campbell-Ryce. 80:54  Yoann Arquin replaces Ronan Murray.  75:52 Goal scored

Goal! Notts County 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. 74:51 Foul by Manny Smith (Notts County). 74:51 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 74:11 Attempt saved. Callum McGregor (Notts County) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 68:08 Attempt saved. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner. 65:37 Kieran Freeman (Notts County) is shown the yellow card. 65:28 Foul by Kieran Freeman (Notts County). 65:28 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:34 Alan Sheehan (Notts County) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 64:34 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 63:57 Mark Fotheringham (Notts County) is shown the yellow card. 63:48 Foul by Mark Fotheringham (Notts County). 63:48 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 63:26 Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Notts County) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 62:16 Foul by Marcus Haber (Notts County). 62:16 (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 61:54 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 61:45 Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Notts County) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 61:06 Gary Liddle (Notts County) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 61:06 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 59:05 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Ronan Murray. 58:49 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 57:37 Callum McGregor (Notts County) is shown the yellow card. 57:22 Foul by Callum McGregor (Notts County). 57:22 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 56:39 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Danny Batth. 55:19 Joss Labadie (Notts County) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 55:19 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 54:46 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 54:16 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Bakary Sako. 53:20 Ronan Murray (Notts County) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 53:20 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 50:17 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Alan Sheehan. 48:49 Attempt missed. Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Notts County) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 47:14 Gary Liddle (Notts County) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:14 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 45:43 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 45:43 Joss Labadie (Notts County) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 45:00

Second Half begins Notts County 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. 45:00 . Leigh Griffiths replaces David Davis because of an injury.

MATCH STATS HT 0-0 45mins

Notts County  Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession  51% 49%

Shots     75

On target     04

Corners        53

Fouls           25

45:00 +2:10 Half time

First Half ends, Notts County 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. 41:30 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 38:28 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Alan Sheehan. 37:35 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Joss Labadie. 36:53 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 32:14 David Davis (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 31:00 Gary Liddle (Notts County) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 30:51 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 29:46 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Manny Smith. 29:12 Attempt missed. Marcus Haber (Notts County) header from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left. 28:35 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 26:42 Attempt saved. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 25:17 Kieran Freeman (Notts County) wins a free kick on the left wing. 25:17 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 24:32 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Danny Batth. 24:23 Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Notts County) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked. 22:52 Attempt blocked. Alan Sheehan (Notts County) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 21:52 Danny Batth (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 21:41 Callum McGregor (Notts County) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 21:41 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves)

20:06 Foul by Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Notts County). 20:06 (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 19:44 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 19:33 Attempt blocked. Manny Smith (Notts County) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is blocked. 19:25 Attempt blocked. Manny Smith (Notts County) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is blocked. 18:32 Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Notts County) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 18:32 Foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves). 17:21 Foul by Alan Sheehan (Notts County). 17:21 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 17:07 Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Notts County) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 16:07 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Danny Batth. 15:55 Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Notts County) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 8:44 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 7:27 Hand ball by David Edwards (Wolves). 4:20 Attempt saved. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 2:26 Corner, Notts County. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 0:00

First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Notts County captain Dean Leacock and striker Danny Haynes are suspended for manager Shaun Derry's first home match.  Mustapha Dumbuya (groin) is out and Jack Grealish, Greg Tempest and Andre Boucaud are on international duty, but midfielder Callum McGregor may feature despite playing for Scotland Under-21s.

Wolves have six players away with their national sides, including captain Sam Ricketts and striker Kevin Doyle. The visitors could give a debut to loan signing Michael Jacobs.  Wanderers are unbeaten in eight league matches and will be keen to avenge their Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat on penalties at Molineux back in October.

FAC Saturday 9th November  15:00 FA Cup 1st round Oldham 1 Kusunga 1 2’ WW 1 Golbourne 37’

 

FT 90 +4 HT 1-1 FA CUP FIRST ROUND

Venue: Boundary Park Date: Saturday, 9 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/09/oldham-1-wolves-1-match-report/

Former Oldham left-back Scott Golbourne headed Kenny Jackett’s side level in the 37th minute after Genseric Kusunga nodded the Latics ahead in the second minute.  But after weathering heavy pressure at the start of each half, Wolves will be disappointed at not being in the hat outright for tomorrow afternoon’s second-round draw after creating the more chances.  The recalled Dave Edwards missed two golden chances when clean through in the first half and Danny Batth, Golbourne and substitute Leigh Griffiths had excellent chances in the second, the first two missed from point-blank range.  Jonson Clarke-Harris and James Dayton were inches wide from distance for Oldham while Kusunga forced a diving save and Adam Rooney stabbed wide, all after the break.  

The replay will be held at Molineux on Tuesday, November 19.

Head coach Jackett made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 at Carlisle on Tuesday night.  Jack Price, Edwards and Jake Cassidy came in for rare starts in place of Lee Evans, Kevin Doyle and Griffiths.  Doyle and Griffiths dropped to the bench but there was no place among the 18 for Evans or Jamie O’Hara, who had been expected to start.  Edwards started as the most advanced of a five-man midfield, just behind lone striker Cassidy.  Oldham started like a train, and, after James Henry forced a falling save from Mark Oxley with 15 seconds on the clock, Oldham took the lead with the first attack of the game after Richard Stearman conceded a free kick for dragging down Clarke-Harris from Oxley’s goal kick.  Kusunga was the scorer, rising highest on the left side of a crowded penalty area from James Dayton’s deep free kick to plant a firm header into the far corner of the net past the motionless Carl Ikeme.  Buoyed by the goal and a passionate home crowd, Oldham poured forward and looked to close Wolves down at every opportunity.  Wolves managed to weather the storm in a first half played for the most part in driving rain to play some excellent football.  They worked their way back into the game with some patient, passing football on a good surface and also forced eight corners in the first 45 minutes.  Wolves had to wait until the 23rd minute for their first opening however, and it came for Edwards, who sidefooted into the sidenetting after Bakary Sako’s through pass sent him clean through.  Stearman had their next opportunity three minutes later but his header from Sako’s deep corner was deflected wide off James Wesolowski, before the resulting flag kick saw Golbourne volley a yard wide from the edge of the box.  Edwards had an even better chance to level in the 35th minute after taking advantage of a mix-up between two Oldham defenders to race through on his own.  But with only Oxley to beat from a central position, the midfielder could only sidefoot wide.  Wolves were by now the more dangerous side however and in the ascendancy and their pressure earned its reward two minutes later.  Golbourne was the unlikely scorer, rising to glance a powerful header into the top corner of the net from James Henry’s deep cross.  It was his second goal for Wolves after his fluke strike against Swindon and it came against one of his former clubs.  Oldham’s threats reduced as the half wore on and, with Wolves defending well, the hosts were reduced to trying their luck from distance.  Danny Philliskirk did just that after David Davis gave away possession, but his angled drive flew a few yards wide despite Ikeme diving at full stretch.Oldham started the second half as they finished the first – on the attack as they looked to make another early breakthrough.  But again Wolves’ stout defending meant they could only threaten from long distance.  Jonson Clarke-Harris dragged his shot inches wide on 46 then Dayton did the same two minutes later.  Wolves’ first threat of the second half came on 54 when Edwards came charging in late in the box but saw his effort deflected wide from point-blank range after Oxley dropped Sako’s cross.  Doyle replaced Price in the 61st minute and the visitors went even closer on 66, Danny Batth steaming in at the far post only to head wide from point-blank range from a Sako corner.  In a lively second half, Oldham hit back through Kusunga, who forced a diving save from Ikeme with a first-time drive three minutes later. As the home side again came to the boil, Rooney stabbed wide from inside the six-yard box from Dayton’s centre on 69 before Sam Ricketts was booked for bringing down the same player.  Wolves introduced Griffiths for Cassidy, who had a quiet game in the 79th minute, and the visitors should have snatched the winner within seconds of his arrival.  This time though, scorer Golbourne could only blaze over at the far post from Ricketts’s cross missed by Edwards.  In a frantic, end to end finish, Kusunga’s drive was blocked by Stearman then substitute Kirk Millar, who replaced Clarke-Harris in the 80th minute, saw his follow-up shot fly wide.  Griffiths’s only chance came eight minutes from time when Henry teed him up for an angled volley tipped away by Oxley.  James Tarkowski had the final chance of the tie in the 85th minute when his header floated over with Ikeme scrambling back after punishing clear.  In the end through, Wolves will be disappointed not to have won after creating the lion’s share of the chances.Beeb

League One duo Oldham and Wolves will need a replay to settle their FA Cup first-round tie after a 1-1 draw in horrible conditions at Boundary Park.

Defender Genseric Kusunga headed in James Dayton's free-kick to put Oldham in front inside two minutes.

Dave Edwards failed to find the target with two presentable chances for Wolves but Scott Golbourne met James Henry's cross to level for the visitors.

Oldham almost won it but substitute Kirk Millar curled a late effort wide.

Four-times FA Cup winners Wolves were making their first appearance in the first round since November 1988, and made a shocking start as Angola international Kusunga rose unchallenged inside the penalty area to nod in his first goal for the Latics.

Dayton fired wide for the hosts shortly afterwards, but Wolves, who had beaten Oldham in a league fixture at Molineux 18 days previously, grew into the game and equalised through an unlikely source in left-back Golbourne.

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme denied Kusunga a second goal of the afternoon, keeping out a low drive that travelled through a crowd of bodies, while Golbourne was unable to convert another Henry cross.

The two sides will now look to the replay on Tuesday, 19 November to progress to the next round.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Oldham manager Lee Johnson told BBC Radio Manchester: "I think it was a fair result. I was really pleased with our lads. We had some chances in the second half and maybe could have nicked the win, but more importantly I thought my boys were fantastic. Wolves are an ex-Premier League side that have still got an awful lot of talent. Sometimes it's hard to get the ball off them."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBS (4)

Oldham Athletic

01 Oxley 05 Kusunga 12 Mellor 08 Smith 03 Grounds 06 Tarkowski 27 Philliskirk (Montaño - 72' ) 04 Wesolowski  booked 14 Clarke-Harris (Millar - 80' ) 09 Rooney 19 Dayton Substitutes 02 Brown 07 Schmeltz 11 Montaño 15 Winchester 21 Millar 29 Rachubka 35 Bove

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts Booked 26 Golbourne 08 Davis 05 Stearman 06 Batth 07 Henry 19 Price (Doyle - 60' ) 16 Cassidy Booked (Griffiths - 79' ) 04 Edwards 10 Sako Substitutes 03 Elokobi 09 Griffiths 12 Forde 15 Sigurdarson 23 Ebanks-Landell 29 Doyle 31 McCarey

Ref: Geoff Eltringham Att: 3,916

MATCH STATS 90mins

Oldham Athletic  Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession  41%          59%

Shots   11       8

On target    4       3

Corners      2      12

Fouls   9      19

Live Text Commentary

Match ends, Oldham Athletic 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 90:00 +3:23 Full time

Second Half ends, Oldham Athletic 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 90:00 +2:54 Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 +2:54 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 88:43 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 88:43 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 87:33 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card. 87:25 Foul by James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic). 87:25 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 86:11 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Tarkowski. 84:33 Attempt missed. James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 83:52 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 83:52 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 81:27 Attempt missed. Kirk Millar (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. 79:47 Sub Oldham Athletic. Kirk Millar replaces Johnson Clarke-Harris. 79:32 Foul by Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic). 79:32 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 78:33 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leigh Griffiths replaces Jake Cassidy. 78:15 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is too high. 72:34 David Mellor (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.  72:34 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 71:16 Sub, Oldham Athletic. Cristian Montaño replaces Danny Philliskirk. 70:28 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Danny Batth. 69:47 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 69:40 James Dayton (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 69:40 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 68:50 Attempt missed. Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. 68:24 Attempt saved. Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. 68:16 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 68:16 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 67:19 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 67:19 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves). 65:26 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the left following a corner. 65:07 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jonathan Grounds. 64:35 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Mellor. 63:28 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. 61:42 Jake Cassidy (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 61:38 Jonathan Grounds (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 61:38 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 59:59 Sub , Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kevin Doyle replaces Jack Price. 59:02 Foul by James Dayton (Oldham Athletic). 59:02 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 57:18 Foul by Genséric Kusunga (Oldham Athletic). 57:18 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 56:39 David Mellor (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing. 56:39 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 55:51 Foul by Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic). 55:51 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 54:18 Jonathan Grounds (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 54:18 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 53:25 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Mellor. 50:37 Foul by Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic). 50:37 David Davis (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 48:22 Foul by James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic). 48:22 David Edwards (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:12 Attempt missed. James Dayton (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 46:33 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 46:03 Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 46:03 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 45:36 Attempt missed. Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 45:00

Second Half begins Oldham Athletic 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 45:00 +1:06 Half time

First Half ends, Oldham Athletic 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 43:45 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 43:45 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 42:33 Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 42:33 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 41:15 Attempt missed. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 40:53 Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 40:53 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 40:09 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 40:09 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolves). 36:53 Goal scored

Goal!

Goal! Oldham Athletic 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. Scott Golbourne (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by James Henry with a cross. 34:47 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. 32:37 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Tarkowski. 30:54 Attempt saved. James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 26:04 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Korey Smith. 25:39 Attempt saved. Richard Stearman (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 25:13 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Wesolowski. 22:33 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 22:01 Attempt saved. Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 21:31 James Dayton (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 21:31 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 20:08 Foul by Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic). 20:08 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 18:45 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Mellor. 17:02 Hand ball by James Henry (Wolves). 16:11 Foul by Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic). 16:11 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 12:46 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Wesolowski. 11:52 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Mellor. 10:23 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Wesolowski. 8:45 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jonathan Grounds. 7:00 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 6:59 Foul by David Edwards (Wolves). 2:49 Attempt missed. James Dayton (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 1:51 Goal scored Oldham Athletic 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. Genséric Kusunga (Oldham Athletic) header from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by James Dayton following a set piece situation. 0:55 Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 0:55 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 0:23 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.

0:00 First Half begins.

Background

Oldham Athletic defeated Nottingham Forest and Liverpool on their way to the fifth round last season.

Wolves' last trip to Boundary Park was also in the FA Cup back in January 2007 when, in Mick McCarthy's first season in charge, the visitors had second-half goals from Darren Potter and Craig Davies to thank for a 2-0 third round replay victory.

Joe Mills has been denied the chance to play by parent club Burnley, while the game will come too soon for injured duo Connor Brown and Charlie MacDonald.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett could make changes, with Dave Edwards, Jamie O'Hara, Anthony Forde, Jake Cassidy and Bjorn Sigurdarson all chasing a place.

Right-back Matt Doherty (hamstring) has a chance after missing three games.  But Wolves' other hamstring victim, midfielder Kevin McDonald, is still out, having so far missed last Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stevenage and Tuesday night's 2-2 draw at Carlisle.

Tuesday 5th November away at Carlisle = see October reports here

15 Saturday 2nd November 15:00 Wolves 2 Doyle 7 Henry 81 Stevenage 0

FT 90 +3 HT 1-0  2 November 2013

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/02/wolves-2-stevenage-0-match-report/

Wolves saw off the spirited second-half challenge from Stevenage on the day Jamie O’Hara returned to action.

Kevin Doyle’s sixth-minute opener gave Wolves a platform they didn’t really take advantage of and they had keeper Carl Ikeme to thank for two fine saves before man of the match James Henry made things safe 10 minutes from time.  With the points wrapped up, O’Hara came on to a very mixed reception for Bakary Sako seven minutes from time.  But Wolves fans showed they are prepared to give him a second chance as he left the pitch to cheers at the final whistle and showed his thanks by clapping and putting his thumb up to the South Bank.  Wolves should have been further ahead at the break but Bjorn Sigurdarson let Stevenage off the hook in the eighth minute then Lee Evans’s shot at the second attempt was headed off the line by Jimmy Smith a minute before the interval.  But Wolves had to live with a few scares from Stevenage and had Ikeme, who twice denied Francois Zoko to keep their lead intact before Henry’s third goal in as many games sealed it.

Head coach Kenny Jackett made two changes to the side that beat Bradford 2-1 last week.  Doyle returned to the starting line-up after his game-changing substitution at Valley Parade, and Sigurdarson was also recalled.  They came in for Kevin McDonald, who has a hamstring injury, and Leigh Griffiths, who was on the bench after returning from a trip home to Scotland with a heavy cold.  Just as they did at Bradford, Wolves started with a 4-3-3 formation, with Henry, David Davis and Lee Evans behind a front three of Sigurdarson, Doyle and Sako.  Captain Sam Ricketts was at right-back and Richard Stearman – who shook off a foot injury to start – played centre-back after they occupied the opposite roles last week.  Wolves pretty much controlled the first half, playing all the quality football against a more uncompromising Stevenage outfit. The hosts’ first opening came after three minutes when Filipe Morais was booked for deliberate handball and Henry curled inches over from the resulting free kick.

But Wolves took the lead in their next attack when Doyle tapped home at the far post for his third goal of the season.  Sako created it, intercepting a pass in the Stevenage defence, before beating Jimmy Smith and whipping in a fierce, low cross into the six-yard box.  It should have been 2-0 two minutes later when Stevenage failed to deal with a giant kick from Ikeme and Sigurdarson was presented with a chance with only Chris Day to beat.  But he seemed to stop and allow the ball to carry through to the Stevenage keeper.  Although Wolves, inspired by Doyle, were playing all the neat football, Stevenage created the next few openings.  Luke Freeman forced a falling save from Ikeme with a low drive from 30 yards in the 19th minute.  Ikeme was tested to the full 10 minutes later after tipping over Greg Tansey’s thunderbolt from similar distance.  Tansey was the man again in the 35th minute when he got to Morais’s hanging cross first only to glance inches wide.  But Wolves went desperately close to a second goal a minute before the break when Evans’s shot at the second attempt was headed of the line by Smith after a storming   run from Ricketts, who beat two players before intelligently cutting the ball back inside.

Wolves kicked off to start the second half but it was Stevenage who created the first opening as Michael Doughty lashed a fierce low drive wide in the 47th minute.  Then Luke Jones’s header from a corner was nodded off the line by the impressive Ricketts four minutes later.  They were isolated threats however as Wolves remained in charge. And things should have got more comfortable with the arrival of Griffiths for Sigurdarson in the 62nd minute.  Within a minute of his arrival, he was presented with the chance to make it 2-0 from Henry’s superb cross but he failed to get enough of his head on it from point-blank range and it sailed wide.  But Stevenage gradually worked themselves into the game to provide Wolves with several nervous moments.  Wolves had Ikeme to thank as he denied Zoko twice in three minutes on 71 and 73, first from an angled shot that required a smart dive to his left, then he reacted superbly to tip away from point-blank range.  But Wolves banished any fears that they were going to be pegged back as Henry notched his third goal in as many games when he curled home after beating the offside trap 10 minutes from time.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett said: "It was a hard fought win. Stevenage are good at what they do and they never gave up. They pushed us today but it was a terrific clean sheet for us as well.  We would like to have done more after being so dominant with possession, especially in the second-half. But it was key to get the points on the board.  "I thought Lee Evans and David Davis had a good game, they are progressing and improving all the time. They same must be said about Jack Price who is another youngster who has featured heavily this season.  It'll be a tricky game at Carlisle. We should have Matt Doherty back and Leigh Griffiths should have fully recovered from his cold but Kevin McDonald will miss out after pulling his hamstring."

BBC

Kevin Doyle made an instant impact on his return to Wolves' line-up with a goal against Stevenage.  His early strike from four yards, doubled by James Henry in the second half, saw Wolves claim their 11th win in 13 league games.  Stevenage refused to give in after the setback but were frustrated by a string of saves by Carl Ikeme. The attacking visitors could just not find a breakthrough despite having a Luke Jones effort cleared off the line.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24681193

Stevenage manager Graham Westley told BBC Three Counties Radio: "In the first half we played a little bit in awe of the crowd, the situation and the environment, which I'm furious about because I think the lads are better than that.  I think we produced more clear-cut chances than they did over the 90 minutes, and on a different day we could have got something from the game.  I was disappointed with both goals. I think from a defensive point of view we are so much better than to concede goals like that.  The players showed what they were capable of. They played with assurance and organisation, they played on the front foot and played with quality."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBS (5)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 08 Davis 06 Batth Booked 05 Stearman 07 Henry 14 Evans Booked 29 Doyle 15 Sigurdarson (Griffiths - 62' ) 10 Sako (O'Hara - 83' ) Substitutes 04 Edwards 09 Griffiths 12 Forde 16 Cassidy 23 Ebanks-Landell 25 O'Hara 31 McCarey  

Stevenage 16 Day 14 Heslop 29 Hartley 20 Smith 05 Ashton 06 Jones 07 Morais Booked (Tounkara - 81' ) 24 Doughty (Andrade - 89' ) 12 Zoko 17 Tansey (Parrett - 91' ) 15 Freeman Substitutes 01 Arnold 02 Wedgbury 10 Burrow 13 Parrett 21 Tounkara 25 Andrade 34 Deacon

Ref: Kevin Wright Att: 17,700

MATCH STATS

Wolverhampton Wanderers 61% Stevenage 39%

Shots   10  13

On target 3 5

Corners 5 6

Fouls    11 14

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:00 Full Time

Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Stevenage 0.

 90:00 +2:36 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 +2:36 Foul by Dean Parrett (Stevenage). 90:00 +0:12 Sub, Stevenage. Dean Parrett replaces Greg Tansey. 88:21 Sub , Stevenage. Bruno Andrade replaces Michael Doughty. 88:08 Lee Evans (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 88:02 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 88:02 Jimmy Smith (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 86:04 Attempt saved. Luke Freeman (Stevenage) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner. 84:47 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. 82:23 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jamie O'Hara replaces Bakary Sako. 82:03 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 82:03 Foul by Francois Zoko (Stevenage). 80:43 Sub, Stevenage. Oumare Tounkara replaces Filipe Morais. 80:01 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Stevenage 0. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. 77:12 Attempt missed. Filipe Morais (Stevenage) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. 75:30 David Davis (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 75:30 Foul by Filipe Morais (Stevenage). 74:35 Attempt missed. Filipe Morais (Stevenage) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 73:23 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves).  73:23 Jon Ashton (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 72:50 Attempt missed. Filipe Morais (Stevenage) header from very close range misses to the right. 72:11 Attempt saved. Francois Zoko (Stevenage) right footed shot from very close range is saved in the top left corner. 71:39 Danny Batth (Wolves) is

shown the yellow card. 71:32 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 71:32 Michael Doughty (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 70:29 Attempt saved. Francois Zoko (Stevenage) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 67:00 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 66:58 Foul by Peter Hartley (Stevenage). 61:31 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leigh Griffiths replaces Björn Sigurdarson. 56:37 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 55:21 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 55:21 Foul by Luke Freeman (Stevenage). 55:00 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 54:58 Foul by Luke Jones (Stevenage). 52:52 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 52:52 Simon Heslop (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 50:32 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 49:36 Attempt blocked. Luke Freeman (Stevenage) right footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is blocked. 49:11 Corner, Stevenage. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 48:07 Corner, Stevenage. Conceded by David Davis. 47:21 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 47:21 Luke Freeman (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:54 Attempt missed. Michael Doughty (Stevenage) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 45:36 David Davis (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 45:36 Foul by Michael Doughty (Stevenage). 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Stevenage 0.

45:00 +1:07 Half time First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Stevenage 0. 44:11 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jimmy Smith. 43:54 Attempt saved. Lee Evans (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. 42:55 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 42:55 Francois Zoko (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 42:31 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jon Ashton. 42:02 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jon Ashton. 41:27 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 41:27 Foul by Francois Zoko (Stevenage). 39:57 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. 35:51 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 35:51 Foul by Luke Freeman (Stevenage). 34:45 Attempt missed. Greg Tansey (Stevenage) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. 30:19 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 28:55 Corner, Stevenage. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 28:43 Attempt saved. Luke Freeman (Stevenage) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner. 27:46 Corner, Stevenage. Conceded by James Henry. 27:38 Attempt blocked. Luke Freeman (Stevenage) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 26:26 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Peter Hartley. 25:02 Corner, Stevenage. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 22:55 Attempt missed. Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 20:29 Foul by Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves). 20:29 Luke Jones (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 19:23 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 19:23 Foul by Jon Ashton (Stevenage). 18:29 Attempt saved. Simon Heslop (Stevenage) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 17:42 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 17:42 Simon Heslop (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:39 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jon Ashton. 13:28 Foul by Scott Golbourne (Wolves). 13:28 Greg Tansey (Stevenage) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 12:00 Peter Hartley (Stevenage) wins a free kick on the right wing. 11:59 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 11:06 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 11:06 Foul by Simon Heslop (Stevenage). 9:48 Lee Evans (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 9:48 Foul by Luke Freeman (Stevenage). 8:06 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 8:06 Filipe Morais (Stevenage) wins a free kick on the right wing. 6:42 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Stevenage 0. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Bakary Sako. 5:24 Attempt missed. Luke Jones (Stevenage) header from the centre of the box misses to the left following a corner. 4:46 Corner, Stevenage. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 3:47 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner from a direct free kick. 2:47 Filipe Morais (Stevenage) is shown the yellow card. 2:38 Hand ball by Filipe Morais (Stevenage). 1:42 Lee Evans (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 1:42 Foul by Michael Doughty (Stevenage).

0:00 First Half begins.

Wolves have doubts over right-back Matt Doherty (hamstring) and top scorer Leigh Griffiths (illness).

Defender Richard Stearman should be fit after being forced off during the win at Bradford with a foot problem.

Stevenage forward Lucas Akins serves the last game of his three-match ban.

David Gray (knee) is yet to prove his fitness, while Ben Chorley (calf) is still sidelined and Darius Charles (ankle) is expected to be out of action until December.

Saturday's match at Molineux is the first ever meeting between the two sides.

October 2013

14 Saturday 26th October 15:00 Bradford City 1 De Vita 14 Wolves Henry 28 Stears 32

An early substitution to bring Doyler on made a huge difference against another top 6 team.   O'Hara make a comeback to the squad on the bench.  While Colchester did us a favour beating Posh

Table

 PositionTeamPlayedGoal DifferencePoints

1  Leyton Orient 14 22 35

2 Wolves             13 17 32

Bradford  1 De Vita 14′  Wolves  2  Henry 28′ Stearman 32′

FT 90 +5 HT 1-2

the Express & Star reported http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/10/26/bradford-city-1-wolves-2-match-report/

Wolves survived a second-half onslaught from Bradford to make it two wins in a week to overshadow Jamie O’Hara’s controversial retuRn to the squad.  Kenny Jackett’s side did it the hard way too as they came from behind for the first time this season after goals from James Henry (28) and Richard Stearman three minutes later cancelled out Raffaele De Vita’s 13th-minute opener.  It was the first time this season – at the 16th time of asking – that Wolves had conceded in the first half.  Carl Ikeme denied half-time substitute Nahki Wells three times as the Bantams launched a near non-stop offensive on the Wolves goal.  But victory and the change in Wolves’ play owed much to a tactical switch in the 24th minute that transformed them.  Kevin Doyle replaced Lee Evans as Wolves switched to 4-4-2 from 4-3-3 and they immediately looked more comfortable.  Jackett made two changes to the side that beat Oldham 2-0 in midweek – but it was the controversial return of O’Hara that was the big talking point beforehand.  The exiled midfielder was on the bench for the first time since relegation from the Championship in May, just days after Jackett said he wasn’t in his plans.  As expected, Stearman replaced the injured Matt Doherty at right-back, while David Davis came in for Jack Price, who travelled but wasn’t available for selection.  Valley Parade was buzzing in the early stages of the game and seem to be a club riding the crest of the wave after promotion and reaching the Capital One Cup final last season.   That momentum swept them into the lead from the first attack of the game after a fairly even start. Kyel Reid, the man who scored the goal that clinched promotion to the Premier League for Wolves in a 1-1 draw at Barnsley in April 2009, created it with a hanging cross from the left.  A ruck of heads went up to challenge for it, but it dropped to De Vita, and although his first shot was hacked off the line by Danny Batth, he made no mistake with his second, curling beyond Carl Ikeme to his left into the corner of the net.  Wolves fans, who look to have sold virtually all their 2,650 tickets across two sides of the ground, had to wait until the 18th minute for their first effort on goal.  It came from Leigh Griffiths, who smacked a low effort well wide of Jon McLaughlin’s left-hand post from Lee Evans’s short pass.

Griffiths also had the visitors’ next effort, which was much better as he dragged an early volley a few feet off target from Henry’s lobbed pass over the top of the Bradford defence.  But despite the openings, Wolves still looked a bit tentative compared to a determined and muscular Bradford outfit.  It wasn’t lost on Jackett either, and the head coach decided on a tactical switch midway through the first half which changed the game.  Kevin Doyle came on for Evans as Wolves switched from 4-3-3 to a more orthodox 4-4-2.  Immediately, Wolves looked more comfortable and within four minutes they were level.  The goal owed much to the poor defending and goalkeeping of Bradford however rather than anything special Wolves did.  McDonald won the ball after a dreadful mix-up between two Bradford defenders on the edge of their own box and he found Henry, whose rather weak sidefooted effort squirmed right through McLaughlin on the line for his second goal in as many games.  Rory McArdle sent a free header over the bar from Gary Jones’s free kick on the half hour before Wolves took the lead.  Stearman was the scorer, ghosting in to meet Henry’s cross at the near post to glance a header across McLaughlin and into the far corner of the net after Henry’s corner had been cleared.  Henry was looking in inspired form again and he tried his luck from 25 yards in the 35 minutes, his turn then curling shot flashing inches wide.  Bradford brought on striker Nahki Wells for De Vita at half-time as they looked to get back in the game.  They got on top and created two half chances, both falling to burly striker James Hanson. From the first, he slid in at the far post but couldn’t get to Reid’s cross on 47 minutes.  Then he rose unmarked but headed straight at Ikeme from James Meredith’s cross seven minutes later.  Wolves’ defensive wall blocked a Reid free kick on 56 before McDonald, who had arguably his best game for Wolves, was booked for a foul in the centre circle.  Jackett brought on Ethan Ebanks-Landell for his Wolves League debut on the hour for Stearman to help deal with the increasing threat of Reid down the visitors’ right.  Bradford enjoyed most of the second half, but Wolves broke for an isolated attack on 75 for a shot at the far post that fizzed a foot wide after Scott Golbourne’s deep cross dropped to him.  But the Bantams returned to the attack and Ikeme blocked with his legs from Wells from a tight angle a minute later before Nathan Doyle’s goalbound shot hit one of his own players on 81.  Seconds later, Wolves broke through Henry, whose curling effort bounced a yard wide.  But Bradford piled forward and Ikeme twice blocked from Wells on 88 after the striker’s shot somehow won a corner that Wolves hotly disputed.  Wolves however survived to record their fifth successive away win to maintain their promotion push.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett said: "It was a good win. This is a hard place to come and Bradford had their biggest crowd today so that drove their fans.  I admire what Phil Parkinson has done here, he's done a good job and they are a handful to place against. They'll be up there at the end of the season. We knew it would be a tough game but we scored two good goals. But we need more quality in decision making and counter attacking. The tactical change was nothing against Lee Evans, he understands that. I just felt this game needed two upfront so we tweaked it in the first half and got a good response from it. They came out strong in the second-half and we weathered the storm. Credit to Carl Ikeme, he has had some games where we haven't needed as much input but today we needed him and he gave us a strong performance."

Jackett was questioned about Jamie O'Hara's inclusion to which he said: "We lost Jack Price yesterday. He's had some issues with migraine's and blurred vision so we needed another midfielder.  In his own words, Jamie (O'Hara) has said that these past four months have humbled him. His under 21 performances have been pleasing. We'll bring him back into the squad, he is appreciated of being given a second chance by the club."

The bbc said

James Henry scored one and made another as Wolves moved up to second in League One with victory at Bradford.  Raffaele De Vita fired the Bantams ahead on his full home debut after his initial header from Kyel Reid's deep delivery was blocked on the line.  But Henry's low strike levelled before the on-loan midfielder's cross was glanced in by Richard Stearman for 2-1.  Bradford pressed but sub Nahki Wells was denied by a brilliant double save by Carl Ikeme as the visitors held on.  The hosts, who looked the livelier side in the second-half, also had a penalty appeal turned down when Reid went down after rounding Ikeme, but was booked by the referee for diving.  Bradford have now gone four games without winning, while Wolves secured their fifth straight away victory to move above Peterborough - who lost 1-0 away at Colchester - into the automatic promotion places.

LINEUP, Bookings (4) & Substitutions (6)

Bradford City

01 McLaughlan 02 Darby 03 Meredith 24 Doyle 23 McArdle Booked 22 Bates (Folan - 85' ) 20 De Vita (Wells - 45' ) 18 Jones 11 Thompson (Yeates - 70' ) 09 Hanson 07 Reid Booked Substitutes 08 Kennedy 12 Ripley 14 Yeates 15 Taylor 16 McHugh 19 Folan 21 Wells

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 05 Stearman (Ebanks-Landell - 60' ) 26 Golbourne 08 Davis Booked 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 07 Henry 11 McDonald Booked 09 Griffiths (Sigurdarson - 79' ) 14 Evans (Doyle - 24' ) 10 Sako Substitutes 04 Edwards 12 Forde

15 Sigurdarson 23 Ebanks-Landell 25 O'Hara 29 Doyle 31 McCarey

Ref: Graham Salisbury Att: 18,044

MATCH STATS

Possession 56% 44%

90mins

Bradford City Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shots 12 14

On target 5 5

Corners 5 7

Fouls 9 13

Live Text Commentary

Full time  Match ends, Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. 90:00 +4:31 Full time

Second Half ends, Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. 90:00 +2:55 James Hanson (Bradford City) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +2:55 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 90:00 +1:16 Rory McArdle (Bradford City) is shown the yellow card. 90:00 +1:07 Foul by Rory McArdle (Bradford City). 90:00 +1:07 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +0:32 James Hanson (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 90:00 +0:32 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 89:58 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Stephen Darby. 89:28 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Gary Jones. 89:05 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Stephen Darby. 88:09 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is too high. 87:01 Gary Jones (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 87:01 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 86:29 Attempt blocked. Nahki Wells (Bradford City) left footed shot from very close range is blocked. 86:17 Attempt saved. Nahki Wells (Bradford City) left footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is saved in the centre of the goal. 85:46 Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 85:33 Attempt saved. Nahki Wells (Bradford City) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 84:36 Sub Bradford City. Caleb Folan replaces Matthew Bates.

82:31 Attempt missed. Nathan Doyle (Bradford City) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 81:56 Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Kevin McDonald. 81:18 Matthew Bates (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 81:18 Foul by Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves). 80:49 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 79:54 Attempt blocked. Mark Yeates (Bradford City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 78:26 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Björn Sigurdarson replaces Leigh Griffiths. 76:23 Foul by Nathan Doyle (Bradford City). 76:23 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 76:07 Attempt missed. Gary Jones (Bradford City) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 75:54 Attempt saved. Nahki Wells (Bradford City) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the centre of the goal. 74:37 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the right. 70:33 David Davis (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 70:13 Gary Jones (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 70:13 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 69:10 Sub, Bradford City. Mark Yeates replaces Garry Thompson. 67:06 Attempt blocked. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. 66:42 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Rory McArdle. 66:24 Foul by Kyel Reid (Bradford City). 66:24 Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 65:19 Kyel Reid (Bradford City) has gone down, but that's a dive. 62:44 Hand ball by David Davis (Wolves). 62:11 Attempt blocked. Rory McArdle (Bradford City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 62:02 Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by James Henry. 59:43 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 59:09 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ethan Ebanks-Landell replaces Richard Stearman. 58:52 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 58:27 Gary Jones (Bradford City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 58:27 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 56:56 Attempt saved. Danny Batth (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 56:25 Foul by Stephen Darby (Bradford City). 56:25 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 56:05 Attempt missed. Kyel Reid (Bradford City) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. 55:24 Garry Thompson (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 55:24 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 54:05 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 53:52 Attempt saved. James Hanson (Bradford City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 47:59 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is too high. 45:00

Second Half begins Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. 45:00 Sub, Bradford City. Nahki Wells replaces Raffaele De Vita. 45:00 +3:47 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. 45:00 +3:23 Hand ball by Kyel Reid (Bradford City). 45:00 +2:09 Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 45:00 +1:03 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 45:00 +1:03 Matthew Bates (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 41:43 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 41:43 James Meredith (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 39:54 Corner, Bradford City. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 39:18 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 39:18 Kyel Reid (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 38:24 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 38:24 Foul by Kyel Reid (Bradford City). 36:15 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 36:15 Garry Thompson (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:22 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 33:59 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Matthew Bates. 32:20 David Davis (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 32:20 Foul by Matthew Bates (Bradford City). 32:00 Goal scored

Goal!

Goal! Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. Richard Stearman (Wolves) header from the left side of the six yard box to the top right corner. Assisted by James Henry with a cross. 30:12 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Stephen Darby. 29:19 Attempt missed. Rory McArdle (Bradford City) header from the centre of the box is too high. 29:00 Raffaele De Vita (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 28:59 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves). 27:42 Goal scored

Goal!

Goal! Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box to the centre of the goal. 24:56 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 23:37 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kevin Doyle replaces Lee Evans because of an injury. 23:07 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 17:27 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 16:04 Hand ball by Stephen Darby (Bradford City). 14:17 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Rory McArdle. 13:29 Goal scored

Goal!

Goal! Bradford City 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0. Raffaele De Vita (Bradford City) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Kyel Reid with a cross. 0:00

First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Bradford City striker Nahki Wells (ankle) returned to training this week and could feature.

Matthew Bates and Rory McArdle are likely to continue at the heart of the Bantams defence.

Wolves right-back Matt Doherty is out with a hamstring injury picked up during Tuesday's win over Oldham.

Richard Stearman is set to deputise, while striker Kevin Doyle is set to be recalled after being rested and only used off the bench against the Latics.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson told BBC Radio Leeds:

"I've got to be pleased with how Matthew and Rory have done together so far.

"It will be a boost for us to get Nahki back but we'd looked threatening again against Preston.

"They're the biggest club in the division in terms of infrastructure and the fan base they've got. Two years ago there were three divisions between us.

"Kenny Jackett is a manager who doesn't give much away and they won't be overly expansive against us. It won't be a very open game."rt

13 Tuesday 22nd October 19:45 Wolves 2 Oldham Athletic 0

Elsewhere Posh were held b the Blades and Leyton's winning run was ended by Coventry, while Abbswolf reached #1 in his string of home matches (see articles here) and was greeted by Thommo and Bully

Pos Team           Played GD Points

  1  Leyton Orient   13    21   32

  2  Peterborough   13    16   32

  3  Wolves            12    16   29

and the Star's Tim Nash said http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/10/22/wolves-2-oldham-0/

Man of the match James Henry (50) and Leigh Griffiths’s ninth goal of the season 16 minutes later gave Kenny Jackett’s the win on a night when Orient finally lost for the first time this season, going down 3-1 away to Coventry.  

Both goals were set up by the enigmatic Bakary Sako, who thrilled and frustrated in equal measures.  After another dire first half when chances were thin on the ground, Wolves pretty much controlled the second half and could have had several more goals.  Henry, the recalled Lee Evans, Griffiths and Danny Batth all went close to adding to Wolves’ tally as the hosts returned to winning ways in front of their lowest home league crowd for over six years, 15,959.   Jackett made one change to the line-up that drew 1-1 against Coventry, with Kevin Doyle making way for Evans, who has been out in the cold recently.

It was a surprising move by Jackett as Doyle has been one of Wolves’ better players in recent games, and especially as he is better suited to linking the play in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Wolves kicked off but it was a hugely tentative start by both teams in front of a sparse-looking Molineux crowd.  In fact, the main talking point of the first 20 minutes was the torrential downpour that transformed Molineux, and quickly left players struggling to keep their feet on the saturated surface.  Bakary Sako had the first sight of goal, but he could only blaze a trademark fierce effort well over the bar.  Oldham had a sniff of goal in the 19th minute but the unmarked Cristian Montano could only send a looping well over from Carl Winchester’s corner.  James Henry again looked most likely to be the source of danger for Wolves and the on-loan Millwall winger twice went close to breaking the deadlock in the first half.  First he saw a goalbound shot from 20 yards deflected away for a corner on 23 minutes after Kevin McDonald switched play across the box.  Then he produced a smart turn and shot that required keeper Mark Oxley to dive to his right and palm behind in the first minute of time added on at the end of the first half.  In between, Sako’s inswinging free kick from the right had to be punched away by Oxley on the line on 27.  And from the resulting corner, Danny Batth headed wide from Sako’s centre.  But there was a worry for Wolves when Doherty, who has arguably been their best player this season, went down holding the back of his leg in the 34 minute.  After limping off, he went straight down the tunnel and was eventually replaced by Richard Stearman in the 38th minute.  Then came Henry’s shot, which was the only save Wolves forced in a first period that saw them fail to concede for the 15th time in a row.

Wolves looked to show some more the urgency from the restart and policy paid off handsomely. Batth headed wide four minutes after the break from Scott Golbourne’s cross with the equally unmarked Evans screaming his frustration that the ball wasn’t left for him.  Then came the breakthough – and it was as scruffy as the weather.  Sako’s blistering cross was pushed into Henry and the ball trickled over the line before the keeper could scramble near it.  Although Jonson Clarke-Harris was put clean through before being crowded out shortly afterwards, Wolves went on to claim the points with something to spare.  Evans with a shot and Henry with a glancing header were off target before Griffiths made it 2-0.  Sako was again the architect, beating Genseric Kusunga just inside his own half before whipping over a superb pass for Griffiths to run onto and fire beyond Oxley and in off the far post for his fifth goal in as many games. Carl Ikeme had to dive at Montano’s feet and Ikeme pushed away a rising shot from lone striker Danny Philliskirk but normal service was quickly resumed.  In a late flurry which underlined their second-half superiority, Henry saw a fierce drive palmed away by Oxley on 82 minutes before Batth’s sliding shot was parried on the line by the keeper a minute later.  Ikeme was then the unlikely supplier to Griffiths with a giant kick that left him in the clear with only Oxley to beat on 84.  But the striker could only fire wide with the keeper to beat.  It didn’t matter however as Wolves had long sewn up the points with a welcome return to winning ways.

table

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24529508

Wolves made light of torrential rain at Molineux to see off Oldham and moved within three points of the top of League One.

Second-half strikes from James Henry and Leigh Griffiths both owed much to almost unplayable conditions.

Latics keeper Mark Oxley spilled Bakary Sako's low cross into the path of Henry, who unwittingly prodded in.

Jonathan Grounds then slipped as he tried to cut out Sako's pass, allowing Griffiths to run on and score.

Wolves top scorer Griffiths' low right-foot shot slid in off the right post for his ninth goal of the campaign.

Despite the disappointment of their lowest League One crowd of the season, 15,959, Wolves closed the gap on joint leaders Orient and Peterborough to three points with a game in hand.

In a first-half ruined by a freakish storm, Oldham wasted their best chance when Cristian Montano ballooned a header over.

Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme then saved from Montano after the break before Danny Philliskirk powered a fierce shot just over.

But Griffiths should have made it three, running clear late on, only to slide his shot just wide.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (1) & Subs (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty (Stearman - 38' ) 26 Golbourne 19 Price 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 07 Henry 14 Evans (Edwards - 88' ) 09 Griffiths (Doyle - 92' ) 11 McDonald 10 Sako Substitutes 04 Edwards 05 Stearman 12 Forde 15 Sigurdarson 21 Ismail 29 Doyle 31 McCarey

Oldham Athletic

01 Oxley 05 Kusunga 23 Mills (Mellor - 62' ) 08 Smith 03 Grounds 06 Tarkowski 19 Dayton (Rooney - 56' ) 04 Wesolowski 27 Philliskirk 11 Montaño Booked 15 Winchester (Clarke-Harris - 56' ) Substitutes 07 Schmeltz 09 Rooney

12 Mellor 14 Clarke-Harris 17 Rodgers 21 Millar 29 Rachubka

Ref: Mark Haywood Att: 15,959

MATCH STATS

Possession 90mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers 52% Oldham Athletic 48%

Shots 16 10

On target 6 2

Corners   7 4

Fouls     11 8

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:33 Full time

Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Oldham Athletic 0. 90:00 +3:54 Attempt missed. Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) header from the centre of the box

is high and wide to the left. 90:00 +2:47 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Tarkowski. 90:00 +1:23 , Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kevin Doyle replaces Leigh Griffiths. 89:07 Attempt saved. Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 87:52  Wolverhampton Wanderers. David Edwards replaces Lee Evans. 87:39 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 87:39 Foul by Adam Rooney (Oldham Athletic). 84:53 Attempt missed. Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. 84:22 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 83:27 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 82:42 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left misses to the right. 82:07 Attempt saved. Danny Batth (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 81:42 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Oxley. 81:31 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner. 76:46 Foul by Jack Price (Wolves). 76:46 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 72:13 Booking Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) is shown the yellow card. 72:10 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick on the left wing. 72:10 Foul by Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic). 71:21 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 71:21 Foul by Genséric Kusunga (Oldham Athletic). 69:24 Corner, Oldham Athletic.  Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 69:16 Attempt saved. Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. 68:04 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 68:04 Jonathan Grounds (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:50 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 66:50 David Mellor (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 65:27 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Oldham Athletic 0. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Bakary Sako. 64:30 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. 63:51 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 63:51 Foul by David Mellor (Oldham Athletic). 62:44 Attempt blocked. Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 61:09 Sub, Oldham Athletic. David Mellor replaces Joseph Mills. 59:11 Attempt missed. Lee Evans (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 57:46 Attempt missed. Genséric Kusunga (Oldham Athletic) header from the centre of the box misses to the right following a corner. 57:14 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Danny Batth. 57:08 Attempt blocked. Johnson Clarke-Harris (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 55:31 Sub, Oldham Athletic. Adam Rooney replaces James Dayton. 55:18 Sub, Oldham Athletic. Johnson Clarke-Harris replaces Carl Winchester. 54:00 Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 53:56 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 49:49 Goal scored

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Oldham Athletic 0. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Bakary Sako. 47:59 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. 47:26 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Carl Winchester. 46:30 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is too high. 45:43 Attempt missed. Carl Winchester (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 45:00

Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Oldham Athletic 0.

MATCH STATS

Possession Half time

Wolverhampton Wanderers 52% Oldham Athletic 48%

Shots62

On target20

Corners41

Fouls74

45:00 +2:05 Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Oldham Athletic 0. 45:00 +1:11 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by James Tarkowski. 45:00 +0:37 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Oxley. 45:00 +0:28 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 40:51 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 40:51 Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 39:15 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 39:15 James Tarkowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the left wing. 37:02 , Wolverhampton Wanderers. Richard Stearman replaces Matt Doherty because of an injury. 33:18 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 33:18 Foul by Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic). 31:43 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 31:43 Foul by Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic). 31:20 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 31:20 Joseph Mills (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 29:28 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 29:28 Joseph Mills (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick on the right wing. 28:22 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 28:22 Danny Philliskirk (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 26:50 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from very close range is just a bit too high following a corner.  26:33 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Oxley. 26:26 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle and long range on the right is saved in the top left corner. 25:38 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 25:38 Foul by Joseph Mills (Oldham Athletic). 23:36 Attempt missed. Lee Evans (Wolves) header from a difficult angle on the right misses to the right. 23:04 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Jonathan Grounds. 22:58 Attempt blocked. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 18:52 Attempt missed. Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) header from the centre of the box is too high following a corner. 18:09 Corner, Oldham Athletic. Conceded by Danny Batth. 17:55 Foul by Matt Doherty (Wolves). 17:55 Cristian Montaño (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 11:25 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 10:11 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 10:11 James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 3:00 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the

defensive half. 2:59 Foul by Korey Smith (Oldham Athletic). 1:01 Attempt blocked. James Wesolowski (Oldham Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 0:00

First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Wolves have young midfielder Jack Price available again after suffering double vision from a migraine in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Coventry City. Price was substituted before the break, but is fit to resume as Wolves bid to keep pace with League One's top two.

Oldham will be without striker Charlie MacDonald at Molineux after he was ruled out with an ankle injury.

MacDonald was hurt in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Carlisle, which ended a run of six league games without a win.

Wolves have the meanest defence in League One, having conceded just seven goals

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"It's a fantastic start by both Orient and Peterborough. The positive thing is that we're within touching distance and it's all still in our own hands. But every game is difficult and every opposition has to be respected."

12 Saturday 19th October 15:00 Wolves 1  Griffiths 68′  Coventry City 1 Phillips 86′  

Abbswolf not sent to Coventry - here  Look at the entry for August 16th

  FT 90 +5 HT 0-0

E&S  http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/10/19/wolves-1-coventry-city-1/

Wolves could only draw against Coventry who pushed them all the way in a deserved draw in the Molineux rain.

Leigh Griffiths put Wolves ahead in the 67th minute in front of Molineux’s biggest crowd of the season, 22,939.  But Kenny Jackett’s side were pegged back by a stunning equaliser from substitute Aaron Phillips four minutes from time.  There were minimal chances for both sides with Wolves’ man of the match James Henry forcing Joe Murphy into a save while Carl Ikeme tipped Carl Baker’s free kick away in an improved second half after a fairly dull opening period.

Jackett made five changes from the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy second-round penalties exit to Notts County. Matt Doherty, Danny Batth, Sam Ricketts, Bakary Sako and Kevin Doyle returned as the back four completely changed to replace Kevin Foley, Elliott-Ebanks-Landell, Richard Stearman, George Elokobi and Jake Cassidy.

The game started at a decent tempo before dropping off in what was a mediocre first half which was greeted by generous applause by the crowd.  There was a positive start from Wolves and Griffiths was almost in the clear after Coventry’s defence failed to clear Matt Doherty’s long pass.  Griffiths was the target again, this time from a great ball by Kevin Doyle but he was blocked by Jordan Clarke as he tried to go around the Sky Blues defender.  The first real chance of the opening half went to Wolves as Doyle was presented with a sniff of goal but it was wasted as Sako’s near-post corner was hooked well over in the sixth minute after Sako’s shot was deflected behind off Carl Baker.  Coventry hit back and Callum Wilson’s shot was deflected behind off Danny Batth. Wolves’ flow was disrupted 10 minutes before the break when Jack Price went off with what appeared to be a problem with his left eye, to be replaced by David Davis.  The home side tried not to let it disrupt them too much and Kevin McDonald tried to chip Murphy from 50 yards after a poor kick by the backpedalling keeper only for the ball to sails a few feet over.  Sako was perhaps too selfish when he blazed high and wide when Henry was perfectly placed for a pass ahead of him after Doyle spread the play intelligently in the 35th minute.  Jackett’s side were constantly trying to change the angles of their attack but they still struggled to keep the ball at times.  But their best piece of play of the half followed after a lovely cushioned volley by Sako fell nicely for Doyle and eventually Griffiths fired over from Henry’s lay-off in the 40 minute.  Wolves fans had to wait until the minute of time added on at the end of the first half for their best chance however, when the unmarked Doyle skimmed his header wide from Henry’s cross.  

The home side made a bright start to the second half as the rain started to lash down and Henry forced the first save of the afternoon with a smart turn and shot parried behind seconds after the restart. The move came after a neat backheel by Griffiths to the overlapping Doherty for a diagonal pass inside.  Wolves continued to attack and Danny Batth’s towering header came off Leon Clarke before Henry’s flag kick was headed over by the unmarked Griffiths on 49 amid a flurry of home corners.  Man of the match Henry lashed over an angled volley after Griffiths and Jordan Clarke challenged for a cross on 53.   But Coventry were always in the game and it took the combined efforts of Batth and Doherty sliding in to clear as clean-through Leon Clarke prepared to shoot in the 54th minute.  The Sky Blues remained on the offensive and John Fleck had their best effort yet with a low shot that looked like it took a deflection before flying just wide of the far post three minutes later after Scott Golbourne gave the ball away seconds after Davis won it back.  There was then a real chance for Coventry as Leon Clarke climbed above Doherty at the far post but his header floated on top of the net from Wilson’s cross on 66.  But it was Wolves who grabbed the breakthrough a minute later when Griffiths took a touch before sliding right-footed under the advancing Joe Murphy for his eighth goal of the season.  Griffiths struck after Batth flicked the ball back into the danger area from Golbourne’s cross after Sako’s free kick was headed away.  Immediately after the goal and while Wolves fans were celebrating it, two Coventry fans were held by stewards after running onto the pitch and others tried to follow but were held back. Back on the pitch, it took a superb sliding challenge by Batth to fend off Wilson’s surging run and shot in the 70th minute.  Wolves made their second switch as Griffiths made way for Bjorn Sigurdarson in the 75th minute.  But it was Coventry who looked the more dangerous side and indeed carried the greater threat in the latter stages.  The referee ruled Carl Baker’s free kick was tipped away by Carl Ikeme at full stretch on 76.  Coventry brought on Phillips – the son of former Wales and Sky Blues midfielder Dave Phillips – and it proved crucial.  Phillips grabbed a deserved equaliser with an angled low blast that found the bottom corner of the net giving Ikeme no chance. (Ed:This came from a totally unnecessary free kick yielded by the very poor Davis.)  Phillips then made a crucial block on the clean-through Sigurdarson in the third minute of time added on before the referee blew for full-time.  Wolves could have few complaints at the outcome of an even contest which saw them pushed all the way by a good footballing Coventry team.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24503225

Substitute Aaron Phillips' late goal rescued a point for Coventry at Wolves.

The teenager, who had been on the pitch just three minutes, hit a low angled finish into the corner to claim his first goal in a Sky Blues shirt.

After a drab first 45 minutes, the home side took the lead midway through the second half as Leigh Griffiths fired under Coventry keeper Joe Murphy after a knock down from Danny Batth.

Aaron Phillips is the son of David Phillips, who played 100 league games for the Sky Blues (1986-1989) and was part of their FA Cup winning team in 1987 But Coventry finished stronger, to be rewarded with the 86th minute leveller.

Wolves remain in third place in League One, five points behind Peterborough and six adrift of leaders Leyton Orient, while Coventry are in 17th.  It was the first time that Wolves and Coventry had met at the third tier of English football.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Sky Blues manager Steven Pressley told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire:

"We gave a very mature performance. It was an incredible attitude from the group and I'm truly proud of that.

"It was an intense, proper game of football. The atmosphere in the stadium was brilliant throughout. And it would have been a travesty if we hadn't taken anything from it.  I was hopeful that we could have got the winner at the end because we were certainly the team on the front foot.  It was a wonderful team effort and something that our supporters were really proud of because all of our players gave their all for the shirt."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & Subs (4)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 26 Golbourne 11 McDonald 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 07 Henry Booked 19 Price (Davis - 36' ) 09 Griffiths (Sigurdarson - 75' ) 29 Doyle 10 Sako Substitutes 04 Edwards 05 Stearman 08 Davis 12 Forde 15 Sigurdarson 16 Cassidy 31 McCarey

Coventry City

01 Murphy 19 Willis (Phillips - 83' Booked ) 03 Adams 06 Thomas 04 Webster 24 Clarke Booked 08 Baker 07 Fleck 09 Clarke 20 Wilson 14 Moussa (Manset - 80' ) Substitutes 10 Manset 13 Burge 16 Barton 18 Phillips 30 Garner 31 Haynes 34 Rankin

ref: Fred Graham Att: 22,939

MATCH STATS

Possession 90mins

Wolverhampton Wanderers 52% Coventry City 48%

Shots  9 8

On target 2 2

Corners 8 5

Fouls 10 11

Live Text Commentary

Full time Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Coventry City 1. 90:00 +4:01

Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Coventry City 1. 90:00 +3:37 David Davis (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 90:00 +3:37 Foul by Mathieu Manset (Coventry City). 90:00 +2:48 Attempt missed. Andy Webster (Coventry City) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. 90:00 +1:58 Corner, Coventry City. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 90:00 +0:20 Foul by Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves). 90:00 +0:20 John Fleck (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 89:10 Aaron Phillips (Coventry City) is shown the yellow card. 89:07 Bakary Sako (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 89:07 Foul by Aaron Phillips (Coventry City). 87:32 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 87:32 Mathieu Manset (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 85:38 Goal scored Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Coventry City 1. Aaron Phillips (Coventry City) right footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Callum Wilson. 84:29 Booking James Henry (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 84:04 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 84:04 Callum Wilson (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 82:32  Sub, Coventry City. Aaron Phillips replaces Jordan Willis because of an injury. 79:06 Sub, Coventry City. Mathieu Manset replaces Franck Moussa. 78:38 Hand ball by Leon Clarke (Coventry City). 78:05 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 78:05 Blair Adams (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 77:27 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 77:25 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 75:07 Corner, Coventry City. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 74:53 Attempt saved. Carl Baker (Coventry City) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. 74:08 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Björn Sigurdarson replaces Leigh Griffiths. 73:43 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 73:43 Callum Wilson (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 73:26 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 73:26 Blair Adams (Coventry City) wins a free kick on the right wing. 69:23 Corner, Coventry City. Conceded by Danny Batth. 68:47 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 68:47 Leon Clarke (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 67:08 Goal scored

Goal!

Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Coventry City 0. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Danny Batth. 66:27 Jordan Clarke (Coventry City) is shown the yellow card. 66:24 Matt Doherty (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:24 Foul by Jordan Clarke (Coventry City). 65:10 Attempt missed. Leon Clarke (Coventry City) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. 61:47 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Blair Adams. 61:16 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by John Fleck. 55:31 Attempt missed. John Fleck (Coventry City) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 52:20 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. 49:32 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Blair Adams. 48:25 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 48:25 Andy Webster (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:54 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) header from the left side of the box is too high. 47:36 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Leon Clarke. 47:00 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Blair Adams. 45:44 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Joe Murphy. 45:32 Attempt saved. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top right corner.

45:00 Second Half begins Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Coventry City 0. 45:00 +0:57 Half time

Half Time

First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, Coventry City 0. 44:46 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. 42:41 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 42:41 Foul by Leon Clarke (Coventry City). 41:06 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 41:06 Foul by Callum Wilson (Coventry City). 39:26 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. 36:58 Attempt blocked. Carl Baker (Coventry City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 36:19 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 36:19 Leon Clarke (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 35:12 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. David Davis replaces Jack Price because of an injury. 34:37 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 32:22 Attempt missed. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is too high. 26:45 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 26:45 Foul by Jordan Clarke (Coventry City). 26:04 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 26:04 Foul by Callum Wilson (Coventry City). 17:33 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 17:33 Callum Wilson (Coventry City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:56 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:56 Foul by Jordan Willis (Coventry City). 15:57 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Carl Baker. 15:13 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 15:13 Foul by Callum Wilson (Coventry City). 11:11 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 11:11 Foul by Carl Baker (Coventry City). 10:36 Corner, Coventry City. Conceded by Danny Batth. 10:25 Attempt blocked. Callum Wilson (Coventry City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 9:10 Attempt missed. Franck Moussa (Coventry City) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. 8:39 Corner, Coventry City. Conceded by Sam Ricketts. 5:52 Attempt missed. Kevin Doyle Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box misses to the right following a corner. 5:28 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Blair Adams.

0:00  First Half begins.

Wolves have winger Bakary Sako back in contention, while defenders Sam Ricketts and Matt Doherty expect to be fit to face Coventry.

Ricketts pulled out of Wales duty with a knee injury, while Doherty injured his groin playing for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s last Friday night.

Only leaders Leyton Orient (27) have scored more League One goals than Coventry City's haul of 26 this season - 18 of which have come via their front two, 10-goal Callum

Wilson, the division's top scorer, and Leon Clarke. But they have also shipped 20 at the other end - only three teams have let in more.

Coventry City are still without injured defender Cyrus Christie, who is out for a month with an ankle problem.

Midfielder Billy Daniels needs a hernia operation, but may still play.

Wolverhampton-born striker Leon Clarke visits Molineux for only the second time since leaving for Sheffield Wednesday in January 2007.

All three of his meetings with Wolves while in a Wednesday shirt ended in defeat - including a 4-1 hammering at Molineux - but he has been prolific in his 10 months with

Coventry, hitting 18 goals in 29 appearances, despite missing the final quarter of last season.

Wolves have conceded just nine goals in 13 games in all competitions this season - six of which have come in the final 10 minutes - and they are yet to concede one before

half-time.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"Coventry City have done fantastically well this season. We're well aware that they have a free-scoring front two with 18 goals between them who have formed a very good partnership. But taking the game to Coventry will be the best chance of taking the points.  I expect Sam Ricketts and Matt Doherty to both be fit and Bakary Sako is chomping at the bit to return."

Coventry City manager Steven Pressley told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire:

"It'll be terrific. We cannot wait. The players look very much up for it. The training has been terrific again this week. It'll be a wonderful atmosphere. The biggest thing for ourselves is going there believing we can win, not just hoping we win but believing we can win. That for me is going to be a very important aspect of our preparation believing we'll go there and win. One of the things we have to ensure is that on the day we play to our plan, we play to our philosophy and we don't allow the occasion to affect our performance."

Also related to this story  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24578915

Fan misses first home game since '76 18 Oct 2013 ENGLAND

Wedding means Wolves fan misses first home game in 37 years

Peter Abbott at Wolverhampton Wanderers

Peter Abbott last missed a match at Molineux on 16 March 1976

A football fan's record of not missing a home game since 1976 is ending this weekend.

Wolves fan Peter Abbott, from Ipswich, will not be at Molineux for Saturday's match against Coventry because he will be at his stepdaughter's wedding. Mr Abbott, who has a regular 330 mile (530km) round trip to Wolverhampton, said he was gutted when he realised.  "I've been getting my head round it for eight months, but I'm past that now," he said. Mr Abbott, 56, grew up in east London and said he fell for Wolves via the television and magazines and first saw them at West Ham in 1970, when they lost 3-0.  He regularly started going to Molineux in the 1975-76 season and the last game he missed there was against Tottenham on 16 March 1976, which Wanderers lost 1-0. 'Falling in line'

He said he has seen 1,902 home and away matches since then and only missed one (at Blackburn in 1985, when Wolves lost 3-0) and that was because his train broke down.

"I wondered if the Coventry fixture would change for television, but as it was getting nearer the date I realised that wasn't going to happen and, unless there's an unbelievable weather occurrence, the match will go ahead without me," he said. "It's quite clearly Sarah and Jonno's day and I'm happy for them and I'm falling in line with that."

He said he would not be attempting to listen to any commentary during the service, where Sarah Butler will marry Jonathan Liddle, and which starts at 14:00 BST at Haughley near Stowmarket, but he would try to stay informed by texts after the 15:00 kick-off.  Mr Abbot said the three Vauxhall Astras he has owned in the past 20 years have each clocked up more than 330,000 miles for football, work and other pleasures.

He said he would be "back in the saddle" for Wolves's home game against Oldham on 22 October.

Derek Dougan

Derek Dougan was one of the early 1970s Wolves players who inspired Mr Abbott to support them

11 Saturday 12th October 15:00 Carlisle United  v Wolves (rearranged tp 5 Nov)

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Venue: Brunton Park Date: Tuesday, 5 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Carlisle United 2 Wolves 2 - match report E&S http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/11/05/carlisle-united-2-wolves-2-match-report/

Wolves had to settle for a point in a cracking Bonfire Night scrap with Carlisle at Brunton Park

Kenny Jackett’s side twice led through Bakary Sako in the eighth minute and Leigh Griffiths’s 10th goal of the season four minutes before half-time.  But in a breathless encounter, Carlisle hit back through Prince Buaben’s superb curling chip deserving of his grand name and the home side’s second-half superiority earned a 53rd-minute equaliser through Liam Noble’s penalty after Lee Evans brought down Buaben. The draw meant Wolves’ hopes of a club record sixth consecutive away win went up in smoke and they failed to draw level on points with leaders Leyton Orient, lying two points behind after playing their game in hand.  But after dominating for much of the first half, Wolves couldn’t match their fire from the first half and had to defend for much of the second period as the home side raised their game for the visit of Jackett’s side.

Head coach Jackett made one change to the side that beat Stevenage 2-0 on Saturday. Griffiths returned in place of Bjorn Sigurdarson, who dropped to the bench as Jackett kept faith with the same 18.  Wolves took the lead in the first attack of the game and it was a typically emphatic finish from Sako but owed much to the anticipation and vision of Griffiths.  Evans slid in to win a tackle on David Amoo in the Wolves left-back spot and Griffiths, with his back to goal in the centre circle, looked up before splitting the home defence with a diagonal ball inside the full-back. Sako took a touch before drilling a fierce low shot from 18 yards across keeper Mark Gillespie that gave him no chance.

Some of the one-touch football Wolves played in the opening 25 minutes matched anything they have produced this season, with Carlisle chasing shadows at times. James Henry was again heavily involved in everything inventive Wolves produced in the first half.  But he had an excellent accomplice in Evans, who was determined not to be an innocent victim of an early tactical substitution like he was in the last away game, at Bradford.  The pair continually looked to stretch the home defence with diagonal balls. And it was from one such move that Henry set up Wolves’ next attack with a reverse pass, for Griffiths to rifle a rising shot over the bar in the 18th minute.  Wolves were trying to take advantage of a Carlisle team who were perhaps showing them too much respect in the early stages.  And Sako should have punished a retreating defence in the 21st minute but produced a wayward finish with his unfavoured right foot from 15 yards out, slicing well wide.  A few meaty tackles signalled a swift change to Carlisle’s approach however in the build-up to an excellently-crafted equaliser.  It was a goal that was as grand as his name as Buaben somehow found a yard of space on the edge of the area despite the attentions of Danny Batth and Sam Ricketts in close attention to chisel out a fantastic curling chip that dropped into the far corner of the net to give Carl Ikeme at full stretch no chance.  Wolves looked to hit back immediately and the lively Sako drilled against the inside of the post from 18 yards on the half hour, Kevin Doyle unable to force home the rebound under pressure from a defender and the recovering Gillespie in the ensuing scramble.  The lively visitors had a further chance to regain the lead 10 minutes before the break when Henry latched onto Evans’s clever pass in a near repeat of the move for the second goal against Stevenage. But this time the on-loan Millwall winger had to turn and, without looking up, got his angles wrong as he swept the ball wide.  The game had really come to the boil and a minute later, Carlisle were inches away from taking the lead for the first time when Noble lashed inches wide after Amoo teed him up at the far post after Matty Robson beat Ricketts to cross on the run. Wolves were always threatening on the break however and they went in front with another clinical finish.  It came from Griffiths, whose close-range header hit both posts before nestling in the net after Scott Golbourne teed up Henry for a left-wing cross.  The goal came just at the right time as Carlisle had been building a head of steam.  If Wolves thought the half-time break was going to douse Carlisle’s renewed fire they were mistaken however.

The home side continued in the same vein as before Wolves’ second goal – on the offence. And there could be few complaints when they equalised within eight minutes of the restart.  Noble sent Ikeme the wrong way from the spot after Evans pushed Buaben to the ground.  Evans was booked for the offence and Carlisle would argue he got away with two incidents in the box moments earlier, one for a handball appeal and the other a challenge.  Carlisle remained the more dominant side as the half wore on at a relentless pace.  Evans made way for Jamie O’Hara in the 57th minute but it was the home side who made most of the running.  Matty Robson saw an angled shot tipped wide after a careless pass by Henry on 66 then the same player fired a rising effort a foot over the bar a minute later.  Jackett gave Wolves’ attack a fresh injection of energy by introducing Jake Cassidy and Bjorn Sigurdarson for Griffiths and Doyle 15 minutes from time.  And after Ikeme parried from Amoo and Richard Stearman did brilliantly to put off Buaben from the rebound, Cassidy saw an effort deflected wide on 77.  Wolves couldn’t summon up one final effort and a draw was a fair result in the end.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24722648

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (1) & SUBS (4)

Carlisle United

01 Gillespie 39 Chimbonda 02 Townsend 12 Thirlwell 23 O'Hanlon 28 Ehmer 08 Noble 03 Robson 29 Guy (Symington - 74' ) 06 Buaben 07 Amoo Substitutes 05 Livesey 14 Gillies 16 Potts 17 Beck 19 Symington 20 Fleming 21 Berrett

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 08 Davis 05 Stearman 06 Batth 07 Henry 14 Evans Booked (O'Hara - 57' ) 09 Griffiths (Cassidy - 75' ) 29 Doyle (Sigurdarson - 76' ) 10 Sako Substitutes 04 Edwards 12 Forde 15 Sigurdarson 16 Cassidy 23 Ebanks-Landell 25 O'Hara 31 McCarey

Ref: Scott Mathieson Att: 5,369 (1400 WW)

MATCH STATS

90mins

Carlisle United  Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession   49% 51%

Shots     911

On target     4 6

Corners     66

Fouls     816

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +2:13 Foul by David Symington (Carlisle United). 90:00 +2:13 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 89:52 Paul Thirlwell (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 89:52 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 89:05 Foul by David Amoo (Carlisle United). 89:05 Scott Golbourne (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 83:15 Attempt missed. Matty Robson (Carlisle United) right footed shot from outside the box is too high following a set piece situation. 82:44 Matty Robson (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 82:44 Foul by Jamie O'Hara (Wolves). 82:00 Max Ehmer (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 81:57 Foul by Björn Sigurdarson (Wolves). 79:17 Conor Townsend (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 79:17 Foul by Jamie O'Hara (Wolves). 76:57 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Gillespie. 76:48 Attempt saved. Jake Cassidy (Wolves) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the bottom left corner. 76:19 Attempt missed. Prince Buaben (Carlisle United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 75:16 Sub Wolverhampton Wanderers. Björn Sigurdarson replaces Kevin Doyle. 74:59 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jake Cassidy replaces Leigh Griffiths. 73:50 Sub, Carlisle United. David Symington replaces LewisGuy because of an injury. 67:37 Foul by Matty Robson (Carlisle United). 74:59 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jake Cassidy replaces Leigh Griffiths. 73:50 Sub, Carlisle United. David Symington replaces Lewis Guy because of an injury. 67:37 Foul by Matty Robson (Carlisle United). 67:37 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 66:20 Attempt missed. Matty Robson (Carlisle United) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 65:47 Corner, Carlisle United. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 65:38 Attempt saved. Matty Robson (Carlisle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 65:00 Pascal Chimbonda (Carlisle United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 65:00 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 63:29 Attempt missed. Jamie O'Hara (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. 59:48 Corner, Carlisle United. Conceded by Jamie O'Hara. 59:08 Corner, Carlisle United. Conceded by Bakary Sako. 58:43 Corner, Carlisle United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 56:06 Sub, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Jamie O'Hara replaces Lee Evans. 55:34 Prince Buaben (Carlisle United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 55:34 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 55:34 Prince Buaben (Carlisle United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 55:34 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 53:04 Goal scored Goal! Carlisle United 2, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. Liam Noble (Carlisle United) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner. 52:40 Lee Evans (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 52:35 Penalty Carlisle United. Prince Buaben draws a foul in the penalty area. 52:35 Penalty conceded by Lee Evans (Wolves) after a foul in the penalty area. 50:28 Corner, Carlisle United. Conceded by Scott Golbourne. 50:14 David Amoo (Carlisle United) hits the right post with a right footed shot from the right side of the box. 48:14 Prince Buaben (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 48:14 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 45:00

Second Half begins Carlisle United 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. 45:00 +1:51 Half time

MATCH STATS

57mins

Carlisle United Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession  46% 54%

Shots     59

On target     35

Corners    24

Fouls    511

Half Time

First Half ends, Carlisle United 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. 44:08 Foul by Conor Townsend (Carlisle United). 44:08 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 42:41 Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 41:17 Goal scored

Goal! Carlisle United 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Scott Golbourne. 39:28 Foul by Prince Buaben (Carlisle United). 39:28 (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 38:49 Corner, Carlisle United. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 38:41 Attempt saved. David Amoo (Carlisle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.  36:45 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 36:06 Attempt missed. Liam Noble (Carlisle United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 34:45 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. 33:52 Lewis Guy (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 33:52 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolves). 33:07 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Prince Buaben. 32:39 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Matty Robson. 31:09 (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 31:09 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 30:49 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Mark Gillespie. 30:34 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) left footed shot from very close range is saved in the centre of the goal. 30:10 Bakary Sako (Wolves) hits the right post with a right footed shot from the centre of the box. 29:11 Goal scored Goal! Carlisle United 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. Prince Buaben (Carlisle United) right footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Matty Robson. 25:32 Foul by Liam Noble (Carlisle United). 25:32 Sam Ricketts (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 23:43 Foul by Lewis Guy (Carlisle United). 23:43 Danny Batth (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 22:32 Lewis Guy (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 22:32 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 20:41 Matty Robson (Carlisle United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 20:41 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 20:27 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. 17:42 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. 14:15 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Max Ehmer. 13:05 Paul Thirlwell (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 13:05 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves). 11:01 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 11:01 Lewis Guy (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 7:56 Goal scored

Goal! Carlisle United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. Bakary Sako (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Leigh Griffiths. 6:43 Prince Buaben (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 6:43 Foul by Lee Evans (Wolves). 2:20 Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) wins a free kick on the right wing. 2:20 Foul by Pascal Chimbonda (Carlisle United). 0:51 Lewis Guy (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 0:51 Foul by David Davis (Wolves). 0:00

First Half begins.

Carlisle striker Lee Miller begins his four-match ban, after being sent off for the second time this season in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Gillingham. Conor Townsend has served his ban and is back in the reckoning, while new QPR loan signing Max Ehmer could figure.

Wolves are again minus midfielder Kevin McDonald, who missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Stevenage with a hamstring injury. Right-back Matt Doherty (hamstring) only has a slim chance, but top scorer Leigh Griffiths is over his cold. Wolves will be making their first trip to Brunton Park since October 1987, when Steve Bull got the only goal of the game.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"It's a massive incentive. It's our game in hand but in no way are we underestimating the task.  Carlisle have picked up well under Graham Kavanagh and put in some excellent performances.  Sides enjoy playing Wolves, especially at our ground. It's a high motivation for them."

JP Tuesday  8th October 19:45 Johnstones Paint round 2 Wolves 0 Notts County 0 MC win 3:1 on pens

http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/302723/report

10 Saturday  5th October 15:00 Colchester United 0 Wolves 3  3 Griffiths 20′ (pen), 48′ Doyle 55′

E&S http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/10/05/colchester-0-wolves-3/

Colchester 0 Wolves 3

Dominant Wolves powered to their eighth win in 10 games as they proved they can do it without Bakary Sako with arguably their most comfortable victory of the season.  

Leigh Griffiths took his tally to seven goals this season with a brace after a 20th minute penalty then another two minutes after the break.  In a whirlwind start to the second half, Kevin Doyle (55) made it 3-0 and it was plain sailing all the way until late drama when Carl Ikeme saved a Freddie Sears penalty after the Wolves keeper brought down Marcus Bean.  Ikeme had earlier produced a superb diving save to deny right-back David Wright ‘s 25-yarder in the first half.  But once they took the lead, Wolves never looked back as they made it three wins in a row and three successive clean sheets.  Sako didn’t travel because of illness and the intense speculation surrounding his future after the club halted talks with Nottingham Forest after the Championship side refused to agree a loan fee and terms of the agreement.  But they didn’t miss him on a day when new loan signing from Millwall, James Henry, made an impressive debut at wide right and Doherty was superb, winning the penalty and crossing for the second goal.  There were any number of impressive performers when no one had a bad game for Wolves however. Head coach Kenny Jackett made three changes to the team that beat Sheffield United 2-0 last Saturday.  With Sako ill, his absence resulted in three positional changes.  Richard Stearman was recalled at centre-back, Sam Ricketts switched from central defence to left-back and left-back Scott Golbourne moved to left midfield.  James Henry came in for his Wolves debut on the right wing in place of Dave Edwards, and Doyle was recalled for Bjorn Sigurdarson up front.  Both midfielders Edwards and Lee Evans failed to make the 18 as David Davis made the bench following his suspension and Jack Price kept his place in central midfield.  Wolves threatened first with Griffiths and Kevin McDonald firing off target in the opening minutes of what was an end to end start to the game.  Alex Gilbey was first to threaten for Colchester after he escaped the clutches of Ricketts to send a bouncing volley wide from 25 yards in the 12th minute.  Colchester went closest for the home side however five minutes later when Matt Taylor beat Golbourne in the air and glanced inches wide of Ikeme’s far post.  But Wolves came closest to going behind in the 19th minute when right-back David Wright let fly from 25 yards and Ikeme dived at full stretch to palm the ball away.  The Wolves keeper was then perfectly placed to catch the follow-up from Jobo Ibehre’s close-range header.  A minute later, Wolves were ahead when Taylor tripped Matt Doherty as he attempted to slalom his way through in the box and the referee awarded a penalty.  Griffiths stepped up and almost casually rolled the ball to Sam Walker’s left, although the keeper guessed right.  The goal signalled a more comfortable period for Wolves, and they didn’t look back from then on.  Man of the match Doherty was denied by a superb, instinctive one-handed save from Walker with a shot on the turn from Golbourne’s cross after Colchester failed to clear their lines in the 28th minute.  Six minutes later, Batth went desperately close to a goal against his former loan club when he headed inches wide from another Golbourne centre.  Although they were indebted to Ikeme’s earlier save, Wolves were good value for their half-time lead.

And they again showed a ruthless streak to seal the game in emphatic style with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Griffiths swept home the second to cap a delightful move started with McDonald’s through ball out to the right for the overlapping Doherty, whose early cross was met by the Scot to double Wolves’ lead. Wolves remained the dominant side and Doyle coolly slotted home the third after a pass from the hard-working Henry’s pass.  Jackett’s side were happy to see the game out and came under no real pressure for the rest of the game until the penalty drama.  It came when Ikeme blocked substitute Bean after he had made an initial save and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, although replays indicated it was a harsh decision.  But the keeper kept his clean sheet record intact as he dived to his right to save Sears’ spot kick.  Wolves brought on all three substitutes in the closing minutes to save their legs as Bjorn Sigurdarson, David Davis and Anthony Forde replaced Griffiths, Doyle and Henry.  And they had little trouble in seeing out the game.  

Wolves head coach KennyJackett said: "It was a good performance and a good result, as good as any this season.  Second half we came out on top but Colchester started to get into it in the last quarter with the referee giving them every decision. I've seen the penalty decision and it was never a penalty.  But it was a great save from Carl Ikeme. He has been in excellent form and a major contribution to our current league position.  Tactically, we can do better not to allow teams to come into the game but overall it was a good performance.  It is a tough division but from 10 games, we have 25 points. We are doing well."

Jackett suggested some of the under-21 squad members could feature against Notts County in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday. "We have several players away and we want to play at home and progress in the tournament so it could be an opportunity for them to feature."

Beeb

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

Venue: Weston Homes Community Stadium Date: Saturday, 5 October Kick-off: 15:00 BST

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (4) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Colchester United

44 Walker 39 Taylor 27 Garbutt 20 Wilson 04 Okuonghae 02 Wright (Bean - 56' ) 11 Sears 06 Eastmond Booked 22 Gilbey Booked 16 Monakana (Szmodics - 57' ) 17 Ibehre (Ladapo - 75' ) Substitutes 31 Hubble 12 Sanderson 40 Szmodics 38 Sendles-White 15 Bean 29 Phillips 19 Ladapo

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme Booked 06 Batth 05 Stearman 18 Ricketts 02 Doherty 07 Henry Booked (Forde - 91' ) 11 McDonald 26 Golbourne 19 Price 09 Griffiths (Sigurdarson - 80' ) 29 Doyle (Davis - 88' ) Substitutes 12 Forde 31 McCarey 15 Sigurdarson 32 Foley 16 Cassidy 08 Davis 03 Elokobi

Ref: Tim Robinson Att: 7,295

MATCH STATS

Possession Colchester United  44% Wolverhampton Wanderers 56%

Shots 13 17

On target 8 6

Corners    8 7

Fouls        7 13

Full Time

Match ends, Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3. 90:00 +4:09 Full time

Second Half ends, Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3. 90:00 +1:00 Substitution Wolverhampton Wanderers. Anthony Forde replaces James Henry. 89:10 Sammie Szmodics (Colchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 89:06 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 87:45 Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. David Davis replaces Kevin Doyle. 85:39 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Carl Ikeme. 85:12 Penalty saved! Freddie Sears (Colchester United) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the bottom right corner. 84:47 Carl Ikeme (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 84:40 Penalty Colchester United. Jeffrey Monakana draws a foul in the penalty area. 84:40 Penalty conceded by Carl Ikeme (Wolves) after a foul in the penalty area. 84:20 Attempt saved. Freddie Sears (Colchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 80:58 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 80:50 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Kevin McDonald. 79:28 Björn Sigurdarson replaces Leigh Griffiths. 78:32 Attempt missed. Alex Gilbey (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 77:56 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Danny Batth. 77:41 Attempt blocked. Jack Price (Wolves) header from more than 35 yards is blocked. 76:48 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Danny Batth. 76:11 Alex Gilbey (Colchester United) is shown the yellow card.  76:05 Foul by Alex Gilbey (Colchester United). 76:05 Jack Price (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 75:11 Freddie Ladapo (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 75:11 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 74:54 , Colchester United. Freddie Ladapo replaces Jabo Ibehre. 74:40 Magnus Okuonghae (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 74:40 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolves). 73:57 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Brian Wilson. 73:34 Attempt saved. Jabo Ibehre (Colchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 70:38 Attempt missed. Freddie Sears (Colchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. 68:02 Attempt saved. Scott Golbourne (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 67:04 Craig Eastmond (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 67:04 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 66:34 Jabo Ibehre (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 66:34 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 64:59 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. 63:32 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Luke Garbutt. 61:13 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Scott Golbourne. 58:24 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Luke Garbutt. 56:56 Substitution, Colchester United. Sammie Szmodics replaces Jeffrey Monakana. 56:42 Jeffrey Monakana (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 56:42 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolves). 55:53 Attempt saved. Freddie Sears (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 55:34 Substitution, Colchester United. Marcus Bean replaces David Wright. 54:16 Goal scored -Goal!

Goal! Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 3. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by James Henry. 50:55 Foul by Magnus Okuonghae (Colchester United). 50:55 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 48:44 Attempt saved. Freddie Sears (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 48:19 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolves) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 47:01 Goal scored -Goal!

Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by James Henry.  45:00

Second Half begins Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1.

45:00 +2:04 Half time

First Half ends, Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. 45:00 +1:03 Foul by Luke Garbutt (Colchester United). 45:00 +1:03 James Henry (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 45:00 +0:23 Jeffrey Monakana (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

45:00 +0:23 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 41:40 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left from a direct free kick. 40:40 Craig Eastmond (Colchester United) is shown the yellow card. 40:32 Kevin Doyle (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 40:29 Foul by Craig Eastmond (Colchester United). 38:54 Attempt blocked. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 37:02 Attempt missed. Jeffrey Monakana (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. 36:23 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolves). 36:23 Craig Eastmond (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 34:09 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. 32:52 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolves) header from very close range is close, but misses to the left. 32:02 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Alex Gilbey. 31:23 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolves). 31:23 Jabo Ibehre (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 29:10 Kevin McDonald (Wolves) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 29:10 Foul by Craig Eastmond (Colchester United). 27:47 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Magnus Okuonghae. 27:31 Attempt blocked. Matt Doherty (Wolves) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. 26:37 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by David Wright. 25:48 Foul by Jabo Ibehre (Colchester United). 25:48 Richard Stearman (Wolves) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 22:31 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. 21:16 Magnus Okuonghae (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 21:16 Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Wolves). 20:32 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 19:25 Goal scored

Goal! Colchester United 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner. 19:00 Penalty Wolverhampton Wanderers. James Henry draws a foul in the penalty area. 18:55 Penalty conceded by Matt Taylor (Colchester United) after a foul in the penalty area. 18:20 Attempt saved. Jabo Ibehre (Colchester United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 18:00 Attempt saved. David Wright (Colchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 16:55 James Henry (Wolves) is shown the yellow card. 16:51 Jeffrey Monakana (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:51 Foul by James Henry (Wolves). 15:36 Attempt missed. Matt Taylor (Colchester United) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top left corner following a set piece situation. 14:54 Jeffrey Monakana (Colchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 14:54 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolves). 14:31 Attempt saved. David Wright (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 13:55 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 11:26 Attempt missed. Alex Gilbey (Colchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 10:38 Attempt missed. Kevin McDonald (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 10:11 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Luke Garbutt. 7:26 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolves) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. 5:57 Attempt saved. Sam Ricketts (Wolves) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 2:14 Corner, Colchester United. Conceded by Richard Stearman. 0:00irst Half begins.

0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

With 11 players still unavailable to manager Joe Dunne, Colchester United's injury crisis shows no signs of easing.

Dunne expects to have a core of just 12 senior players fit to face promotion favourites Wolves.

Wolves could give a debut to winger James Henry following his arrival on loan from Millwall.

Midfielder David Davis is back from suspension, while Bakary Sako may not feature following illness and his move to Nottingham Forest collapsing.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Colchester United manager Joe Dunne:

"We are having to set up the team based on who is fit. The timetable this week has been rest and then light work to make sure we don't cause any more problems.

"Wolves will be a wonderful challenge. As a player, I didn't get many opportunities to play against big clubs, but with some of the clubs in League One now the squads are incredible.  The players who are fit have done brilliantly, but until we start to get some back we need to make sure that if we're not winning, we're not losing either."

September 2013

9 Saturday 28th September 15:00 Wolves v Sheffield Utd SKY HIGHLITES VIDEO here

 Wolves 2 Griffiths 66′ Sako 90′ Sheff Utd 0 FT 90 +5

HT 0-0

A very poor first half, with most of the team suffering from RJ passing skills (to the opposition) and the Blades looking strong with 10 shots pulling two excellent saves from Carl Ikeme before we even had one shot.   Former WWLSC sponsored player Neill Collins must have been laughing at half time as he won every defensive header, with Leigh only managing to get a slight touch on one.   The front two had very little service and made heavy weath of it.   Jack Price has a good debut in midfield and gives Kenny a choice of whether to bring DD back.  The second half was a different game - with Kevin Doyle putting strong pressure on the Blades' defence and our whole team able to work 20 yards further up the pitch.  An outstanding "assist" for Danny Batth for the pass to Sako from which LeighG scored, and the shot from Sako, which the tv doesn't pay due credit to, was worth putting up with the awful first 45.

The Star http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/09/28/wolves-2-sheffield-united-0/

Wolves overcame arguably their worst half of the season to record an ultimately comfortable second successive victory to close the gap on leaders Leyton Orient.  

An unstoppable 30-yard shot from Bakary Sako for his sixth goal of the season on the stroke of 90 minutes reduced Orient’s lead over them to three points after Walsall ended their 100 per cent record with a 1-1 draw.  Leigh Griffiths got Wolves moving with his fifth goal of the season in the 66th minute from Sako’s cross.  After the first goal, Griffiths saw a clean-through effort blocked by Florent Cuvelier and Dave Edwards had a header ruled out for offside while Kevin McDonald fired inches over against his old club and Kevin Doyle blazed high and wide when through on goal.  But that all came after a dreadfully lacklustre first-half display from Wolves, who were outplayed by the Blades, who hardly looked like a side that had lost five in a row.  Carl Ikeme made three saves from Florent Cuvelier and Ryan Hall twice as Wolves struggled to get out of their own box at times before they were booed off at the break in front of their second successive 20,000-plus home gate, a club record at this level. Jackett made two changes from the side that won 1-0 at Shrewsbury last week.  Both were in midfield, with Dave Edwards and Jack Price in for Zeli Ismail and David Davis, who was serving a one-match ban.  Price was making his first League start, while Edwards was making his first start of the season.  It meant fit-again Kevin Doyle had to wait for his return, starting on the bench after his thigh injury.  United were unchanged from their 1-0 defeat against Preston last week, with Wolves’ Championship title winners, Neill Collins and Matt Hill, in their line-up. They were applauded by the home fans, while the away contingent booed their former midfielder Kevin McDonald. Wolves kicked off attacking the Stan Cullis Stand but it was a 45 minutes to forget from their perspective.  In arguably their worst half of the season so far, Jackett’s side were lacklustre to a man.  Constantly giving the ball away cheaply, they failed to show any authority, energy or attacking spark.  And when their first shot of any description arrived a minute before the break, there were loud ironic cheers to greet Griffiths’s low, mis-hit effort which trickled to keeper George Long.  By contrast, there was plenty to keep Ikeme busy as United controlled possession, belying their record of five straight defeats.  Instead it was Wolves who looked like a team who had suffered that fate as they struggled to get out of their own half.  Former Walsall loan midfielder Cuvelier was first to try his luck with a low drive from 22 yards that Ikeme parried to his right after eight minutes.  Two minutes later winger Hall, who continually gave the Wolves defence problems, cut inside from the left and unleashed a fierce shot from the corner of the box that Ikeme tipped away for a corner.  Hall was again the dangerman on 27 when he wriggled clean through only for Ikeme to block the ball with his legs to prevent a certain goal. Cuvelier had another sight of goal in the 29th minute when he arrived late in the box to slide the ball wide from a cross by Hall, who this time popped up on the right wing.  

Wolves’ lacklustre efforts saw the crowd getting edgy, but the Molineux masses stuck behind them and tried to inspire their team to a much-needed collective improvement. Finally, Wolves threatened with 32 minutes on the clock after Scott Golbourne won a corner.  Sako’s driven flag-kick found Matt Doherty towering to head home at the far post, but his header was blocked on the line, only for the flag to go up on the far side for a foul.  Wolves were booed off at the break and it was little surprise after such an uninspired opening period.  

It was also little surprise that Jackett made his first change, introducing Doyle for Bjorn Sigurdarson in attack.  The home side showed a greater deal of urgency and certainly enjoyed more possession than they had in the first.   They still found it difficult to penetrate a determined visitors’ rearguard however.  Doyle tried his luck with a left-foot drive from 20 yards that flew straight at Long as they tried to force a breakthrough.  It finally came through Griffiths, and not without a touch of good fortune in Wolves’ favour.  Danny Batth started the move on his own goalline when he won a tussle with King to clear left-footed for Sako on the halfway line.  The French winger powered forward and spotted Griffiths with a low cross that saw the striker’s first attempt blocked by keeper Long only for the rebound to hit Griffiths and fly into the net. It was greeted by huge relief by the Molineux masses, who were rewarded for their patience and support on a day when up to then, it had been a hugely frustrating time to be a Wolves fan.  With the wind back in their sails, Wolves had the ball in the net again in the 70th minute when Edwards glanced home Griffiths’s cross but it was ruled out for offside. The goal saw United lose heart and Wolves remained in control for the rest of the game to make it two wins in a row.  Sako almost burst the net with an unstoppable shot from 30 yards after being teed up by McDonald’s volleyed pass to his left, seconds after the former Blades midfielder had gone inches away from a dream goal with a rising shot from Doherty’s pass from the edge of the box.

BBC

Second-half goals from Leigh Griffiths and Bakary Sako saw third-placed Wolves past Sheffield United at Molineux.  Griffiths bundled in his fifth goal of the season on 65 minutes after United goalkeeper George Long had saved his first effort from Sako's cross.  Sako then netted his own fifth strike of the campaign, blasting home a left-foot 30-yarder in the final minute.  Kenny Jackett's Wolves have now won seven of their last eight matches

The Blades' sixth straight defeat sends David Weir's men crashing to the bottom of the League One table.  But this latest loss was tough on the visitors, who dominated for long spells in the first half.  Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme made two good early saves to deny former Walsall favourites Florent Cuvelier and Febian Brandy, who went close twice more after being set up each time by Birmingham City old boy Marlon King.  Wolves' win lifts them to within three points of top spot, thanks to neighbours Walsall, victors at Molineux 11 days before, this time doing Kenny Jackett's side a favour by becoming the first team to hold leaders Leyton Orient this season.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Sheffield United manager David Weir told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"I thought the lads' effort and application were top notch. The standard of the play in the first half was very very good. "It's hard to be positive put we have to be.

"I thought we did a lot of good things. "We controlled the game, passed the ball and we made opportunities but obviously didn't do enough to get in front."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 06 Batth Booked 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 04 Edwards (Forde - 79' ) 10 Sako  Booked 11 McDonald 19 Price 09 Griffiths (Cassidy - 73' ) 15 Sigurdarson (Doyle - 46' ) Substitutes 31 McCarey 03 Elokobi 05 Stearman 12 Forde 14 Evans 16 Cassidy 29 Doyle Sheffield United 25 Long 05 Maguire 06 Hill 15 Collins 29 McMahon Booked 04 Hall (Taylor - 80' ) 08 Doyle 11 Baxter 16 Cuvelier 19 Brandy (Ironside - 90' ) 18 King Substitutes 01 Howard 02 Westlake 14 McGinn 20 McGinty 07 Flynn 10 Taylor 24 Ironside

Ref: Whitestone Att: 20,417

MATCH STATS

Possession

Wolverhampton Wanderers 48% Sheffield United 52%

Shots1112

On target 6 3

Corners 7 5

Fouls10 7

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:56 Full time

Full Time

The game is over, as the referee blows the whistle. 90:00 +4:07 Shot by Kevin Doyle missed to the left of the net. 90:00 +3:49 Danny Batth takes the free kick. 90:00 +3:43 Free kick awarded for a foul by Marlon King on Kevin McDonald. 90:00 +0:06 Goal scored

Goal! - Bakary Sako - Wolves 2 - 0 Sheff Utd

Bakary Sako scores with their left foot. Wolverhampton 2-0 Sheff Utd. 89:44 Corner taken by Anthony Forde from the right by-line. 89:33 Joe Ironside is brought on as a substitute for Febian Brandy. 89:17 Shot by Kevin McDonald. 87:42 Kevin McDonald makes a clearance. 87:36 Corner taken by Jose Baxter from the right by-line. 87:17 Jose Baxter has an effort at goal. 85:16 Header by Kevin Doyle goes over the bar. 85:12 The ball is crossed by Bakary Sako. 85:00 Tony McMahon manages to make a clearance. 84:34 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 83:16 Corner taken by Anthony Forde from the left by-line. 82:55 Bakary Sako sends in a cross. 82:19 Corner from the left by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 79:44 Substitution Ryan Hall goes off and Lyle Taylor comes on. 78:06 Anthony Forde replaces Dave Edwards. 77:39 The ball is delivered by Bakary Sako. 76:42 Matthew Hill restarts play with the free kick. 76:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Doyle on Matthew Hill. 72:29 Jake Cassidy joins the action as a substitute, replacing Leigh Griffiths. 71:21 Carl Ikeme crosses the ball in from the free kick. 70:58 Febian Brandy challenges Matt Doherty unfairly and gives away a free kick. 69:04 Free kick taken by George Long. 69:01 Kevin Doyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 68:43 Leigh Griffiths takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 67:37 Bakary Sako produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick. 67:00 Booking 67:00 Caution for Tony McMahon. 66:56 Unfair challenge on Bakary Sako by Tony McMahon results in a free kick. 65:22 Assist by Bakary Sako. 65:22 Goal scored

Goal! - Leigh Griffiths - Wolves 1 - 0 Sheff Utd

Leigh Griffiths grabs a goal with a left foot finish. Wolverhampton 1-0 Sheff Utd. 64:42 Neill Collins restarts play with the free kick. 64:14 Booking 64:14 Danny Batth booked. 64:10 Foul by Danny Batth on Marlon King, free kick awarded. 62:11 Corner taken by Jose Baxter. 61:07 Matt Doherty has an effort at goal. 58:47 Shot by Marlon King went over the bar. 58:23 The ball is swung over by Bakary Sako. 54:48 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 53:21 Kevin McDonald takes a shot. George Long catches the ball. 53:04 Header by Febian Brandy goes to the left of the goal. 52:53 The ball is crossed by Marlon King. 51:32 Leigh Griffiths takes a shot and went wide right of the goal. 47:57 George Long restarts play with the free kick. 47:41 The offside flag is raised against Leigh Griffiths. 47:11 Free kick crossed by Tony McMahon. 46:48 The referee shows Bakary Sako a yellow card. 46:48 Booking 46:39 Bakary Sako challenges Tony McMahon unfairly and gives away a free kick. 45:48 Free kick taken by George Long. 45:30 Leigh Griffiths is ruled offside. 45:01 The second half kicks off. 45:01 Substitution Bjorn Sigurdarson goes off and Kevin Doyle comes on. 45:00 +0:27 Half time

Half Time

The ref blows to signal half-time. 44:22 Leigh Griffiths takes a shot. George Long safely holds on. 43:57 Kevin McDonald takes the free kick. 43:47 Febian Brandy concedes a free kick for a foul on Sam Ricketts. 42:52 George Long takes the free kick. 42:48 The assistant referee flags for offside against Bjorn Sigurdarson. 42:26 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 42:22 Febian Brandy is ruled offside. 39:48 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 39:37 The referee gives a free kick against Tony McMahon for handball. 36:33 George Long restarts play with the free kick. 36:31 Dave Edwards is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 34:22 Jose Baxter has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the target. 32:44 Tony McMahon delivers the ball. 31:26 George Long takes the free kick. 30:55 Foul by Matt Doherty on Matthew Hill, free kick awarded. 30:50 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 29:12 Jose Baxter takes a shot. 28:21 Shot by Florent Cuvelier went wide left of the goal. 26:27 Febian Brandy takes a shot. 25:01 Free kick taken by Neill Collins. 24:10 Florent Cuvelier fouled by Kevin McDonald, the ref awards a free kick. 22:38 Jose Baxter crosses the ball in from the free kick. 22:16 Ryan Hall fouled by Matt Doherty, the ref awards a free kick. 21:52 Tony McMahon restarts play with the free kick. 21:47 Foul by Bakary Sako on Tony McMahon, free kick awarded. 20:42 Corner taken by Ryan Hall. 18:07 Header by Neill Collins misses left. 17:49 Corner taken by Jose Baxter. 17:34 Jose Baxter takes a shot. 17:08 Tony McMahon crosses the ball in from the free kick. 16:54 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tony McMahon by Leigh Griffiths. 16:21 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 16:13 Sam Ricketts fouled by Jose Baxter, the ref awards a free kick. 15:04 Bakary Sako crosses the ball in from the free kick. 14:32 Free kick awarded for a foul by Tony McMahon on Bakary Sako. 13:45 Sam Ricketts restarts play with the free kick. 13:32 Matt Doherty fouled by Matthew Hill, the ref awards a free kick. 12:43 Shot from the free kick by Tony McMahon went wide of the right-hand post. 11:55 Febian Brandy fouled by Scott Golbourne, the ref awards a free kick. 11:11 Jose Baxter takes the free kick. 10:44 Foul by Jack Price on Jose Baxter, free kick awarded. 9:49 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 9:44 Corner from the left by-line taken by Jose Baxter. 9:21 Febian Brandy has an effort at goal. Carl Ikeme parries the ball away. 7:49 Florent Cuvelier takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 7:32 Harry Maguire restarts play with the free kick. 7:17 The referee blows for offside. 2:00 Marlon King sends in a cross. 0:55 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 0:00 The match begins.

Wolves are hoping striker Kevin Doyle will be fit to return after missing the win at Shrewsbury with a thigh injury.

Midfielder David Davis serves a one-match ban, with David Edwards, Lee Evans and Kevin Foley in contention to replace him.

Sheffield United could have winger Jamie Murphy (groin) back after missing the last four matches.

Callum McFadzean (ankle) is unavailable for the Blades, who are looking to end a run of five successive defeats

8 Saturday 21st September 13:00 Shrewsbury Town v Wolves SKY HIGHLITES VIDEO here Shrews

 NPOWER LEAGUE ONE

Venue: Greenhous Meadow Date: Saturday 21 Sept Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score & highlights on The Football League Show

The Star said http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/09/21/shrewsbury-0-wolves-1/

Wolves returned to winning ways at Shrewsbury in a tightly-contested derby in front of a record crowd at the Greenhous Meadow.

  

Bakary Sako’s 84th-minute penalty was the difference between the teams on a day when a draw would have been a fair result in front of a gate of 9,510, including 1,593 Wolves fans.  The spot kick was awarded after Jon Taylor was sent off for handballing Matt Doherty’s bullet header on the line. Shrewsbury had the best chances however, but Curtis Main was guilty of missing an open goal from two yards out on the hour after keeper Carl Ikeme denied Taylor and Ryan Woods during Town’s best spell in the middle 15 minutes of the first half. Bjorn Sigurdarson was denied by keeper Chris Weale and headed against the post, both just after the half hour as Wolves fought back. And in an improved second half from Wolves, Kevin McDonald and Sigurdarson wasted chances. Head coach Kenny Jackett made two changes from Tuesday’s first defeat of the season against Walsall when they lost 1-0, as Wolves faced their second local derby in five days. Zeli Ismail and Leigh Griffiths returned to the starting line-up for Lee Evans and Kevin Doyle after being on the bench in midweek as Wolves switched to 4-4-2 from 4-5-1 and 4-2-3-1.  Evans was rested from the 18, while Doyle sustained a slight thigh injury in training late in the week.  Shrewsbury made one change to the team from Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Bristol City as Adam Reach came in.

It was a fairly even first period, Wolves holding Shrewsbury during their 15-minute purple patch in the middle of the half. There was almost a scare within seconds of the kick off as Sigurdarson charged down a back pass to keeper Weale only for the loose ball to fly wide. Town had the first shooting opportunity in the second minute when Main sliced over the bar from the edge of the box at the end of a well-worked move.  Four minutes later, Wolves hit back with a first-time angled drive from Sako from 18 yards which forced a diving save from Weale after Ismail weaved his way across the box before passing.  Main again got forward in Town’s next attack but was again off target with a poor shot that flew well wide on 13. Shrewsbury went desperately close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute when Taylor arrived late in the box and his flick forced Ikeme into a superb one-handed save. Two minutes later after Wolves failed to clear a corner, the ball broke to right-back Woods, whose 35-yard drive was clawed away by Ikeme diving to his right. Reach was next to try his luck a minute later, his first-time, sidefooted effort shaving the outside of Ikeme’s right-hand post following a loose ball after Ismail lost out 20 yards from goal.  Wolves managed to weather Shrewsbury’s storm not always convincingly to fashion a couple of openings themselves towards the end of the half.  Both fell to the industrious Sigurdarson, who was denied by Weale in the 32nd minute after the keeper came out to bravely smother at his feet. Sako started the move when he broke down the left and fed Griffiths, who spotted the Icelandic forward’s run into the inside-left position in the box. Then the £2.4m signing from Lillestrom saw a header come back back off the post from Scott Golbourne’s cross.

Wolves kicked off the second half and immediately looked to step up their efforts from the opening period. They were finding more space in the Shrewsbury ranks and Griffiths hooked over an acrobatic effort from Golbourne’s cross in the 55th minute. Kevin McDonald then charged onto a loose ball after Griffiths turned his marker, but rather than shoot from an excellent position, the Scot opted to try to find Sigurdarson, who wasn’t expecting the pass and the ball sailed harmlessly to Weale. Sigurdarson then produced a poor shot on the turn after Griffiths played him in. But Wolves should have been made to pay for their wastefulness on the hour when Main somehow blazed over from an open goal from two yards out from Taylor’s cross. Wolves brought on two substitutes in an effort to freshen things up, and prevent further injury to Griffiths, who had been left limping and needing treatment towards the end of the first half. Jake Cassidy replaced him and former Town midfielder Dave Edwards came on for Ismail, but instead of providing fresh impetus for the visitors, it was Shrewsbury who created the next opening. And again it was Main, this time sending a firm header just off target from a cross from Taylor, who had recovered from being taken out by Davis, who earned a booking for a nasty-looking challenge and is now suspended for next Saturday’s visit of Sheffield United after accumulating his fifth booking of the season. Then came the late drama as Doherty’s bullet header was blocked on the line by Taylor on the line. The referee signalled handball and sent off the Town winger, much to the fury of the home fans, who were soon chanting ‘One-nil, to the referee’. Sako stepped up to take the spot kick and belted the ball low down the middle, giving Weale no chance. Wolves brought on Kevin Foley for Sigurdarson as they tried to shore things up towards the end, and they had to get through five minutes of time added on.  But they did it and breathed a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle.

Venue: Greenhous Meadow Date: Saturday 21 Sept Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Final Score & highlights on The Football League Show

Bakary Sako scored a late penalty as Wolves earned a narrow victory over neighbours Shrewsbury.

Bjorn Sigurdarson hit the post for Wolves while also seeing an effort well saved by Shrews keeper Chris Weale.

Curtis Main had a great chance for the Shrews, but he put the ball over the crossbar from three yards.

But with seven minutes remaining Jon Taylor was sent off for handling Matt Doherty's header on the line and Sako converted the resulting penalty.

Bakary Sako scored a late penalty as Wolves earned a narrow victory over neighbours Shrewsbury.

Bjorn Sigurdarson hit the post for Wolves while also seeing an effort well saved by Shrews keeper Chris Weale.

Curtis Main had a great chance for the Shrews, but he put the ball over the crossbar from three yards.

But with seven minutes remaining Jon Taylor was sent off for handling Matt Doherty's header on the line and Sako converted the resulting penalty.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (3) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)

Shrewsbury Town

01 Weale 03 Jacobson 05 Jones 18 Goldson 22 Woods 04 Summerfield 11 Taylor Dismissed 15 Wildig 23 Reach  McAllister - 86' ) 09 Bradshaw (Burke - 71' ) 26 Main Substitutes 25 Anyon 06 Winfield 12 McQuade 31 Smith 08 McAllister 24 Burke 32 Anderson

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 06 Batth Booked 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 08 Davis Booked 10 Sako 11 McDonald 21 Ismail  (Edwards - 66' ) 09 Griffiths (Cassidy - 66' ) 15 Sigurdarson (Foley - 90' ) Substitutes 31 McCarey 05 Stearman 32 Foley

04 Edwards 19 Price 16 Cassidy 20 McAlinden

Ref: Phil Gibbs Att: 9,510

MATCH STATS

90mins

Shrewsbury Town   Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession     51%  49%

Shots              11     9

On target         4      3

Corners           3      8

Fouls               5    13

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +2:55 Bakary Sako fouled by Aaron Wildig, the ref awards a free kick. 90:00 +0:33 The ball is sent over by Joe Jacobson. 90:00 +0:15 Free kick taken by Chris Weale. 90:00 +0:01 Luke Summerfield fouled by David Davis, the ref awards a free kick. 89:39 SubstitutionKevin Foley joins the action as a substitute, replacing Bjorn Sigurdarson. 88:12 Connor Goldson takes the free kick. 88:06 Jake Cassidy is caught offside. 86:30 Clearance made by Ryan Woods. 86:27 Dave Edwards sends in a cross. 85:11 (Shrewsbury) makes a substitution, with David McAllister coming on for Adam Reach. 84:49 Header at goal by Curtis Main goes over the frame of the goal. 84:46 Centre by Joe Jacobson. 83:23 Goal scored

Goal! - Bakary Sako - Shrewsbury 0 - 1 Wolves

Penalty scored by Bakary Sako. Shrewsbury 0-1 Wolverhampton. 82:44 Red card for Jon Taylor. 82:44 Dismissal

82:36 Handball decision goes against Jon Taylor. 82:14 Headed chance falls to Matt Doherty. 81:52 Corner from the left by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 81:34 The ball is delivered by Bjorn Sigurdarson. 81:08 Joe Jacobson restarts play with the free kick.  80:47 Curtis Main fouled by Danny Batth, the ref awards a free kick. 80:24 Bakary Sako delivers the ball. 79:21 Matt Doherty takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand post. 76:46 Header by Luke Summerfield goes over the bar. 76:42 Ryan Woods delivers the ball. 74:27 David Davis receives a caution for unsporting behaviour. 72:15 Chris Weale takes the free kick. 72:00 Foul by Jake Cassidy on Jon Taylor, free kick awarded. 71:49 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 71:26 The ball is sent over by Scott Golbourne. 70:38 (Shrewsbury) makes a substitution, with Graham Burke coming on for Tom Bradshaw. 69:39 The ball is crossed by Adam Reach. 67:24 Clearance made by Adam Reach. 67:19 Free kick crossed by Bakary Sako. 66:53 Free kick awarded for a foul by Adam Reach on Jake Cassidy. 65:25 Jake Cassidy replaces Leigh Griffiths. 65:11 Dave Edwards comes on in place of Zeli Ismail. 64:42 Zeli Ismail produces a cross. 64:36 Aaron Wildig makes a clearance. 64:30 Corner from the left by-line taken by Zeli Ismail. 63:08 Luke Summerfield takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Carl Ikeme safely holds on. 63:03 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 62:45 Corner taken by Jon Taylor. 62:28 Adam Reach crosses the ball. 62:05 Free kick taken by Joe Jacobson. 61:46 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tom Bradshaw by Zeli Ismail. 60:13 Curtis Main takes a shot and goes harmlessly over the bar. 60:06 A cross is delivered by Jon Taylor. 58:59 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes a shot. Chris Weale safely holds on. 58:28 Matt Doherty manages to make a clearance. 58:21 Joe Jacobson takes the free kick. 58:03 Caution for Danny Batth. 57:45 Curtis Main fouled by Danny Batth, the ref awards a free kick. 54:59 Shot by Leigh Griffiths went over the net. 54:56 Scott Golbourne delivers the ball. 54:06 Chris Weale takes the free kick. 53:33 The offside flag is raised against Leigh Griffiths. 52:34 Shot from the free kick by Bjorn Sigurdarson went wide of the right-hand post. 52:26 Bakary Sako crosses the ball in from the free kick. 51:41 Jon Taylor concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Golbourne. 51:30 The ball is delivered by Zeli Ismail. 50:28 Free kick taken by Connor Goldson. 50:09 Leigh Griffiths is ruled offside. 46:48 Chris Weale takes the free kick. 45:57 Zeli Ismail challenges Aaron Wildig unfairly and gives away a free kick. 45:30 Darren Jones manages to make a clearance. 45:28 Zeli Ismail crosses the ball. 45:01 The second half has started.

HALF TIME

Shrewsbury Town  Wolves

Possession47%53%

Shots74

On target32

Corners25

Fouls27

45:00 +1:02 Half time

Half Time

The referee blows for half time. 45:00 +0:56 Free kick taken by Sam Ricketts. 45:00 +0:45 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin McDonald by Tom Bradshaw. 44:06 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 44:01 Jon Taylor crosses the ball. 42:00 Clearance by Joe Jacobson. 41:55 Zeli Ismail sends in a cross. 40:27 Chris Weale takes the free kick. 39:43 Scott Golbourne challenges Adam Reach unfairly and gives away a free kick. 38:23 Sam Ricketts makes a clearance. 38:20 Free kick crossed by Adam Reach. 37:46 Scott Golbourne challenges Ryan Woods unfairly and gives away a free kick. 35:34 The ball is swung over by Bakary Sako. 35:01 Bakary Sako sends in a cross. 34:14 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 34:00 Header by Bjorn Sigurdarson hits the post. 33:56 Scott Golbourne sends in a cross. 32:14 Corner from the left by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 32:02 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail. 31:20 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Chris Weale parries the ball away.  30:36 Jon Taylor crosses the ball in from the free kick. 30:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Adam Reach by Matt Doherty. 30:09 Sam Ricketts makes a clearance. 30:06 Adam Reach delivers the ball. 29:30 Shot by Bjorn Sigurdarson went wide right of the post. 27:06 Centre by Adam Reach. 26:55 Kevin McDonald manages to make a clearance. 26:35 Corner taken by Adam Reach. 24:40 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Joe Jacobson by Zeli Ismail. 24:13 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 23:56 Unfair challenge on Sam Ricketts by Darren Jones results in a free kick. 23:33 Ryan Woods takes the free kick. 23:13 Foul by Sam Ricketts on Curtis Main, free kick awarded. 22:56 The ball is crossed by Kevin McDonald. 21:46 Header at goal by Curtis Main misses to the right. 21:38 The ball is crossed by Joe Jacobson. 20:28 Shot by Adam Reach went wide left of the target. 19:34 The ball is sent over by Joe Jacobson. 19:11 Adam Reach takes a shot. Carl Ikeme parries the effort to safety. 18:56 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 18:53 Corner taken by Adam Reach. 18:25 A cross is delivered by Jon Taylor. 17:26 Darren Jones restarts play with the free kick. 17:12 The assistant referee signals for offside against Leigh Griffiths. 16:56 Jon Taylor takes a shot. Carl Ikeme catches the ball. 16:47 The ball is delivered by Joe Jacobson. 16:39 Matt Doherty manages to make a clearance. 16:34 Jon Taylor sends in a cross. 14:35 Bakary Sako crosses the ball in from the free kick. 14:24 Adam Reach handles the ball and concedes a free kick. 13:32 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 12:30 Shot by Curtis Main missed to the left of goal. 10:32 Scott Golbourne crosses the ball. 10:25 Clearance made by Connor Goldson. 10:20 Bjorn Sigurdarson crosses the ball. 7:59 Aaron Wildig takes a shot. 6:53 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 6:26 The official flags Adam Reach offside. 6:07 Free kick taken by Aaron Wildig. 6:00 Unfair challenge on Adam Reach by Kevin McDonald results in a free kick. 5:21 Bakary Sako takes a shot. 5:11 Joe Jacobson manages to make a clearance. 5:06 Bakary Sako sends in a cross. 4:12 Sam Ricketts manages to make a clearance. 3:56 Free kick taken by Joe Jacobson. 3:47 Bakary Sako concedes a free kick for a foul on Jon Taylor. 1:13 Curtis Main has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the target. 0:00 The referee gets the match started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner faces his first meeting with former club Wolves since his abrupt departure from Molineux in March 1994.  

But Town will be without Paul Parry, who has been ruled out with a hip injury  Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards (foot) is fit and hoping to return against the club with whom he started his career.  Saturday's game is only the fifth ever league meeting between the two neighbours - and Shrewsbury did the double over Wolves the last time they were at the same level in 84-85

Boss Kenny Jackett also has to decide whether to recall top scorer Leigh Griffiths after starting without him in Tuesday's 1-0 home defeat by Walsall.

It will be the first time the two clubs have met in 22 years, since Turner's Wolves beat Shrewsbury 7-4 (triggered by a 6-1 first leg thumping at Molineux) on aggregate in a League Cup third round tie in the autumn of 1991.  They have also met four times in the league, in the old Division Two in 1982-83 (Wolves won 2-0 at the Gay Meadow, then drew 2-2 in the return) and again in 1984-85 (when Town won both matches). They also met twice in an FA Cup fourth round tie in January 1979, Town holding Wolves 1-1 at Molineux before succumbing 2-1 in the replay at the Meadow.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Town manager Graham Turner told BBC Radio Shropshire:

"It's a privilege to be given the chance of managing the club you supported as a boy and I still take an interest in Wolves' results, as I still do with Aston Villa and Hereford United too.  To almost resurrect the club from the bottom reaches of the Football League to within touching distance of the top flight, it got a bit frustrating in the end when we could not quite get over the line.  But on Saturday there will be no thoughts other than trying to take three points and we are confident that we can do that. To come unstuck on Tuesday night against Walsall might have knocked their confidence, but Wolves are in good hands in Kenny Jackett. He's a sound, experienced manager."

Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards told BBC Radio WM:

"All I've heard about since the fixtures came out has been the 21st of September. They're so desperate to put one over on us.  My brother's a massive Wolves fan and I was a massive Shrewsbury fan as a kid. And a lot of my family have been Shrewsbury fans for years.  In fact, my grandad still prefers to listen to Radio Shropshire rather than WM when the Town are playing, even when Wolves games are on.  I was down at the ground yesterday and they only had 100 tickets left. It will only be the second time they've sold, out I think, after the play-off semi final three years ago."

7 Saturday 14th September 15:00 Wolves 3 Golbourne 3' Doyle 43' Foley 90' Swindon Town 2 N'Guessan 82' Mason 90' SKY HIGHLITES VIDEO Robins

Wolves 3 Golbourne 3' Doyle 43' Foley 90' Swindon 2 N'Guessan 82' Mason 90'

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/09/14/wolves-3-swindon-2-match-report/

Keeper Carl Ikeme produced a man-of-the-match performance as nervous Wolves somehow overcame superior Swindon to make it five league wins in a row to beat Swindon 3-2.

  

A freak goal from Scott Golbourne in the third minute and a first of the season from Kevin Doyle two minutes before the break only told part of the story as Kenny Jackett’s side were outplayed for long periods.  Only superb saves from Ikeme to deny Ryan Mason in either half and Nathan Thompson after the break kept Swindon from replying earlier, while Mason rolled one clean-through effort wide and also hit the post in the second half.  Swindon finally got their reward through substitute Dany N’Guessan (81) before another substitute, Kevin Foley, restored Wolves’ two-goal advantage only for Mason’s free kick to make it a dramatic finish on the stroke of full-time before the hosts hung on through four minutes of time added on.  Wolves, with David Davis looking out of sorts, never looked comfortable playing the diamond formation in midfield that served them so well in the second half of the 3-1 win at Port Vale, and Jackett switched to a more orthodox 4-4-2 for the restart.

Jackett made five changes to the side that overcame Walsall on penalties in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy 11 days ago.  Back came Cael Ikeme, Sam Ricketts, Lee Evans, Kevin Doyle and Leigh Griffiths for Aaron McCarey, George Elokobi, Jack Price, Bjorn Sigurdarson and Liam McAlinden.  The side showed two notable exceptions from the Vale game two weeks ago, with Richard Stearman losing his ever-present starting record and dropping to the bench as Ricketts moved across to centre-back to accommodate Golbourne at left-back.  Jackett’s side lined up in a diamond formation in midfield, with Davis as anchorman in front of the back four, Evans and Bakary Sako either side tucked in with Kevin McDonald behind Doyle and Griffiths. Wolves scored from their first attack – and it was just as well they had that cushion as they needed it with Swindon going on to dominate the rest of the opening period.  Golbourne was the unlikely scorer with a highly unusual goal, his deep cross from out near the left-hand touchline somehow eluding keeper Wes Foderingham and flying into the top corner of the net. It was the former Bristol City and Reading left-back’s first goal for his new club since his £700,000 move from Barnsley last month.  But he seemed almost embarrassed to celebrate as he walked away in near disbelief.  Swindon were undeterred by falling behind and went on to dominate possession for the rest of the first half.  Thankfully for Wolves, their threats were mainly from distance, with Nicky Ajose cutting inside for the first effort before seeing his shot saved at the foot of the post by Carl Ikeme in the ninth minute.  Ten minutes later, Ryan Mason fired well wide on the run after McDonald lost possession in midfield.  Massimo Luongo was next to try his luck, but he fired high and wide after Ricketts missed out to Nile Ranger on 21.  Wolves had barely been seen as an attacking force but they returned to the attack in the 25th minute.  Some superb footwork then a flighted pass from Sako set Griffiths free, but although the Scotland international controlled the ball beautifully, his sidefooted shot was turned away by Foderingham.  Swindon soon hit back however and only two superb saves by the ever-alert Ikeme kept Wolves’ lead intact.  First he did brilliantly to deny Mason’s shot in the 29th minute, then he beat away Alex Pritchard’s angled drive two minutes later.  Wolves’ inability to keep the ball meant they were continually on the back foot and defending, and it wasn’t until the 37th minute that they broke again to see Sako’s long-range drive deflected for a corner.  But against the run of play, the hosts somehow conjured up a second goal two minutes from the break. Doyle started and finished the move, freeing Griffiths with a chip over the top but the chance seemed lost when the latter over-ran the ball and ended up on the byeline with a defender up his backside.  But he conjured up a superb cross for Doyle to head home from almost on the line for his first goal of the season and send Wolves into the break with an unlikely and barely deserved 2-0 lead.

If Wolves had rode their luck in the first half, the pattern continued after the break.  Dangerman Mason somehow sidefooted wide after a one-two split the Wolves midfield and defence on 57.  Mason then saw his stabbed effort deflected wide from point-blank range from Pritchard’s centre as Wolves’ goal led a charmed life.  Wolves perhaps received their biggest let-off in the 63rd minute however when Pritchard’s through ball was allowed to trickle through the home backline and Mason, clean through, was faced with only Ikeme to beat and picked his spot, only for his shot to hit the base of the post and bounce away to safety. A truly magnificent save from Ikeme left Molineux buzzing on 71 when the keeper flung himself across goal to keep out Nathan Thompson’s flying header.  Then came the late drama.  N’Guessan finally earned some reward for Swindon when he powered home after Wolves were beaten by a through ball into the box. Foley kept his composure to lift the ball over Foderingham from fellow substitute Sigurdarson’s cross to make it 3-1 to Wolves only for Mason to finally get on the scoresheet with a superb curling free kick that gave Ikeme no chance. There was still time for a change of referee as Gary Sutton limped off with what appeared to be a calf strain to be replaced by assistant Amy Fearn in the second minute of time added on.   And Wolves hung on to make it five straight wins for the first time since November 2008 and set up an intriguing local derby at home to Walsall on Tuesday.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (5) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 08 Davis (Ismail - 60' Booked ) 10 Sako (Foley - 84' ) 11 McDonald Booked 14 Evans 09 Griffiths (Sigurdarson - 77' ) 29 Doyle Substitutes 31 McCarey 05 Stearman 32 Foley

15 Sigurdarson 19 Price 21 Ismail 16 Cassidy

Swindon Town

01 Foderingham 02 Thompson Booked 05 Hall 14 McEveley 22 Ward 04 Luongo 08 Mason Booked 11 Pritchard  booked 15 Kasim  33 Ajose (N'Guessan - 60' ) 09 Ranger (Storey - 77' ) Substitutes 25 Belford 23 Barthram 29 Rossi-Branco 07 Harley 12 N'Guessan 19 Thompson 20 Storey

Ref: Sutton Att: 19,388

MATCH STATS

Possession 57% 43% 77mins

Wolves  Swindon Town

Shots       9   19

On target 4   6

Corner s 3    5

Fouls       8  10

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +5:59 Full time

Full Time

The referee ends the match. 90:00 +5:49 Yaser Kasim restarts play with the free kick. 90:00 +5:46 Kevin Doyle is caught offside. 90:00 +5:43 Free kick crossed by Bjorn Sigurdarson. 90:00 +5:30 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Yaser Kasim. 90:00 +2:05 Free kick taken by Grant Hall. 90:00 +2:04 Booking for Zeli Ismail for dissent. 90:00 +2:04 90:00 +1:54 Unfair challenge on Massimo Luongo by Kevin Doyle results in a free kick. 90:00 +0:30 Assist on the goal came from Alex Pritchard. 90:00 +0:30 Goal scored  Goal! - Ryan Mason - Wolves 3 - 2 Swindon Ryan Mason scores with their right foot. Wolverhampton 3-2 Swindon. 90:00 +0:19 Free kick taken by Alex Pritchard. 90:00 +0:03 Unfair challenge on Yaser Kasim by Lee Evans results in a free kick. 89:11 Bjorn Sigurdarson provided the assist for the goal. 89:11 Goal scored Goal! - Kevin Foley - Wolves 3 - 1 Swindon

Kevin Foley scores a right footed goal. Wolverhampton 3-1 Swindon. 88:34 Darren Ward restarts play with the free kick. 88:29 The assistant referee signals for offside against Zeli Ismail. 88:02 Lee Evans makes a clearance. 87:59 Corner taken by Alex Pritchard. 87:43 Alex Pritchard has an effort at goal. Carl Ikeme parries the effort to safety.  87:01 Wes Foderingham restarts play with the free kick. 86:45 The referee blows for offside against Kevin Doyle. 86:14 Lee Evans restarts play with the free kick. 85:55 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nathan Thompson on Kevin Doyle. 85:00 Nathan Thompson is shown a yellow card. 85:00 84:26 Corner from the right by-line taken by Alex Pritchard. 83:47 Substitution Kevin Foley is brought on as a substitute for Bakary Sako. 83:34 The ball is delivered by Miles Storey. 83:14 Corner from the right by-line taken by Alex Pritchard. 82:59 Ryan Mason takes a shot. 82:53 The ball is crossed by Miles Storey. 81:48 The assist for the goal came from Ryan Mason. 81:48 Goal scored

Goal! - Dany N'Guessan - Wolves 2 - 1 Swindon Dany N'Guessan scores with their right foot. Wolverhampton 2-1 Swindon. 80:50 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail from the left by-line. 80:25 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes a shot. Wes Foderingham parries the ball away. 79:56 Clearance by Kevin Doyle. 79:51 Corner from the right by-line taken by Alex Pritchard. 79:32 Nathan Thompson produces a cross. 79:01 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 78:42 The referee penalises Yaser Kasim for handball. 78:37 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 78:33 Jay McEveley crosses the ball. 78:22 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 78:19 Massimo Luongo delivers the ball. 78:05 Clearance made by Sam Ricketts. 78:02 The ball is swung over by Alex Pritchard. 76:51 (Swindon) makes a substitution, with Miles Storey coming on for Nile Ranger. 76:33 Substitution Leigh Griffiths goes off and Bjorn Sigurdarson comes on. 75:04 Dany N'Guessan takes a shot and missed to the left of the net. 74:51 Kevin McDonald restarts play with the free kick. 74:45 Ryan Mason challenges Kevin McDonald unfairly and gives away a free kick. 74:09 Darren Ward takes the free kick. 74:01 Unfair challenge on Yaser Kasim by Zeli Ismail results in a free kick. 72:54 Dany N'Guessan crosses the ball. 72:48 Free kick taken by Yaser Kasim. 72:42 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Yaser Kasim by Kevin Doyle. 72:25 Bakary Sako has an effort at goal. 72:03 Ryan Mason has a headed effort at goal. 71:56 Centre by Alex Pritchard. 70:57 Scott Golbourne takes the free kick. 70:09 Booking 70:09 Alex Pritchard goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour. 69:50 Alex Pritchard concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin McDonald. 69:31 Darren Ward makes a clearance. 69:28 Centre by Scott Golbourne. 69:02 Massimo Luongo crosses the ball. 67:59 Alex Pritchard has an effort direct from the free kick that flies over the crossbar. 67:12 Foul by Kevin McDonald on Nathan Thompson, free kick awarded. 66:01 Leigh Griffiths has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the goal. 65:35 Darren Ward restarts play with the free kick. 65:31 The assistant referee flags for offside against Leigh Griffiths. 65:25 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 65:09 Massimo Luongo gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Bakary Sako. 64:43 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 64:40 Dany N'Guessan crosses the ball. 63:40 Centre by Zeli Ismail. 62:47 Ryan Mason takes a shot and hits the post. 61:52 Header at goal by Dany N'Guessan. Carl Ikeme catches the ball. 61:39 Corner from the left by-line taken by Alex Pritchard. 61:26 Ryan Mason has an effort at goal. 61:17 Massimo Luongo crosses the ball. 60:00 Grant Hall takes the free kick. 59:37 Substitution Zeli Ismail comes on in place of David Davis. 59:19 Substitution Dany N'Guessan on for Nick Ajose. 59:10 The referee blows for offside. 58:49 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 58:46 Jay McEveley crosses the ball. 58:21 Danny Batth has an effort at goal. 57:54 Bakary Sako restarts play with the free kick. 57:29 Free kick awarded for a foul by Darren Ward on Kevin Doyle. 56:51 Shot by Ryan Mason missed to the left of the net. 56:16 The ball is delivered by Bakary Sako. 56:00 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 55:45 Darren Ward manages to make a clearance. 55:37 A cross is delivered by Scott Golbourne. 55:04 Nile Ranger has an effort at goal. 54:36 Corner taken by Alex Pritchard. 54:19 Jay McEveley has an effort at goal. 52:59 The ball is swung over by Ryan Mason. 52:11 Darren Ward restarts play with the free kick. 52:05 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jay McEveley by Lee Evans. 51:30 Ryan Mason takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the goal. 50:53 Yaser Kasim takes the free kick. 50:25 50:25 Kevin McDonald goes into the referee's book. 50:16 Sam Ricketts challenges Nile Ranger unfairly and gives away a free kick. 49:50 David Davis takes the free kick. 49:32 Booking for Ryan Mason for unsporting behaviour. 49:32 49:23 Scott Golbourne fouled by Ryan Mason, the ref awards a free kick. 47:39 Free kick taken by Leigh Griffiths. 47:33 Leigh Griffiths fouled by Nathan Thompson, the ref awards a free kick. 47:18 Corner taken by Alex Pritchard from the right by-line. 46:04 Nathan Thompson produces a cross. 45:01 The match restarts for the second half.

MATCH STATS HALF TIME

Wolves  Swindon Town

Possession 65%  35%

Shots 69

On target 34

Corners 22

Fouls 34

Live Text Commentary

45:00 +2:12 Half time

Half Time

The ref blows to end the first period. 45:00 +1:32 Clearance made by Darren Ward. 45:00 +1:27 Centre by Bakary Sako. 45:00 +0:37 Shot by Ryan Mason missed to the left of the target. 44:15 Sam Ricketts restarts play with the free kick. 44:05 The assistant referee signals for offside against Nile Ranger. 42:59 Assist on the goal came from Leigh Griffiths. 42:59 Goal scored

Goal! - Kevin Doyle - Wolves 2 - 0 Swindon

Kevin Doyle heads the ball into the goal. Wolverhampton 2-0 Swindon. 42:49 Kevin Doyle delivers the ball. 40:38 Darren Ward takes the free kick. 40:14 Matt Doherty concedes a free kick for a foul on Alex Pritchard. 37:38 Shot by Bakary Sako. 37:29 Darren Ward manages to make a clearance. 37:21 Corner from the left by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 37:02 Shot by Bakary Sako. 36:43 Matt Doherty crosses the ball. 33:18 Bakary Sako has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 31:48 The ball is crossed by Jay McEveley. 30:33 Clearance by Danny Batth. 30:24 Shot by Alex Pritchard. Carl Ikeme parries the ball away.  29:15 Matt Doherty restarts play with the free kick. 28:59 Free kick awarded for a foul by Yaser Kasim on Leigh Griffiths. 28:33 Ryan Mason has an effort at goal. 26:57 Bakary Sako delivers the ball. 25:38 Clearance by Grant Hall. 25:33 Kevin McDonald produces a cross. 24:31 Shot by Leigh Griffiths. Wes Foderingham parries the ball away. 23:58 Grant Hall restarts play with the free kick. 23:42 Nick Ajose fouled by Scott Golbourne, the ref awards a free kick. 23:06 Clearance by Danny Batth. 20:32 Nile Ranger takes a shot and went wide right of the goal. 19:34 Darren Ward takes the free kick. 19:13 Free kick awarded for a foul by Leigh Griffiths on Ryan Mason. 18:12 Shot by Ryan Mason went wide left of the goal. 15:11 Free kick taken by Sam Ricketts. 15:06 Nile Ranger gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Bakary Sako. 14:20 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 14:14 Nile Ranger concedes a free kick for a foul on Sam Ricketts. 13:22 Sam Ricketts makes a clearance. 13:19 Corner taken by Alex Pritchard  from the right by-line. 13:00 Nile Ranger takes a shot. 12:51 Jay McEveley takes a shot. 10:09 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 10:02 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Danny Batth by Ryan Mason. 9:12 Shot by Nathan Thompson. Carl Ikeme safely holds on. 8:39 Centre by Leigh Griffiths. 8:24 The ball is sent over by Kevin Doyle. 8:05 Clearance by Sam Ricketts. 8:01 Corner from the left by-line taken by Alex Pritchard. 7:42 Nick Ajose takes a shot. 6:43 Carl Ikeme makes a clearance. 6:22 Darren Ward makes a clearance. 6:10 Corner taken by Lee Evans. 5:47 A cross is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 5:33 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 5:29 The ball is delivered by Nathan Thompson. 4:28 Darren Ward manages to make a clearance. 4:23 The ball is crossed by Kevin Doyle. 4:14 Centre by Scott Golbourne. 2:38 Bakary Sako provided the assist for the goal. 2:38 Goal scored

Goal! - Scott Golbourne - Wolves 1 - 0 Swindon

Scott Golbourne slots the ball right footed into the goal. Wolverhampton 1-0 Swindon. 0:00 The ref blows the whistle to start the match. LESS LIVE TEXT

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Wolves skipper Sam Ricketts should be fit despite picking up a knee injury on international duty for Wales this week.  The centre-half missed his country's 3-0 midweek home defeat by Serbia after sustaining the injury in last Friday's 2-1 defeat by Macedonia.  

Swindon Town have only won once in nine league trips to Molineux, but they were victorious on their last visit, a 2-1 League Cup win in August 2001  Swindon's Nathan Byrne starts a three-game ban for his red card at MK Dons.  Tijane Reis (knee), Alex Smith (shin) are both injured, while Mohammed El Gabas remains unavailable as he waits for international clearance.

Wolves, second in League One, have won both their home games so far, while Swindon have picked up just one point in three games on their travels, although they did win at QPR in the Capital One Cup.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"After the enforced international break, we're looking to carry on where we left off, with a very important game against Swindon, followed by two local derbies against Walsall and Shrewsbury.   "The signs are encouraging for Sam Ricketts for Saturday's game, so it looks like we have everyone fit and available.  Swindon are under a new manager in Mark Cooper, but, looking at their results, they're in the middle of a run of form."

6 Tuesday 17th September 19:45 Wolves 0 Walsall 1 (moved Internationals)SKY HIGHLITES VIDEO Saddlers

Wolves 0 Walsall 1 Butler 69′

Walsall secured a famous victory to end neighbours Wolves’ unbeaten league start to the season at Molineux.

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2013/09/17/wolves-0-walsall-1/

Captain Andy Butler scored the only goal in the 68th minute as Kenny Jackett’s lacklustre side were booed off by their own fans, who applauded the Saddlers for their deserved victory. There was no denying Dean Smith’s side they earned their second successive three points after hitting the woodwork twice from free kicks from Craig Westcarr then Milan Lalkovic, while they looked more comfortable on the ball throughout.  By contrast, Wolves, who failed to score for the first time in the league since the opening day of the season when they drew 0-0 at Preston, forced just one serious save from Saddlers keeper Richard O’Donnell, who tipped Bakary Sako’s free kick over the bar.  Jackett made one change from Saturday’s line-up that beat Swindon 3-2.  Bjorn Sigurdarson replaced ever-present four-goal top scorer Leigh Griffiths as the head coach switched to a 4-5-1 formation to strengthen the midfield after they were outplayed in the middle of the park at the weekend, leaving Kevin Doyle on his own up front.  Smith opted for an unchanged side from the team that won 3-0 at Crewe on Saturday, sticking to a 4-1-4-1 system.  The Saddlers kicked off attacking the South Bank but it was Wolves who threatened first when Sigurdarson, who was the home side’s best player in the first half with Danny Batth, flashed a first-time shot just wide when Doyle challenged for Kevin McDonald’s cross in the sixth minute.  Walsall were the first team to settle however and they didn’t take long to force a chance of their own in the ninth minute.  Westcarr, who wreaked havoc when he came on as a half-time substitute in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round tie between the teams, curled a free kick on top of the bar and over after Lee Evans tripped Sam Mantom 25 yards out.  The Saddlers continued to be the brighter team and were much more comfortable on the ball than a nervous-looking Wolves.  But they failed to really trouble Jackett’s side with Batth in particular a determined figure at the heart of the home defence.  Walsall’s territorial advantage did produce a few half chances however as they forced the pace in a bid for the breakthrough.  Paul Downing – the nephew of former Wolves midfielder and current Albion coach Keith – saw a header deflected wide from a corner on 33 minutes, then flashed a volley a few feet over after the hosts failed to clear another flag kick four minutes later.  But Wolves, who struggled to get any rhythm going in the first period hit back with a 25-yard free kick from Sako that was acrobatically tipped over on 39.  Evans tried his luck from similar distance soon after but his curling effort flew straight at O’Donnell.  Wolves started the second half more positively than they started or finished the first.  But when the opening came, Doyle sent a weak, glancing header well wide from Scott Golbourne’s cross.  Andy Taylor drove wide after Ashley Hemmings’s free kick had been partly cleared by David Davis on 50.  Wolves returned to the attack seconds later but Doyle could only head wide from Matt Doherty’s centre.  Wolves’ anxiety was reflected in them making two early substitutions as Griffiths and Kevin Foley replaced midfielders McDonald and Evans in the 56th and 57th minutes, while Walsall brought on James Baxendale for Hemmings on 65.  But instead of helping them on the attack, Wolves were forced to defend as Mantom wasted a good chance when he sidefooted almost apologetically straight at Ikeme after a bout of pinball in the Wolves box.  And the hosts had plenty more defending to do as they fell behind when a superbly-flighted free kick from Taylor was headed back across goal by Baxendale for Butler to squeeze home from close range despite the attentions of Ikeme and Batth on the line.  And although Doyle saw a turn and shot deflected just wide, it was Walsall who finished the game stronger.  Lalkovic, who replaced Troy Hewitt in the 82nd minute, saw a shot deflected for a corner after twisting and turning inside Batth, who blocked the effort for a corner.  Then as the call went up for five minutes of added time, the on-loan Chelsea forward curled a free kick against the post with no Walsall player in the penalty area.  And despite five minutes of time added on, in the end there was no grandstand finish from Wolves, who were left to lick their wounds as Walsall celebrated

FT 90 +6

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 26 Golbourne 08 Davis 10 Sako 11 McDonald Booked (Griffiths - 56' ) 14 Evans (Foley - 57' ) 15 Sigurdarson 29 Doyle Substitutes 31 McCarey 05 Stearman 32 Foley 19 Price 21 Ismail 09 Griffiths 16 Cassidy

Walsall

01 O'Donnell 03 Taylor 04 Butler 12 Downing 15 J Chambers 06 Featherstone 07 A Chambers 08 Mantom Booked 11 Hemmings (Baxendale - 65' ) 10 Westcarr (Sawyers - 81' ) 24 Hewitt (Lalkovic - 81' ) Substitutes 22 Roberts 14 Benning 02 Purkiss 16 Baxendale 25 Sawyers 26 McQuilkin 09 Lalkovic

Ref: Russell Att: 22,240

MATCH Stats

90mins

Wolverhampton WanderersWalsall

Possession 53%  47%

Shots1613

On target 34

Corners85

Fouls137

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +5:37 Full time

Full Time

The match has reached full-time. 90:00 +5:10 Sam Ricketts takes the free kick. 90:00 +4:55 Sam Mantom shown a yellow card. 90:00 +4:55 Booking 90:00 +4:51 Sam Mantom is adjudged to have handled the ball. 90:00 +2:30 The ball is crossed by Bakary Sako. 90:00 +1:10 Free kick taken by Romaine Sawyers. 90:00 +0:57 Matt Doherty concedes a free kick for a foul on Andy Taylor. 90:00 +0:44 James Baxendale takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 90:00 +0:03 Shot from Milan Lalkovic from the free kick that hits the post. 89:22 Carl Ikeme is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. 88:50 Corner from the right by-line taken by Adam Chambers. 88:19 Milan Lalkovic has an effort at goal. 86:47 Matt Doherty restarts play with the free kick. 86:43 The offside flag is raised against Milan Lalkovic. 82:51 Kevin Foley takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target. 82:41 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 82:31 The ball is sent over by Bakary Sako. 82:26 Clearance by Andy Butler. 82:20 Bakary Sako produces a cross.  80:51 Troy Hewitt leaves the field to be replaced by Milan Lalkovic. 80:27 Romaine Sawyers is brought on as a substitute for Craig Westcarr. 78:57 Header at goal by Matt Doherty misses to the right. 78:42 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 78:26 Bakary Sako has an effort at goal. 78:06 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 77:30 Shot by Sam Ricketts. 75:39 Shot by Leigh Griffiths went wide left of the goal. 74:29 Bakary Sako crosses the ball in from the free kick. 73:59 Foul by Andy Taylor on Matt Doherty, free kick awarded. 73:40 Clearance made by Sam Ricketts. 73:32 Adam Chambers delivers the ball. 70:52 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 70:38 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Paul Downing. 69:52 Richard O'Donnell takes the free kick. 69:25 Unfair challenge on Andy Taylor by Matt Doherty results in a free kick. 69:02 The ball is crossed by Matt Doherty. 68:07 Goal scored  Goal! - Andy Butler - Wolves 0 - 1 Walsall  Andy Butler slots the ball left footed into the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Walsall. 67:42 Andy Taylor crosses the ball in from the free kick. 67:11 Danny Batth challenges Andy Butler unfairly and gives away a free kick. 66:43 Shot by Sam Mantom. Carl Ikeme blocks the ball. 65:54 Paul Downing takes the free kick. 65:37 David Davis concedes a free kick for a foul on Andy Taylor. 64:38 James Baxendale on for Ashley Hemmings. 63:27 Header by Danny Batth goes to the left of the goal. 63:21 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths from the left by-line. 63:07 The ball is sent over by Kevin Doyle. 61:26 Bakary Sako takes a shot and cleared the net. 59:49 Kevin Foley crosses the ball. 59:07 Leigh Griffiths sends in a cross. 58:32 Header by Kevin Doyle misses right. 57:37 Craig Westcarr delivers the ball. 56:15 (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Kevin Foley coming on for Lee Evans. 55:49 Leigh Griffiths on for Kevin McDonald. 55:26 Free kick crossed by Craig Westcarr. 55:02 Unfair challenge on Craig Westcarr by Lee Evans results in a free kick. 54:23 Matt Doherty takes the free kick. 54:08 Free kick awarded for a foul by Andy Taylor on Bjorn Sigurdarson. 49:59 Paul Downing takes a shot and missed to the right of the goal. 49:43 Ashley Hemmings crosses the ball in from the free kick. 49:10 49:10 Kevin McDonald is given a yellow card. 48:59 Troy Hewitt fouled by Kevin McDonald, the ref awards a free kick. 48:30 Kevin Doyle sends in a cross. 47:36 Andy Taylor crosses the ball. 47:14 Free kick taken by Andy Taylor. 47:07 Ashley Hemmings fouled by Lee Evans, the ref awards a free kick. 46:26 Kevin Doyle takes a shot and went wide right of the goal. 46:19 The ball is delivered by Scott Golbourne. 45:01 The match restarts for the second half.

HT MATCH STATS 45mins               

 Wolves   Walsall

Possession  33%  67%

Shots    57

On target    22

Corners      34

Fouls         55

Live Text Commentary

45:00 +0:48 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 45:00 +0:26 The ball is delivered by Kevin McDonald. 44:54 Lee Evans restarts play with the free kick. 44:48 Foul by Adam Chambers on Lee Evans, free kick awarded. 43:15 Lee Evans has a direct shot on goal from the free kick. Richard O'Donnell makes a block. 42:23 Sam Mantom gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. 40:51 Sam Mantom takes a shot and goes harmlessly over the bar. 39:32 Header at goal by Danny Batth misses left of the target. 39:27 Corner taken by Lee Evans from the left by-line. 39:01 Bakary Sako has an effort direct from the free kick. Richard O'Donnell parries the effort to safety. 38:22 Ashley Hemmings gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin McDonald. 36:25 Sam Mantom takes a shot. 32:24 Shot by Paul Downing missed to the right of the target. 32:15 Corner taken by Ashley Hemmings from the right by-line. 31:46 Corner taken by Craig Westcarr from the left by-line. 31:12 Andy Taylor restarts play with the free kick. 30:59 Kevin Doyle challenges Craig Westcarr unfairly and gives away a free kick. 30:31 Andy Butler makes a clearance. 30:23 The ball is sent over by Lee Evans. 28:59 Andy Taylor restarts play with the free kick.  28:44 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Davis on Sam Mantom. 28:03 The ball is crossed by Scott Golbourne. 27:37 Corner from the left by-line taken by Craig Westcarr. 27:17 Andy Taylor sends in a cross. 27:10 Paul Downing restarts play with the free kick. 26:57 Kevin Doyle is ruled offside. 26:17 Free kick crossed by Andy Taylor. 25:54 Foul by Matt Doherty on Craig Westcarr, free kick awarded. 25:15 Header by James Chambers misses right. 25:05 Corner taken by Craig Westcarr. 24:40 Free kick crossed by Ashley Hemmings. 24:14 Bakary Sako gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Troy Hewitt. 22:18 Bakary Sako takes a shot and went wide right of the goal. 18:15 A cross is delivered by Sam Mantom. 13:46 Scott Golbourne takes the free kick. 13:31 Bakary Sako fouled by James Chambers, the ref awards a free kick. 12:25 Richard O'Donnell restarts play with the free kick. 11:47 The assistant referee flags for offside against Kevin Doyle. 11:01 Sam Mantom produces a cross. 9:40 Ashley Hemmings takes a shot. Carl Ikeme safely holds on. 8:12 Craig Westcarr has an effort direct from the free kick hitting the bar. 7:22 Foul by Lee Evans on Sam Mantom, free kick awarded. 6:27 Troy Hewitt takes a shot. 5:08 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes a shot and missed to the left of the goal. 3:38 James Chambers makes a clearance. 3:29 Corner taken by Lee Evans. 2:58 Clearance made by Andy Butler. 2:49 Bakary Sako crosses the ball in from the free kick. 2:30 Paul Downing concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. 1:55 The ball is delivered by Craig Westcarr. 0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Wolves' Dave Edwards is fit after the foot injury that has sidelined him since the first day of the season.

Walsall's only league win at Molineux came in August 1999, when Andy Rammell hit the winner in a 2-1 away victory, but they did also win there in the League Cup in 1985. Kenny Jackett's side will be chasing their sixth successive league victory.

Walsall ended their five-match winless run with Saturday's 3-0 victory at Crewe, when recalled striker Craig Westcarr bagged a brace on his return. Troy Hewitt and Sam Mantom were also recalled in a new-look 4-1-4-1 formation, which boss Dean Smith may opt to persist with at Molineux.  Walsall will be looking to avenge their penalty shoot-out defeat by Wolves at Molineux in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy just a fortnight ago.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"Our forwards look like they're capable of firing, which always gives you a chance of winning games.  But we now need to get a better foothold in games. We need to improve and we have to sustain a few clean sheets.  We played Walsall two weeks ago in the JPT, so both sides know a lot about each other and it should make for a special atmosphere."

Walsall boss Dean Smith told BBC WM:

"We'll respect Wolves but we won't fear them. We've already been there in the JPT and drawn 2-2 and will take a lot of belief from that.  We'll have a good following of supporters and it's important to them that we can go there and put in a performance.  We won't be overawed by the occasion but we know we'll have to be at our best."

JP Tuesday 3rd September 19:45 Johnstones Paint first round Wolves v Walsall HIGHLITES VIDEOS in report

E&S Tim Nash

http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2013/09/04/wolves-2-walsall-2-wolves-win-4-2-on-penalties-match-analysis-and-pictures/31706158/

Wolves 2 Walsall 2 (Wolves win 4-2 on penalties)

Wolves scraped home in part one of the alternative Black Country derby. But if this pulsating clash is a pointer of what is to come when the two neighbours meet in League One at Molineux in 13 days’ time, the fans are in for a treat.

A healthy attendance of 13,481 were treated to a no holds barred thriller which saw Wolves edge home 4-2 on penalties after leading twice, only to be held back by an increasingly threatening Walsall who finished normal time on top.  Indeed, had this Johnstone’s Paints Trophy first-round tie gone to extra-time rather than straight to penalties, the visitors were the team in the ascendancy to win it. While Wolves should have held a more commanding lead than 1-0 at the break, Dean Smith’s side were the better team once they equalised eight minutes after the interval.  And, as Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett acknowledged, his players were flagging towards the end in a team showing six changes from Saturday’s 3-1 win at Port Vale.  Ultimately, the reflexes of former Walsall loan keeper Aaron McCarey made him the hero after saving two penalties in the shootout, while the coolness of takers Bjorn Sigurdarson, Bakary Sako, Matt Doherty and David Davis saw Wolves home.  There had been no suggestion of the Saddlers pushing Wolves to the limit early on as the hosts took a fifth-minute lead.  Liam McAlinden stabbed home from inside the six-yard box to meet Matt Doherty’s right-wing cross for his first senior goal after playmaker Kevin McDonald had worked the space.McDonald was the architect of the next attack, crossing for McAlinden to force keeper Richard O’Donnell into a point-black save just after the half-hour. At that stage, it looked like it was going to be a canter for Wolves. But they become sloppy in possession and would have been punished by a team with a greater cutting edge. First a pass across the back by captain-for-the-night Danny Batth 10 minutes before the break was seized upon by Milan Lalkovic whose delayed shot was blocked by Scott Golbourne. Then George Elokobi blocked from Romaine Sawyers after another careless ball.  Jack Price, one of three players making their full debuts for Wolves with McCarey and McAlinden, was next to give possession away cheaply, in first-half injury-time. His pass was gathered by Molineux old- boy Ashley Hemmings, but he overhit his cross to Lalkovic.  Doherty attempted a repeat of his assist following the restart when he galloped down the right and centred for McAlinden. Andy Butler cleared only as far as the Irish full-back, who steered the ball across the face of goal. Out of the blue, Walsall equalised with their first serious attempt on goal. And it was the smallest man on the pitch – Hemmings – who dived to head them level in the 53rd minute from a cross by Craig Westcarr, whose half-time arrival for Lalkovic proved pivotal. Three minutes later, Westcarr was again the provider, this time to set up James Baxendale. But the unmarked midfielder could only nod wide with the whole net to aim at.  Wolves looked to punish their League One neighbours on 63 after winning a penalty when Paul Downing shoved Batth to the ground as they challenged for Sako’s corner.  

O’Donnell saved Sako’s driven spot-kick down the middle but was powerless to prevent him netting the rebound.  Sako was then a whisker away with an effort from 40 yards.  But Walsall were now snapping at Wolves’ heels.  And they got their reward when substitute Troy Hewitt superbly volleyed inside McCarey’s left-hand post after Doherty headed across his own box.  

The spot-kick drama matched the action that preceded it, leaving everyone anticipating another humdinger in less than two weeks’ time.

Tim Nash

and Kenny hails young guns

Jackett handed full debuts to Aaron McCarey, Jack Price and Liam McAlinden in last night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy penalty shoot-out win.  He made six changes to Saturday’s 3-1 win at Port Vale, staying within competition rules due to injuries and international call-ups.  Jackett’s faith was rewarded as McAlinden scored the fifth-minute opener before McCarey saved two penalties in the shoot-out which Wolves won 4-2 after the first-round tie ended 2-2.

“We made six changes from Saturday and at times it showed defensively where we were disjointed,” said Jackett.  “But we did the job and I was very pleased to get through with some excellent penalties and two great saves from Aaron.  Big credit to Aaron – it was his first appearance for us and as a young goalkeeper he was outstanding.  He has looked very capable in training and I was pleased to see him in a competitive fixture. We did play good football for long spells but just failed to nail it at the end.”  Jackett was delighted to give more youngsters game time. “It’s a very important thing to bring other players in,” he said. “We had four players away on international duty and a further two injured (Kevin Doyle and Zeli Ismail). But it gave opportunities for McCarey, Price and McAlinden. There were some interesting performances.  It’s always a natural progression for younger players to play in the first team and games like this are perfect when other players are away.”  Jackett believes Wolves need to make more use of Cannock-born striker McAlinden’s excellent movement. “He does get chances and that’s a good habit to have as a centre-forward,” he said.  “He also makes good runs and I don’t think we used him as much as we could.”

Doyle (thigh) and Ismail, who has a minor leg injury, are expected to be fit for the visit of Swindon a week on Saturday.  George Elokobi went off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury last night.

WOLVES: McCarey, Doherty, Batth, Elokobi, Golbourne, Price, McDonald, Davis, Sako, Sigurdarson, McAlinden.  SUBS: Ikeme, Stearman, Ebanks-Landell, Forde, Keita.

WALSALL: O'Donnell, Taylor, Butler, Featherstone, A. Chambers, Lalkovic, Hemmings, Downing, J. Chambers, Baxendale, Sawyers.  SUBS: Purkiss, Mantom, Westcarr, Roberts, Hewitt.

Read more at http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/live-matchday-blog-wolves-v-walsall-jpt-030913-1033223.aspx#B11BEqojCufPRqEA.99

August 2013

 5 Saturday 31st August15:00 Port Vale 1 Pope 90 v Wolves 3 #9 56 Siggy 75 KevinMac 83 up to second

Port Vale 1 Pope 90'  Wolves 3 Griffiths 56' Sigurdarson 75' McDonald 83'

Att 12,000 (4,000 travelling Wolves fans)

FT 90 +4  HT 0-0

30 August 2013

The Star said   http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/08/31/port-vale-1-wolves-3-match-report/

Three second-half goals powered Wolves to their fourth straight win in League One as they punished Port Vale in ruthless style - with Bakary Sako left out of the squad.   Leigh Griffiths (56) put Wolves in front before substitute Bjorn Sigurdarson (75) scored one and made the other for Kevin McDonald (83).  Tom Pope reduced the arrears in the second minute of time added on to give the scoreline a realistic look after Vale hit the post through Doug Loft and Carl Ikeme superbly denied Carl Dickinson, both at 1-0.  Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett made three changes to the line-up that beat Crawley 2-1 eight days ago. And the big news was the omission of Sako, who Jackett said wasn’t in the right frame of mind to play with interest in him from Nottingham Forest.  Wolves have not accepted a bid for the former St Etienne winger, nor are they close to, while they will welcome him back into the team if he isn’t sold by Monday’s 11pm deadline.

Sako’s place was taken by debutant Scott Golbourne, who was signed yesterday from Barnsley for £700,000.  But it proved a shortlived affair as he went off with a back injury just before half-time to be replaced by Lee Evans.  McDonald had replaced Evans in the starting line-up for his full Wolves debut, while Griffiths returned up front in place of Sigurdarson, who dropped to the bench.  Vale fielded former Wolves player Daniel Jones at left midfield, but the Wordsley-born ex-Molineux man limped off injured after 30 minutes, while former Albion striker Lee Hughes was up front for Vale and attracted plenty of abuse from the visiting supporters.  For the third successive away game, Wolves were backed by a sell-out following as 4,461 fans making the short journey up the M6.  They witnessed former Sheffield United playmaker McDonald have the first effort of the game, his curling cross-shot punched away by Vale keeper Chris Neal after three minutes.  In a positive start from Wolves, Matt Doherty sent a looping header a few inches over the bar from Griffiths on seven minutes.  Doherty had plenty of work to do defensively however, with lively Vale winger Jennison Myrie-Williams proving a real handful.   Myrie-Williams produced a fine run that led to Vale’s first chance which saw the powerful winger flash an angled shot that had Carl Ikeme at full stretch to his left to parry away in the 11th minute. Two minutes later Griffiths sent a poor effort wide on his weaker right foot after Kevin Doyle put him in the clear in the inside right channel.  McDonald advanced to take up a good position centrally but as the Vale defence backed off in front of him, he hit his shot straight at Neal on 16 minutes.  Griffiths saw an effort charged down by Carl Dickinson but Vale immediately launched an attack which saw Pope head over from Chris Lines’s free kick won by Hughes in the 23rd minute.  Zeli Ismail was having a busy game for Wolves and after their first three corners himself, the youngster twice cut inside from the right to try his luck, first firing well over then forcing a diving save from Neal on 32.  Wolves were forced into a change when Evans came on for Golbourne, who was led off by Wolves head of medical Phil Hayward after trying to play on following an earlier knock.  Griffiths forced Neal into a diving stop in the first of two minutes added on at the end of the first half with a long-range effort that bounced up in front of the Vale keeper.  

The Scotland international started the second half the way he finished the first – with a shot.  This time it was a sliding effort that flew wide from Ricketts’s centre within seconds of the restart.  But if his radar had been slightly out so far, it was razor sharp with his next opening. Evans launched a superb crossfield ball into the inside right channel and Griffiths latched onto it.  It looked as if he had nudged the ball too far ahead but Carl Dickinson seemed to slip and miss the chance to clear it and Griffiths punished him in ruthless style by lashing home from around 15 yards out.  Rather than quieten the home side, the goal sparked Vale into their best spell of the game.  Doug Loft headed against the post from Adam Yates’s cross on 61 and Dickinson saw a thumping rising shot superbly clawed out of the air by Ikeme on 65, in between another chance for Griffiths which was clawed away by Neal a minute earlier, from a similar position to his goal.  Sigurdarson replaced the tireless Ismail on 66, playing up front and forcing Doyle to the wing.  But the Icelandic forward quickly made his presence felt by scoring one goal and making another.  He was perfectly placed to steer home home Griffiths’s right-wing cross on the volley from close range.  After a poor header from Vale substitute Ben Williamson straight at Ikeme, Sigurdarson turned provider for Wolves’ third goal.  He powered forward with a surging run from the right to bear down on Neal before unselfishly squaring the ball to McDonald to sweep the ball home into the unguarded net.  Vale reduced the arrears at the death when Pope nodded home Chris Lines’s right-wing cross, with Ikeme getting a good hand to the ball without being able to prevent it crossing the line.  

But there was no denying Wolves another deserved away victory to send their 4,461 fans in the 12,601 crowd home happy.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Port Vale

01 Neal 02 Yates 03 Jones (Duffy - 30' ) 04 Robertson 05 Dickinson 07 Loft 09 Myrie-Williams (Dodds - 71' Booked ) 18  Lines 21 Griffith 11 Pope 29 Hughes (Williamson - 65' ) Substitutes 12 Johnson 24 Duffy 08 Dodds 15 Shuker 26 Birchall 19 Williamson 23 Mohamed

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 05 Stearman 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 08 Davis Booked 11 McDonald 21 Ismail (Sigurdarson - 65' ) 26 Golbourne (Evans - 45' ) 09 Griffiths 29 Doyle (Forde - 80' ) Substitutes 31 McCarey 03 Elokobi 12 Forde 14 Evans 15 Sigurdarson 19 Price 16 Cassidy

Ref: Scott Att: 12,601

MATCH STATS

Possession 90mins

Port Vale 56% Wolverhampton Wanderers 44%

Shots 8 14

On target 5 7

Corners 6 6

Fouls 7 11

Live Text Commentary 90:00 +3:44 Full time

Full Time

The final whistle goes and the game is over. 90:00 +3:08 Richard Stearman restarts play with the free kick. 90:00 +2:36 90:00 +2:36 Booking for Louis Dodds for unsporting behaviour. 90:00 +2:33 Louis Dodds gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Sam Ricketts. 90:00 +1:25 Chris Lines provided the assist for the goal. 90:00 +1:25 Goal scored Goal - Tom Pope - Port Vale 1 - 3 Wolves Tom Pope grabs a goal with a headed effort. Port Vale 1-3 Wolverhampton. 90:00 +1:19 The ball is delivered by Chris Lines. 90:00 +0:08 Ben Williamson takes a shot and strikes the post. 82:55 Assist on the goal came from Bjorn Sigurdarson. 82:55 Goal scored Goal - Kevin McDonald - Port Vale 0 - 3 Wolves

Kevin McDonald scores with a right foot finish. Port Vale 0-3 Wolverhampton. 82:50 A cross is delivered by Bjorn Sigurdarson. 79:42 Kevin Doyle goes off and Anthony Forde comes on. 79:25 Shot by Lee Evans went over the net. 78:00 Ben Williamson heads at goal. Carl Ikeme safely holds on. 74:17 Kevin McDonald provided the assist for the goal. 74:17 Goal scored

Goal - Bjorn Sigurdarson - Port Vale 0 - 2 Wolves Bjorn Sigurdarson scores with their right foot. Port Vale 0-2 Wolverhampton. 74:09 Kevin McDonald sends in a cross. 72:43  David Davis is cautioned by the ref for time wasting. 72:18 Free kick taken by David Davis. 72:06 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Davis by Louis Dodds. 70:11 Louis Dodds joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jennison Myrie-Williams. 69:34 Shot by Kevin McDonald cleared the crossbar. 65:51 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 65:48 Corner from the right by-line taken by Chris Lines. 65:31 Carl Dickinson takes a shot. Carl Ikeme parries the ball away. 65:08 Chris Lines restarts play with the free kick. 64:58 (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Bjorn Sigurdarson coming on for Zeli Ismail. 64:42 (Port Vale) makes a substitution, with Ben Williamson coming on for Lee Hughes. 64:23 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Chris Robertson by Leigh Griffiths. 64:04 Kevin McDonald manages to make a clearance. 63:50 Corner from the right by-line taken by Chris Lines. 62:38 Carl Ikeme manages to make a clearance. 62:34 Free kick taken by Richard Duffy. 62:22 David Davis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Chris Lines. 61:21 Shot by Leigh Griffiths. A parry by Chris Neal prevents the goal. 59:50 Tom Pope has a headed effort at goal. Carl Ikeme turns it away with a finger tip save. 59:36 Anthony Griffith takes the free kick. 59:25 Chris Lines fouled by Kevin McDonald, the ref awards a free kick. 55:56 Goal scored

Goal - Leigh Griffiths - Port Vale 0 - 1 Wolves Leigh Griffiths scores a left footed goal. Port Vale 0-1 Wolverhampton. 53:00 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 51:38 Sam Ricketts restarts play with the free kick. 51:27 David Davis fouled by Anthony Griffith, the ref awards a free kick. 49:11 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 48:39 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 48:26 Corner taken by Chris Lines from the right by-line. 47:56 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 45:40 Leigh Griffiths takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the target. 45:34 A cross is delivered by Kevin McDonald. 45:01 The referee gets the second half started.

45:00 +2:07 Half time

The players leave the pitch at half time. 45:00 +2:04 Clearance by Anthony Griffith. 45:00 +1:48 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths from the right by-line. 45:00 +0:07 Leigh Griffiths takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Chris Neal fumbles the ball. 44:34 Substitution Lee Evans on for Scott Golbourne. 42:33 Danny Batth takes the free kick. 42:30 The assistant referee flags for offside against Tom Pope. 36:42 Carl Dickinson restarts play with the free kick. 36:35 Kevin McDonald challenges Anthony Griffith unfairly and gives away a free kick. 33:48 Carl Ikeme manages to make a clearance. 33:38 Chris Lines restarts play with the free kick. 33:11 Tom Pope fouled by Richard Stearman, the ref awards a free kick. 31:14 Zeli Ismail takes a shot. Chris Neal parries the ball away. 30:34 Free kick taken by Danny Batth. 30:17 Doug Loft gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin McDonald. 29:24 Substitution Richard Duffy is brought on as a substitute for Daniel Jones. 28:52 Corner from the right by-line taken by Chris Lines. 26:56 Shot by Zeli Ismail cleared the net. 26:26 Carl Ikeme manages to make a clearance. 25:55 Daniel Jones restarts play with the free kick. 25:43 Foul by Kevin McDonald on Anthony Griffith, free kick awarded. 24:00 Shot by Kevin Doyle missed to the left of the target. 22:32 Chris Lines crosses the ball in from the free kick. 22:16 Unfair challenge on Jennison Myrie-Williams by Matt Doherty results in a free kick. 21:38 Header at goal by Tom Pope goes over the frame of the goal. 21:33 Chris Lines crosses the ball in from the free kick. 21:31 Chris Lines crosses the ball in from the free kick. 21:25 Danny Batth challenges Jennison Myrie-Williams unfairly and gives away a free kick. 20:17 Richard Stearman manages to make a clearance. 20:12 Free kick crossed by Chris Lines. 19:43 Matt Doherty challenges Jennison Myrie-Williams unfairly and gives away a free kick. 18:28 Clearance made by Chris Robertson. 18:24 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 17:12 Carl Ikeme makes a clearance. 17:08 Corner taken by Chris Lines. 16:48 Chris Robertson takes a shot. Matt Doherty gets a block in. 16:26 Richard Stearman makes a clearance. 16:04 Corner taken by Chris Lines. 15:06 Chris Neal manages to make a clearance. 14:55 Shot by Kevin McDonald. Chris Neal safely holds on. 14:08 Chris Neal takes the free kick. 14:00 The assistant referee flags for offside against Leigh Griffiths. 13:46 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 13:34 Unfair challenge on Danny Batth by Tom Pope results in a free kick. 12:37 Leigh Griffiths takes a shot and went wide left of the goal. 11:57 Chris Lines delivers the ball. 11:39 Free kick taken by Chris Lines. 11:32 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin McDonald on Anthony Griffith. 9:50 Jennison Myrie-Williams takes a shot. Carl Ikeme parries the effort to safety. 9:35 Anthony Griffith makes a clearance. 9:30 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 7:13 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 7:02 Free kick awarded for a foul by Tom Pope on Danny Batth. 6:43 Chris Lines restarts play with the free kick. 6:36 Foul by Kevin McDonald on Anthony Griffith, free kick awarded. 6:00 Header by Danny Batth goes over the bar. 5:39 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 4:10 Danny Batth takes the free kick. 4:06 The offside flag is raised against Tom Pope. 1:42 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths from the right by-line. 1:04 Kevin McDonald takes the free kick. 0:45 Chris Lines gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Davis. 0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Last season's League Two player of the year Tom Pope is expected to be fit for Port Vale after a calf strain kept him out of training earlier this week.

It means boss Micky Adams has no new injury concerns for Vale's first game against Wolves since 2000.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett is set to hand a full debut to midfielder Kevin McDonald.

Striker Leigh Griffiths could also start after coming off the bench to score the winner against Crawley.   

4 Saturday24th August 15:00 Wolves 2  Crawley Town 2 SKY HIGHLITES VIDEO  Top for 15 hours.

Wolves 2 Sigurdarson 7′ Griffiths 90′ (pen) Crawley 1 Clarke 90′

FT 90 +6

HT 1-0

Star

The striker came off the bench to score the winner in stoppage time – after Kyle McFadzean’s handball – just 90 seconds after Billy Clarke looked to have earned a deserved point for Crawley.  The visitors levelled in the first minute of injury time after Bjorn Sigurdarson fired Wolves into an early lead.  But it was an unimpressive performance from the hosts as they lived dangerously against the enterprising Reds.  Carl Ikeme twice saved from Nicky Adams and Joe Walsh missed from six-yards.  Wolves were stilted after an early burst and were fortunate to escape with a win.  Sigurdarson replaced Griffiths, who was left on the bench due to a lack of training as he had been attending a court case in Scotland.   Crawley included ex-Walsall left back Mat Sadler and had Torres and Rooney on the bench in the shape of Sergio and Luke.  Wolves’ start belied what was to come when Sigurdarson’s effort was saved by Paul Jones after five minutes.  But the striker did not have to wait long for his first of the season.  Two minutes later Kevin Doyle jinked down the right and stood up an excellent cross for Sigurdarson to nod in from seven yards.  Crawley almost hit back instantly when Adams scuffed wide from 10-yards but it was a brief interruption in Wolves’ early dominance.  The hosts exploited the flanks with Zeli Ismail skinning Sadler before Bakary Sako headed Doyle’s teasing cross wide on 13 minutes.  Crawley recovered, though, and began to frustrate Wolves. And they should have levelled on 23 minutes when Mike Jones’ cross caught the home defence napping and Gary Alexander teed up Walsh six yards out – only for the midfielder to shoot wide.  Buoyed, the visitors Crawley took charge with Wolves failing to impress and Ikeme saved low from Adams.  Kenny Jackett’s men had relaxed since the goal to allow Crawley the chance to fight back with Wolves’ chances now limited.  Sako’s drive was cleared after another Doyle cross but Wolves had lost their way and failed to spark after the break when Ikeme tipped Adams’ skidding drive wide.  Sam Ricketts finally roused the hosts with a rising effort Paul Jones turned over on 49 minutes but it was a rare moment of excitement. Crawley continued to impress with Wolves wasteful in possession – but they should have gone 2-0 ahead on 61 minutes.  Davis slipped the ball wide to Ismail who burst through and crossed for the unmarked Sigurdarson only for the striker to weakly slide in to Jones’ hands.  Sako’s free kick was then beaten away by Jones but Crawley were still pressing, even if they failed to create clear chances.  Wolves improved and Ismail tested Jones with a cross-shot after Kevin McDonald and Leigh Griffiths had been introduced on 72 minutes.  Mike Jones was inches away from levelling 90 seconds later when his 30-yard effort whistled over.  And Crawley looked like they had snatched a deserved point in stoppage time when Clarke fired low past Ikeme from 15-yards.  But Wolves won it immediately after when debutant McDonald’s cross was handled by McFadzean and Griffiths smashed in the penalty.

Beeb

Leigh Griffiths's injury-time penalty gave Wolves a dramatic victory just moments after Crawley forward Billy Clarke looked to have stolen a point.  Bjorn Sigurdarson headed Kevin Doyle's left-wing cross home on seven minutes and Wolves looked set for victory.  But Clarke drilled home from inside the area to level the scores before Kyle McFadzean was adjudged to have blocked Kevin McDonald's cross with his arm.  Griffiths lashed into the bottom corner to send Wolves top of League One.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Crawley Town manager Richie Barker told BBC Radio Surrey:

"I'm disappointed because we should have seen it through. We were on top for quite a while and played some really good stuff.  Obviously we've come away with no points but hopefully we've shown the nation that we can play and do things the right way. I've seen the penalty incident and it may have struck his arm. We've had a lot of meetings with the League Managers Association and the referees over the last few weeks where they talked about how if nobody is making an attempt to make themselves bigger, which Kyle [McFadzean] isn't, it's tough to see unless you really slow it down. I spoke to the players at half-time and I did believe that they paid them too much respect [to Wolves] at the start of the game.  I was a bit worried after 10 minutes but we improved and looked a little bit more secure [than in previous games] and because of the way we play there are always going to be opportunities."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (4) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 05 Stearman 06 Batth Booked 18 Ricketts  08 Davis 10 Sako 14 Evans (McDonald - 73' ) 15 Sigurdarson (Griffiths - 72' ) 21 Ismail (Elokobi - 90' ) 29 Doyle Booked Substitutes 31 McCarey 03 Elokobi 11 McDonald 12 Forde 19 Price 09 Griffiths 16 Cassidy

Crawley Town

01 P Jones 03 Sadler  05 McFadzean  11 Simpson 12 Walsh (Connolly - 70' ) 10 Drury (Rooney - 78' ) 15 Bulman (Proctor - 78' ) 16 Adams Booked 21 M Jones 07 Clarke 09 Alexander Booked Substitutes 25 Maddison 02 Hurst

04 Connolly 06 Essam 08 Torres 18 Rooney 14 Proctor

Ref: Hooper Att: 17,406

MATCH STATS

Shots 11 14

On target 5 3

Corners 9 9

Fouls 12 6

Live Text Commentary

 90:00 +15:12 Full Time

The final whistle goes and the game is over. 90:00 +6:17 Matt Doherty manages to make a clearance. 90:00 +6:14 Shot by Jamie Proctor went wide of the left-hand post. 90:00 +6:10 The ball is sent over by Michael Jones. 90:00 +6:05 Nicky Adams takes the free kick. 90:00 +6:04 Free kick crossed by Nicky Adams. 90:00 +5:45 Booking for Danny Batth for unsporting behaviour. 90:00 +5:45 Booking 90:00 +5:27 Foul by Danny Batth on Jamie Proctor, free kick awarded. 90:00 +4:57 Clearance by Luke Rooney. 90:00 +4:52 George Elokobi makes a clearance. 90:00 +4:28 George Elokobi comes on in place of Zeli Ismail. 90:00 +3:17 Goal scoredGoal - Leigh Griffiths - Wolves 2 - 1 Crawley

Leigh Griffiths scores a penalty. Wolverhampton 2-1 Crawley Town. 90:00 +2:19 Booking for Nicky Adams. 90:00 +2:19 Booking 90:00 +1:52 Handball by Kyle McFadzean. 90:00 +1:48 The ball is crossed by Kevin McDonald. 90:00 +0:28 Assist by Jamie Proctor. 90:00 +0:28 Goal scored Goal - Billy Clarke - Wolves 1 - 1 Crawley

Billy Clarke scores with a left foot finish. Wolverhampton 1-1 Crawley Town. 90:00 +0:14 Clearance by Mat Sadler.  89:31 Shot by Bakary Sako went wide right of the post. 89:20 Clearance by Mat Sadler. 88:14 Shot by Zeli Ismail went over the crossbar. 87:16 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 87:13 The ball is swung over by Nicky Adams. 86:36 Clearance by Bakary Sako. 85:41 Clearance made by Michael Jones. 85:36 Clearance by Kyle McFadzean. 85:32 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 85:05 Luke Rooney challenges David Davis unfairly and gives away a free kick. 84:15 Header at goal by Gary Alexander to the left of the net. 84:13 Corner from the taken by Nicky Adams. 83:49 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 83:47 The ball is sent over by Josh Simpson. 83:16 Nicky Adams decides to take a short corner. 83:06 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 83:00 The ball is sent over by Billy Clarke. 82:34 The ball is swung over by Nicky Adams. 82:12 The ball is sent over by Kevin McDonald. 82:05 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 80:52 Clearance by Josh Simpson. 80:30 Jamie Proctor makes a clearance. 80:05 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 80:01 Free kick taken by Paul Jones. 79:52 Kevin Doyle goes into the book for persistent infringement. 79:52 Booking 79:36 Michael Jones fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. 78:49 Paul Jones restarts play with the free kick. 78:33 Leigh Griffiths challenges Mark Connolly unfairly and gives away a free kick. 78:27 Centre by Kevin Doyle. 78:12 Clearance by Mat Sadler. 78:11 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 77:49 Dannie Bulman goes off and Jamie Proctor comes on. 77:36 Andy Drury leaves the field to be replaced by Luke Rooney. 77:30 Booking for Andy Drury for unsporting behaviour. 77:30 Booking 77:01 Andy Drury challenges Zeli Ismail unfairly and gives away a free kick. 76:51 Samuel Ricketts makes a clearance. 76:48 Free kick taken by Mat Sadler. 76:01 Unfair challenge on Nicky Adams by Kevin Doyle results in a free kick. 75:56 Matt Doherty manages to make a clearance. 75:51 Corner taken by Andy Drury. 74:58 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 75:36 Corner taken short by Gary Alexander. 75:26 Kyle McFadzean takes a shot. Matt Doherty gets a block in. 75:01 Clearance by Bakary Sako. 74:54 Corner taken by Andy Drury. 74:31 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 74:23 Clearance by Kyle McFadzean. 73:59 Michael Jones takes a shot and went wide of the right hand post. 73:56 Short corner taken by Andy Drury from the left by-line. 73:35 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 73:31 Nicky Adams crosses the ball in from the free kick. 72:53 Richard Stearman challenges Nicky Adams unfairly and gives away a free kick. 72:39 Clearance made by Richard Stearman. 72:29 Leigh Griffiths delivers the ball. 72:26 Clearance by Paul Jones. 72:25 The ball is sent over by Zeli Ismail. 72:04 Lee Evans leaves the field to be replaced by Kevin McDonald. 71:46 Substitution Leigh Griffiths comes on in place of Bjorn Sigurdarson. 71:24 Nicky Adams has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target. 71:01 Clearance by Josh Simpson. 69:49 Joe Walsh leaves the field to be replaced by Mark Connolly. 66:39 A cross is delivered by Josh Simpson. 64:29 Gary Alexander manages to make a clearance. 64:28 Clearance by Dannie Bulman. 64:27 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 63:47 Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Bakary Sako. Paul Jones parries the ball away. 62:48 Booking 62:48 Caution for Gary Alexander. 62:45 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Gary Alexander. 61:53 Nicky Adams crosses the ball. 61:31 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Paul Jones makes a block. 61:12 Dannie Bulman delivers the ball. 61:00 Clearance made by Richard Stearman. 60:57 The ball is crossed by Gary Alexander. 60:34 Samuel Ricketts manages to make a clearance. 59:37 Zeli Ismail sends in a cross. 59:29 Clearance made by Dannie Bulman. 59:28 Header by Bakary Sako goes to the left of the goal. 59:26 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail from the left by-line. 57:01 Clearance by Michael Jones. 56:14 Paul Jones restarts play with the free kick. 55:55 Kevin Doyle concedes a free kick for a foul on Dannie Bulman. 55:52 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail. 55:19 Joe Walsh makes a clearance. 54:06 Clearance by Zeli Ismail. 53:47 Samuel Ricketts sends in a cross. 51:57 Kevin Doyle is caught offside. 50:28 Michael Jones takes the free kick. 50:13 Foul by Zeli Ismail on Nicky Adams, free kick awarded. 50:00 Clearance by Kyle McFadzean. 49:33 Clearance by Michael Jones. 49:32 Clearance made by Dannie Bulman. 49:31 The ball is swung over by Matt Doherty. 49:27 Short corner taken by Bakary Sako from the right by-line. 48:56 Samuel Ricketts has an effort at goal. Paul Jones parries the ball away. 48:49 Joe Walsh manages to make a clearance. 48:48 David Davis produces a cross. 48:04 Clearance by Josh Simpson. 48:02 Matt Doherty produces a cross. 47:20 Samuel Ricketts makes a clearance. 47:16 Free kick crossed by Mat Sadler. 46:40 Lee Evans gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Billy Clarke. 46:30 Andy Drury decides to take the corner short. 45:56 Nicky Adams takes a shot. A parry by Carl Ikeme prevents the goal. 45:34 Michael Jones takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand post. 45:01 The referee blows the whistle to start the second half. 45:00 +1:10

Half Time

The referee calls an end to the first half. 45:00 +0:49 Josh Simpson manages to make a clearance. 45:00 +0:29 Clearance made by Richard Stearman. 45:00 +0:27 Clearance by Nicky Adams. 45:00 +0:27 Clearance by Samuel Ricketts. 44:33 Paul Jones takes the free kick. 44:11 Zeli Ismail challenges Billy Clarke unfairly and gives away a free kick. 44:05 Clearance by Josh Simpson. 43:27 Gary Alexander manages to make a clearance. 43:24 Corner from the left by-line taken by Zeli Ismail. 42:59 Kyle McFadzean makes a clearance. 42:59 Zeli Ismail sends in a cross. 41:22 Clearance by Dannie Bulman. 41:03 Lee Evans decides to take a short corner. 40:41 Clearance by Kyle McFadzean. 40:41 Bakary Sako has an effort at goal. Kyle McFadzean gets a block in. 40:38 Clearance by Michael Jones. 40:36 Kevin Doyle delivers the ball. 39:08 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 38:55 David Davis takes the free kick. 38:34 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Dannie Bulman. 38:17 Richard Stearman manages to make a clearance. 38:12 Gary Alexander has an effort at goal. Danny Batth gets a block in. 38:12 Josh Simpson produces a cross. 37:46 Free kick taken by Joe Walsh. 37:14 Lee Evans concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Jones. 36:46 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 36:15 Gary Alexander is caught offside. 35:58 Clearance by Danny Batth. 35:55 Mat Sadler delivers the ball. 35:48 The ball is sent over by Josh Simpson. 35:05 Dannie Bulman restarts play with the free kick. 34:48 Handball by Lee Evans. 34:18 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 33:22 Nicky Adams takes a shot. Carl Ikeme parries the effort to safety. 32:35 Josh Simpson restarts play with the free kick. 32:17 Foul by David Davis on Nicky Adams, free kick awarded. 31:59 The ball is delivered by Billy Clarke. 31:41 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 30:59 Free kick crossed by Bakary Sako. 30:29 Unfair challenge on David Davis by Andy Drury results in a free kick. 30:13 Mat Sadler manages to make a clearance. 30:09 A cross is delivered by Bakary Sako. 29:40 The ball is crossed by Bakary Sako. 29:20 David Davis takes the free kick. 29:04 Joe Walsh concedes a free kick for a foul on Bjorn Sigurdarson. 28:14 Josh Simpson manages to make a clearance. 27:23 Billy Clarke takes a shot and went wide left of the net. 26:15 Zeli Ismail makes a clearance. 25:27 Zeli Ismail crosses the ball. 25:26 Mat Sadler makes a clearance. 24:06 Free kick taken by Paul Jones. 23:46 Billy Clarke fouled by David Davis, the ref awards a free kick. 23:43 Kevin Doyle has an effort at goal. Blocked by Joe Walsh. 23:24 Clearance by Andy Drury. 22:29 Joe Walsh takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand upright. 22:26 Centre by Michael Jones. 22:15 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 22:11 Corner taken by Andy Drury. 21:44 Gary Alexander takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Samuel Ricketts gets a block in. 18:30 Clearance made by Bakary Sako. 18:28 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 18:26 Centre by Nicky Adams. 17:23 The ball is swung over by Lee Evans. 15:38 Paul Jones restarts play with the free kick. 15:12 The offside flag is raised against Bjorn Sigurdarson. 13:28 Header at goal by Bakary Sako misses to the right. 13:26 Centre by Kevin Doyle. 12:32 Lee Evans manages to make a clearance. 12:29 Andy Drury delivers the ball. 11:51 Samuel Ricketts manages to make a clearance. 11:44 Kyle McFadzean manages to make a clearance. 11:41 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 11:17 Kyle McFadzean makes a clearance. 11:16 Zeli Ismail delivers the ball. 10:03 Josh Simpson manages to make a clearance. 9:17 Clearance by Mat Sadler. 9:16 Bakary Sako delivers the ball. 8:21 Nicky Adams takes a weak shot and went wide left of the target. 8:20 Centre by Mat Sadler. 7:24 Mat Sadler manages to make a clearance. 7:21 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 6:32 Assist on the goal came from Kevin Doyle. 6:32 Goal scored l - Bjorn Sigurdarson - Wolves 1 - 0 Crawley Bjorn Sigurdarson scores a headed goal. Wolverhampton 1-0 Crawley Town. 6:05 Billy Clarke manages to make a clearance. 5:16 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 4:48 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes the chance to get an effort at goal. A parry by Paul Jones prevents the goal. 4:46 Centre by Lee Evans. 3:29 Kyle McFadzean makes a clearance. 3:29 The ball is sent over by Kevin Doyle. 2:01 The ball is swung over by Josh Simpson. 1:42 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 1:38 Corner from the right by-line taken by Andy Drury. 0:00 The game begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Wolves' latest signing, midfielder Kevin McDonald, could make his full debut following his arrival from League One rivals Sheffield United. Joe Walsh has scored three times in as many league games for Crawley.  Wolves pair Bakary Sako and Leigh Griffiths have both hit two goals in back-to-back wins  Boss Kenny Jackett must decide whether to change a winning team after two straight victories put them third.

Crawley manager Richie Barker has no injury worries ahead of his side's first-ever league meeting with Wolves.

Winger Luke Rooney is still awaiting his first start after joining on loan from Swindon Town earlier this month.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Wolves manager Kenny Jackett told BBC WM:

"It's early days. I'm very pleased to have got seven points from our first three games, but you have to judge any start on 10 matches.  We'll have a more of assessment as to where we are by then,  Crawley are a very good footballing side. If you let them, they can pass and create.  We'll respect them but, after that, it's really about what we want to do. It's our home game and we're looking for attacking performances that bring our crowd into play."

Crawley Town manager Richie Barker told BBC Sussex:

"Three years ago, there were about five divisions between the teams and I am sure it is one the fans will enjoy.  For Crawley to be competing at Wolves, we have come a hell of a long way.  Kenny Jackett is a very good manager who has got teams out of this division before. I am sure he will do a good job despite the fact people have to move on.  The players will thrive on playing there, but we will enjoy it if we go there and compete."

  

3 Tuesday17th August 15:00 Bristol City 1 (Emmanuel-Thomas 53) v Wolves 2 (Sako 22 Doherty 85)

Matt Doherty struck a late winner as Wolves maintained their unbeaten start to the League One season with victory at Bristol City.  Wolves dominated the first half and went ahead when Bakary Sako curled in a left footed free-kick from 25 yards.  Richard Stearman's slip allowed Sam Baldock to set up Jay Emmanuel-Thomas to side-foot home the equaliser.  But with time running out Doherty popped up at the far post to scramble home Sako's cross.

Kevin MacDonald makes his debut after Doherty's goal with 5 to go.

and the E&S says http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2013/08/17/match-report-bristol-city-1-wolves-2/

See also Doherty’s comment on Doyler in the Telegraph Wolves' hero against Bristol City Matt Doherty knows Kevin Doyle would leave a huge hole should he leave  and an interesting article in the Guardian from Brian Restall http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/aug/18/kenny-jackett-wolves-bristol-city

Wolves made it seven points out of nine with a deserved victory over Bristol City in driving rain at Ashton Gate.  Bakary Sako’s 22nd-minute free kick – his second successive goal - gave the visitors the lead before he turned provider to set up Matt Doherty’s 85th-minute winner.  And Wolves were reminded just how important Sako and Kevin Doyle are after excellent performances, particularly from the latter.   City’s equaliser came from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas after a mistake by Richard Stearman on 53. It was the first conceded by Wolves in the league under head coach Kenny Jackett, from 233 minutes of play.  Not surprisingly, Jackett named an unchanged team from last week’s 4-0 win against Gillingham.  That meant new signing Kevin McDonald started his Wolves career on the bench, where he was one of three changes with Aaron McCarey and George Elokobi in for Wayne Hennessey, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Liam McAlinden.  Inspired by the outstanding Doyle, Wolves, wearing their all-purple away kit, dominated the first half and were more convincing than their one-goal interval lead, with Bristol City keeper Frank Fielding the busiest man on the pitch.  Leigh Griffiths was first to try his luck in the sixth minute when he turned and fired a left-foot drive from 30 yards which Fielding parried away.  Three minutes later, Sako then lashed a shot straight into the keeper’s chest after cutting inside.  There was an isolated opening for City in the 21st minute when the ball was worked into a central position for Jordan Wynter but the on-loan Arsenal midfielder blazed well over the bar from 20 yards. But Wolves, who forced seven first-half corners, returned to the attack and Griffiths saw a header deflected over from close range from Sako’s flag-kick in the 29th minute.  Within 60 seconds, Danny Batth headed wide at the far post from another Sako corner. Doyle showed his confidence when he flicked the ball up and launched a volley from 35 yards on 37, forcing Fielding into an acrobatic save.  The Ireland international remained in the thick of things and saw another effort, this time a low drive, deflected wide off Brendan Moloney as Wolves controlled proceedings.  After Wolves forced two corners at the start of the second period, it was their turn to defend – and they ended up conceding for the first time in the league this season.  Sloppy work from Richard Stearman saw the defender committed and lose out to Sam Baldock, who cross for Thomas to calmly sidefoot the ball home from 12 yards out.  The goal completely changed the game and for a period, Wolves were hanging on as City took their cue to attack.  Baldock forced a flying save from Carl Ikeme then the keeper got a touch to the rebound blazed over following a loose ball after Stearman trapped a wayward shot in the 64th minute. Then Aden Flint sent a diving header wide from point-blank range from Thomas’s cross.  Wolves brought Bjorn Sigurdarson and Jake Cassidy on for Zeli Ismail and Griffiths, who had had a quiet game after his initial shot.  And the pair added power and energy to curb what had been a purple patch from the home side for the opening 15 minutes or so from the equaliser.  Wolves gradually worked their way back into the game, and after shots from Sako, Lee Evans and Davis were all blocked, the visitors grabbed the winner.  Doherty was the scorer, makeng a superb run to latch onto Sako’s cross to volley an angled effort beyond Fielding.  The ball hit the underside of the bar and went in off defender Aden Flint under pressure from Doyle running in.  The Irishman is clearly in the goals after his double for Ireland Under-21s against the Faroe Islands in midweek.  Wolves, who handed a late debut to McDonald in the 86th minute for Doyle, had little trouble hanging on at the death, despite the four minutes of added time.  And they could have made it more emphatic, but Cassidy could only lob wide of an open goal from four yards out after cleverly lifting the ball over Fielding..

Live Text Commentary

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (5) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Bristol City

01 Fielding 02 Moloney Booked 03 Williams Booked 05 Flint 17 Cunningham (Harewood - 88' ) 08 Kilkenny (Bryan -  5' ) 10 Emmanuel-Thomas 11 Wagstaff 16 Wynter 21 Pack (Elliott - 61' ) 09 Baldock Substitutes 13 Parish 04 Fontaine 14 Reid 25 Elliott 27 Burns 15 Bryan 23 Harewood

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty Booked 05 Stearman 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 08 Davis Booked 10 Sako 14 Evans 21 Ismail (Cassidy - 65' ) 09 Griffiths (Sigurdarson - 65' Booked ) 29 Doyle (McDonald - 87' ) Substitutes 31 McCarey 03 Elokobi 32 Foley 11 McDonald 15 Sigurdarson 19 Price 16 Cassidy

Ref: Sheldrake Att: 14,393

MATCH STATS

90mins

Bristol City  Wolverhampton Wanderers

Possession 47%53%

Shots1113

On target 3 8

Corners711

Fouls911

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +4:13 Full time

The game is over, as the referee blows the whistle. 90:00 +2:12 Header at goal by Marlon Harewood misses to the right. 90:00 +2:00 Corner from the right by-line taken by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 90:00 +0:52 Shot by Jake Cassidy went over the net. 89:44 Joe Bryan takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 88:50 Free kick taken by Brendan Moloney.  88:31 The referee blows for offside against Jake Cassidy. 87:37 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas takes a shot and goes over the bar. 87:30 Derrick Williams takes the free kick. 87:14 Bristol City makes a substitution, with Marlon Harewood coming on for Greg Cunningham. 86:59 Kevin McDonald is brought on as a substitute for Kevin Doyle. 84:52 Matt Doherty goes into the referee's book for leaving the field of play without the referee's permission. 84:52 Bakary Sako provided the assist for the goal. 84:28 Goal scored

Goal - Matt Doherty - Bristol C 1 - 2 Wolves

Matt Doherty scores with a right foot finish. Bristol City 1-2 Wolverhampton. 84:18 Shot by Lee Evans. 84:00 Brendan Moloney makes a clearance. 83:58 Bakary Sako sends in a cross. 83:41 Aden Flint manages to make a clearance. 83:37 Bakary Sako delivers the ball. 82:32 Clearance by Greg Cunningham. 82:28 Kevin Doyle delivers the ball. 81:56 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick.  81:46 Marvin Elliott concedes a free kick for a foul on Danny Batth. 81:35 Free kick crossed by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 80:52 Brendan Moloney fouled by Bakary Sako, the ref awards a free kick. 78:30 Jordan Wynter has an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target. 78:18 Clearance by David Davis. 78:05 Corner from the left by-line taken by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 77:47 Clearance made by Matt Doherty. 77:43 A cross is delivered by Brendan Moloney. 77:36 Clearance by Danny Batth. 77:33 The ball is delivered by Greg Cunningham. 75:22 Free kick taken by Richard Stearman. 75:13 Booking for Brendan Moloney. 75:07 Unfair challenge on Jake Cassidy by Brendan Moloney results in a free kick. 74:50 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 74:40 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas crosses the ball in from the free kick. 74:29 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Doyle on Marvin Elliott. 73:56 A cross is delivered by Joe Bryan. 71:49 Frank Fielding takes the free kick. 71:22 Marvin Elliott fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick.  70:16 The ball is swung over by Bakary Sako. 69:17 Frank Fielding takes the free kick. 69:04 Jake Cassidy is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 68:44 Shot by Matt Doherty. A parry by Frank Fielding prevents the goal. 68:35 Bakary Sako produces a cross. 68:18 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 68:14 A cross is delivered by Scott Wagstaff. 68:05 Free kick taken by Frank Fielding. 67:29 Unfair challenge on Jay Emmanuel-Thomas by Danny Batth results in a free kick. 67:19 Corner from the left by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 67:08 Aden Flint makes a clearance. 67:00 The ball is delivered by Bakary Sako. 66:45 The ball is sent over by Matt Doherty. 65:53 Kevin Doyle manages to make a clearance. 65:33 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas crosses the ball in from the free kick. 65:20  Bjorn Sigurdarson is shown a yellow card. 65:11 Free kick awarded for a foul by Bjorn Sigurdarson on Joe Bryan. 64:31 Zeli Ismail leaves the field to be replaced by Jake Cassidy. 64:19 Wolves make a substitution, with Bjorn Sigurdarson coming on for Leigh Griffiths. 63:47 Header by Aden Flint goes to the left of the goal. 63:33 Corner from the left by-line taken by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 63:17 Sam Baldock has an effort at goal. Carl Ikeme turns it away with a finger tip save. 63:00 Corner taken by Scott Wagstaff. 62:15 Sam Baldock fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick. 62:10 Scott Wagstaff crosses the ball in from the free kick. 61:59 61:59 David Davis is shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour. 61:31 Scott Wagstaff fouled by David Davis, the ref awards a free kick. 60:07 Substitution Marvin Elliott replaces Marlon Pack. 59:42 Frank Fielding takes the free kick. 59:14 The assistant referee signals for offside against Leigh Griffiths. 58:54 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 58:34 Matt Doherty fouled by Marlon Pack, the ref awards a free kick. 57:41 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 57:37 The ball is crossed by Brendan Moloney. 57:30 Clearance made by Samuel Ricketts. 57:24 Corner from the right by-line taken by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 57:04 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 56:58 Centre by Joe Bryan. 56:33 Frank Fielding takes the free kick. 56:25 The referee blows for offside against Kevin Doyle. 56:04 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 55:43 Unfair challenge on David Davis by Greg Cunningham results in a free kick. 52:34 Assist on the goal came from Sam Baldock. 52:34 Goal scored  Goal - Jay Emmanuel-Thomas - Bristol C 1 - 1 Wolves Jay Emmanuel-Thomas slots the ball left footed into the goal. Bristol City 1-1 Wolverhampton. 51:56 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 51:51 The ball is delivered by Joe Bryan. 50:06 Free kick taken by Frank Fielding. 49:48 Bakary Sako challenges Brendan Moloney unfairly and gives away a free kick. 48:55 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 48:47 Clearance by Derrick Williams. 48:43 The ball is delivered by Matt Doherty. 47:09 The ball is sent over by Sam Baldock. 46:12 Clearance made by Scott Wagstaff. 46:05 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 45:49 Shot by Lee Evans. 45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.

45:00 +1:09 Half time

The first half comes to an end. 43:37 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 43:14 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Samuel Ricketts by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 41:32 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 41:27 Corner from the left by-line taken by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 41:04 Joe Bryan sends in a cross. 40:23 Samuel Ricketts takes a shot. Frank Fielding catches the ball. 40:12 Greg Cunningham makes a clearance. 40:05 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail from the left by-line. 39:49 Kevin Doyle takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Frank Fielding parries the effort to safety. 38:32 Scott Wagstaff manages to make a clearance. 38:25 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail. 37:51 Bakary Sako delivers the ball. 37:03 Frank Fielding takes the free kick. 36:38 Zeli Ismail gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Greg Cunningham. 36:09 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Frank Fielding parries the ball away. 35:21 Clearance made by Richard Stearman. 35:13 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas crosses the ball in from the free kick. 34:48 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas fouled by Richard Stearman, the ref awards a free kick. 34:41 Frank Fielding restarts play with the free kick. 34:24 Substitution Joe Bryan replaces Neil Kilkenny. 34:07 The referee blows for offside against David Davis. 33:20 Brendan Moloney manages to make a clearance. 33:16 The ball is delivered by Matt Doherty. 33:10 Clearance made by Derrick Williams. 33:05 The ball is sent over by Kevin Doyle. 32:56 Lee Evans takes the free kick. 32:39 Greg Cunningham concedes a free kick for a foul on Matt Doherty. 31:08 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail from the left by-line. 30:56 Centre by Bakary Sako. 30:08 Shot by Neil Kilkenny. Carl Ikeme safely holds on. 29:23 Header at goal by Danny Batth misses to the right. 29:15 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 28:57 Derrick Williams makes a clearance. 28:52 The ball is delivered by Bakary Sako. 27:55 Aden Flint makes a clearance. 27:51 A cross is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 27:38 Clearance made by Aden Flint. 27:31 A cross is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 26:23 Clearance by Aden Flint. 26:20 The ball is swung over by Zeli Ismail. 26:12 Clearance by Brendan Moloney. 26:06 Corner from the left by-line taken by Zeli Ismail. 24:34 Clearance by Derrick Williams. 24:25 The ball is swung over by Zeli Ismail. 23:17 Clearance made by Lee Evans. 23:11 Greg Cunningham crosses the ball in from the free kick. 22:58 Matt Doherty gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Greg Cunningham. 21:41 Goal scored

Goal - Bakary Sako - Bristol C 0 - 1 Wolves

Bakary Sako finds the net with a shot from the free kick. Bristol City 0-1 Wolverhampton. 20:44 Derrick Williams goes into the referee's book. 20:37 Derrick Williams gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. 20:12 Shot by Jordan Wynter cleared the crossbar. 17:55 Bakary Sako crosses the ball. 15:48 Scott Wagstaff manages to make a clearance. 15:43 A cross is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 15:13 Clearance by Samuel Ricketts. 14:46 Short corner taken by Jay Emmanuel-Thomas. 14:34 Centre by Sam Baldock. 14:28 Neil Kilkenny restarts play with the free kick. 14:20 Free kick awarded for a foul by Lee Evans on Jordan Wynter. 13:30 Jay Emmanuel-Thomas takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 12:52 Scott Wagstaff manages to make a clearance. 12:45 Centre by David Davis. 11:28 Aden Flint makes a clearance. 11:24 The ball is delivered by David Davis. 10:56 Zeli Ismail crosses the ball in from the free kick. 10:16 Free kick awarded for a foul by Neil Kilkenny on Kevin Doyle. 9:25 The ball is swung over by Kevin Doyle. 8:19 Bakary Sako takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Frank Fielding makes a block. 8:05 Clearance by Derrick Williams. 7:57 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 7:35 Aden Flint makes a clearance. 7:26 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail. 5:46 Leigh Griffiths takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Frank Fielding parries the effort to safety. 4:20 Free kick taken by Frank Fielding. 3:44 Leigh Griffiths is ruled offside. 2:52 Leigh Griffiths takes a weak shot and missed to the left of the net. 2:43 Corner taken by Zeli Ismail from the left by-line. 2:14 The ball is swung over by Bakary Sako. 0:28 Free kick taken by David Davis. 0:19 Derrick Williams concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. 0:00 The referee gets the match started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Bristol City's Liam Fontaine is a doubt with a rib injury, while fellow defender Louis Carey is still recovering from a dead leg. Stephen Pearson, Ryan Taylor (both ankle) and Liam Kelly (knee) are long-term casualties.

Midfielder Kevin McDonald is poised to make his debut for Wolves. But head coach Kenny Jackett could be tempted to stick with the same starting 11 that defeated Gillingham 4-0 in their last outing.

VIEWS FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Bristol City head coach Sean O'Driscoll told BBC Radio Bristol:

"You don't see many scorelines like you did on Sunday [5-4 defeat by Coventry] so it's a concern for both teams.

"We're in an industry where we play week in, week out. The only certainty in football is you're going to be disappointed. It's business as usual. We're going to look at the things we've done well and look at the things we can do better. We won't get carried away when things don't quite work out for us."    

2 Saturday10th August 15:00 Wolves 4 Gillingham 0

Wolves 4 Griffiths 5′, 68′ (pen) Evans 26′ Sako 31′ Gillingham 0   SKY HIGHLITES VIDEO here

FT 90 +5

HT 3-0 Gillingham   

Waggy Tribute - with the former players lined up on the left wing!  And the @ToasterWolves team rides again

Wolves produced a fine display to demolish Gillingham and register their first win of the League One season.

Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths got the hosts off to the perfect start with a smart finish from the edge of the area, his first for the club.  Lee Evans's strike then doubled the advantage before Bakary Sako's left-footed shot looked to have made the points safe before half-time.  Griffiths netted a penalty after Evans was fouled to complete the scoring.  Charlie Lee's late shot swerved just past the post as Gillingham searched for a consolation, but Martin Allen's side are still without a goal or a point so far this season.

The E&S said

Wolverhampton Wanderers cruised to success with an emphatic 4-0 victory as they gave club legend Dave Wagstaffe a fitting send-off.  Goals from man-of-the-match Leigh Griffiths (two), Lee Evans, and Bakary Sako finally kick-started their season on an emotional afternoon paying tribute to the much-loved former great.

In truth Gillingham were worse than Martin Allen’s red trousers and had Wolves taken more of their chances the visitors would have left with faces brighter than his slacks. But for once there was no complaining in the Black Country - just smiles from the supporters who mocked Allen’s red and white outfit with chants of: ‘Santa, what’s the core?’ at the end.  

For the past two seasons the Molineux masses have suffered with back-to-back relegations and on each of those occasions finished with the worst home record.  Yet on a day when they said goodbye to a gold and black hero - a new one was born.  At worst, Griffiths was immense, at best, he was unplayable.  And he got the ball rolling after just four minutes.  The kick-off was delayed until 3.10pm as thousands of non-season ticket holders turned up on the day to witness the rout.  Some 19,102 packed into the ground and they played a huge part in stoking up the heat at a fired-up Molineux.  

No.9 Griffiths smashed in the opener in style.  Captain Sam Ricketts sent a diagonal ball towards the centre-forward and after superbly controlling it, he swivelled and volleyed into the bottom corner.  That sent his confidence soaring.  Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson had to be on top of his game to tip his fierce effort over the bar just minutes later, but that was only the start,  Richard Stearman then somehow failed to convert Matt Doherty’s cross at the back post as Wolves ploughed forward. Kevin Doyle was the shock name on the team-sheet and was lively as he got the nod up front.  Doing what he does best by holding up the ball and bringing others into play, he really showed his class,  His strike partner Griffiths was the stand-out man, though.  On 14 minutes when Zeli Ismail had wriggled down the right and crossed, the 22-year-old’s subsequent header was deflected wide of the target.  Wolves looked dangerous every time they attacked and they doubled their lead on 24 minutes.  When Griffiths’ shot bobbled off a Gillingham man, Evans was quick to react and poke past Nelson.  Clinical Wolves added a third on the half hour mark.  Ismail broke clear down the right and squared for Sako who almost broke the net with his close-range strike.  It took the Gills 34 minutes to register their first chance on goal.  Danny Kedwell’s long-range effort sailed over the bar and that was pretty much what they were restricted to throughout.  Soon after Griffiths was at it again, forcing another save out of Gills star man Nelson.  Latching onto a loose headed back-pass - and yet another defensive effort - he acrobatically volleyed towards the top-corner but was denied.  As well as his predatory prowess, the Scottish striker also showed a incredible array of passes that he has in his locker.  First he set up Sako before the break with a defence-splitting pass and then a cheeky back-heel after the interval again assisted the wideman. Unfortunately, both times the winger missed the target.  

When Leon Legge brought down Evans in the penalty area on 77 minutes Griffiths bagged his second from the spot.  The South Bank chanted his name in full voice before his penalty kick and he slotted it into the bottom right corner.  pic @johnbray69 at https://twitter.com/johnbray69/status/366225795649257473/photo/1 ,  Wolves had more chances as the Gills wilted but Nelson denied substitute Bjorn Sigurdarson with the pick of the bunch shortly before the final whistle with a fine point-blank save.   While it could have been more, the rout sent out a message to the rest of League One that while they may not want to be there, Wolves are ready to do some serious damage during the time that they are.

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (6)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty (Foley - 89' ) 05 Stearman 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 08 Davis 10 Sako 14 Evans 21 Ismail (Price - 76' ) 09 Griffiths 29 Doyle (Sigurdarson - 64' ) Substitutes 01 Hennessey 23 Ebanks-Landell 32 Foley 15 Sigurdarson 19 Price

16 Cassidy 20 McAlinden

Gillingham

01 Nelson 03 Martin 06 Legge Booked 23 Harryman 26 Barrett 04 Linganzi 11 Weston 12 Gregory Booked (Dack - 55' ) 18 Lee 09 Kedwell (German - 71' ) 10 McDonald (Whelpdale - 57' ) Substitutes 22 Howard 05 Davies 07 Whelpdale 14 Allen 15 Dack 08 Akinfenwa 16 German

Ref: Attwell Att: 19,102

MATCH STATS

Possession 56% 44% 90mins

Wolves   Gillingham

Shots 24 13

On tgt 9   3

Corners 10 2

Fouls     5 13

Live Text  Commentary

90:00 +4:07 Full Time

The final whistle is blown by the referee. 90:00 +2:29 Shot by Lee Evans went wide right of the target. 90:00 +2:18 Shot by Lee Evans. 90:00 +2:05 Corner taken by Bakary Sako from the . 90:00 +1:31 Leon Legge makes a clearance. 90:00 +1:25 The ball is crossed by David Davis. 90:00 +1:03 Clearance by Leon Legge. 90:00 +0:58 Kevin Foley produces a cross. 90:00 +0:22 Free kick taken by Amine Linganzi. 90:00 +0:09 Foul by David Davis on Amine Linganzi, free kick awarded. 89:24 Charlie Lee crosses the ball. 88:44 Leon Legge manages to make a clearance. 88:41 Corner from the taken by Leigh Griffiths. 88:06 SubstitutionKevin Foley is brought on as a substitute for Matt Doherty. 87:38 Bjorn Sigurdarson has an effort at goal. 87:04 Clearance made by Adam Barrett. 86:35 Charlie Lee takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 83:36 Adam Barrett makes a clearance. 83:32 The ball is swung over by Leigh Griffiths. 82:40 Samuel Ricketts takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net.  79:58 Free kick taken by Amine Linganzi. 79:45 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Charlie Lee by David Davis. 79:07 Shot by Chris Whelpdale went wide left of the target. 77:04 Bakary Sako crosses the ball. 76:46 Headed chance falls to Antonio German. Carl Ikeme safely holds on. 76:05 Joe Martin manages to make a clearance. 76:02 A cross is delivered by Jack Price. 75:40 Bjorn Sigurdarson takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the right of the goal. 75:26 Substitution Jack Price comes on in place of Zeli Ismail. 75:12 Free kick taken by Danny Batth. 74:58 Antonio German gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Danny Batth. 73:23 Leigh Griffiths has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 73:08 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 73:04 Myles Weston crosses the ball. 72:39 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 72:35 Myles Weston crosses the ball in from the free kick. 72:17 Foul by Danny Batth on Charlie Lee, free kick awarded. 71:05 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 71:01 Chris Whelpdale is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 70:45 Bradley Dack crosses the ball. 70:20 Substitution, with Antonio German coming on for Danny Kedwell. 70:08 A cross is delivered by Chris Whelpdale. 69:48 Stuart Nelson restarts play with the free kick. 69:35 Leigh Griffiths is flagged offside by the assistant referee. 69:22 Stuart Nelson takes the free kick. 68:53 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Joe Martin by Bjorn Sigurdarson. 67:47 Goal scored

Goal - Leigh Griffiths - Wolves 4 - 0 Gillingham

Leigh Griffiths scores a penalty. Wolverhampton 4-0 Gillingham. 67:13 Booking 67:13 Leon Legge is shown a yellow card. 66:54 Unfair challenge on Lee Evans by Leon Legge results in a Penalty. 66:27 Clearance made by Leon Legge. 66:22 The ball is sent over by Bakary Sako. 65:55 David Davis restarts play with the free kick. 65:44 Unfair challenge on Zeli Ismail by Bradley Dack results in a free kick. 64:44 Bradley Dack has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the goal. 63:40 Substitution Kevin Doyle leaves the field to be replaced by Bjorn Sigurdarson. 62:00 Amine Linganzi delivers the ball. 61:34 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 59:46 Chris Whelpdale has an effort at goal. Carl Ikeme catches the ball. 59:09 Clearance made by Leon Legge. 58:57 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 58:46 Shot by Matt Doherty. 58:30 Clearance made by Adam Barrett. 58:24 Kevin Doyle heads at goal. 58:15 A cross is delivered by Bakary Sako. 57:49 Adam Barrett manages to make a clearance. 57:31 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 57:22 Bradley Dack gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matt Doherty. 56:38 Substitution Chris Whelpdale comes on in place of Cody McDonald. 55:52 Corner from the right by-line taken by Leigh Griffiths. 55:00 Shot by Bakary Sako missed to the left of the net. 54:08 SubstitutionSteven Gregory leaves the field to be replaced by Bradley Dack. 52:12 Matt Doherty sends in a cross. 51:06 The ball is delivered by Matt Doherty. 50:36 Centre by Leigh Griffiths. 50:25 Bakary Sako crosses the ball. 49:38 The ball is crossed by Kevin Doyle. 49:13 Danny Kedwell has an effort at goal. 47:26 Lee Evans restarts play with the free kick. 47:19 Booking 47:19 Steven Gregory receives a caution for unsporting behaviour. 47:11 Matt Doherty fouled by Steven Gregory, the ref awards a free kick. 46:42 Michael Harriman takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 45:52 Corner taken by Myles Weston. 45:01 The referee blows the whistle to start the second half. 45:00 +2:07 Half time

Half Time

The referee calls an end to the first half. 45:00 +1:52 Leigh Griffiths takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Stuart Nelson parries the ball away. 45:00 +1:34 Clearance made by Richard Stearman. 45:00 +1:05 Free kick taken by Stuart Nelson. 45:00 +0:52 The referee blows for offside against Leigh Griffiths. 45:00 +0:45 Carl Ikeme makes a clearance. 45:00 +0:41 Myles Weston crosses the ball. 44:15 Charlie Lee takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand upright. 44:06 Danny Kedwell crosses the ball. 43:28 Shot by Bakary Sako went wide left of the target. 43:09 Stuart Nelson takes the free kick. 42:39 The referee blows for offside against Zeli Ismail. 42:18 Free kick taken by David Davis. 42:05 Amine Linganzi challenges Lee Evans unfairly and gives away a free kick. 41:58 Stuart Nelson restarts play with the free kick. 41:35 The assistant referee signals for offside against Lee Evans. 41:12 Adam Barrett manages to make a clearance. 41:07 Corner taken by Lee Evans. 40:50 The ball is crossed by Bakary Sako. 40:21 David Davis restarts play with the free kick. 40:06 Free kick awarded for a foul by Leon Legge on Kevin Doyle. 38:39 Header by Richard Stearman misses left. 38:29 Corner from the right by-line taken by Bakary Sako. 38:17 Corner from the taken by Bakary Sako. 37:47 Leigh Griffiths takes a shot. Stuart Nelson parries the effort to safety. 37:07 The ball is delivered by Bakary Sako. 36:54 Leon Legge manages to make a clearance. 36:50 Kevin Doyle delivers the ball. 36:40 Adam Barrett makes a clearance. 36:33 Bakary Sako crosses the ball. 35:56 Clearance by Carl Ikeme. 35:40 Myles Weston crosses the ball. 35:25 Cody McDonald takes a shot. 35:00 Zeli Ismail restarts play with the free kick. 34:51 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matt Doherty by Danny Kedwell. 34:22 Danny Kedwell takes a shot and goes harmlessly over the bar. 32:55 Leigh Griffiths sends in a cross. 32:00 Richard Stearman restarts play with the free kick. 31:44 Foul by Cody McDonald on Samuel Ricketts, free kick awarded. 30:47 Assist by Zeli Ismail. 30:47 Goal scored

Goal - Bakary Sako - Wolves 3 - 0 Gillingham

Bakary Sako scores a left footed goal. Wolverhampton 3-0 Gillingham. 29:48 The ball is delivered by Samuel Ricketts. 29:25 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 29:11 Foul by Cody McDonald on Richard Stearman, free kick awarded. 29:00 Stuart Nelson takes the free kick. 28:50 Richard Stearman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Danny Kedwell. 28:28 Clearance made by Carl Ikeme. 28:03 The ball is crossed by Michael Harriman. 27:25 Shot by Zeli Ismail missed to the right of the target. 27:02 David Davis takes the free kick. 26:56 Unfair challenge on Samuel Ricketts by Amine Linganzi results in a free kick. 25:56 The official flags Zeli Ismail offside. 25:45 Adam Barrett manages to make a clearance. 25:35 Corner from the taken by Lee Evans. 25:22 A cross is delivered by Samuel Ricketts. 25:02 Goal scored

Goal - Lee Evans - Wolves 2 - 0 Gillingham

Lee Evans grabs a goal with a right foot finish. Wolverhampton 2-0 Gillingham. 22:02 Carl Ikeme takes the free kick. 21:46 The assistant referee signals for offside against Cody McDonald. 21:20 Shot by Kevin Doyle. 20:57 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 20:33 Kevin Doyle makes a clearance. 20:12 Corner taken by Myles Weston. 19:14 Shot by Bakary Sako went wide of the right-hand post. 18:36 Myles Weston takes a shot. 16:49 Amine Linganzi takes a shot and missed to the right of the goal. 16:40 Clearance by Richard Stearman. 15:00 Leigh Griffiths gets a header at goal. Leigh Griffiths takes a shot. A parry by Stuart Nelson prevents the goal. 14:54 Lee Evans produces a cross. 14:09 Steven Gregory takes a shot. A parry by Carl Ikeme prevents the goal. 14:01 Carl Ikeme manages to make a clearance. 12:54 Danny Batth makes a clearance. 10:56 Matt Doherty produces a cross. 10:13 Leigh Griffiths takes the chance to get an effort at goal. 10:06 Clearance by Adam Barrett. 9:53 Corner taken by Lee Evans from the left by-line. 8:38 Kevin Doyle takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 7:08 Leon Legge makes a clearance. 7:00 Corner taken by Lee Evans from the left by-line. 6:34 Bakary Sako produces a cross. 6:04 Free kick taken by David Davis. 5:54 Charlie Lee concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. 5:40 Steven Gregory sends in a cross. 4:10 Assist on the goal came from Samuel Ricketts. 4:10 Goal scored

Goal - Leigh Griffiths - Wolves 1 - 0 Gillingham

Leigh Griffiths grabs a goal with a left foot finish. Wolverhampton 1-0 Gillingham. 3:30 The ball is swung over by Charlie Lee. 3:23 Leon Legge makes a clearance. 3:12 A cross is delivered by Samuel Ricketts. 1:58 Shot from the free kick by Bakary Sako went wide of the right-hand post. 1:14 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Adam Barrett results in a free kick. 0:30 The ball is sent over by Michael Harriman. 0:00 The game kicks-off. LESS LIVE TEXT

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Wolves captain Sam Ricketts and forward Bjorn Sigurdarson missed Tuesday's League Cup defeat by Morecambe through illness but have returned to training. Bakary Sako (groin), Richard Stearman (hamstring) and George Elokobi (groin) are also in recovery and could make a return to the side.

Gillingham have concerns over striker Adebayo Akinfenwa (ankle) and centre-back Adam Barrett (leg). Midfielders Charlie Allen and Charlie Lee (both foot) are also doubts. Right-back Matt Fish (cruciate ligament) will be a long-term absentee.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Gillingham manager Martin Allen told BBC Radio Kent:

"I suppose it's exciting. I don't think any of us can hide from the fact they are a big club with some good players and a fantastic history.  When you get promoted these are the sort of games you look for. The pressure is all on them. Who is expecting us to go and get anything from Wolverhampton Wanderers?  It's just about turning up. Eighteen months ago they were in the Premier League and we were in League Two."

Capital One Cup 1st Round Morecambe 1 (Williams) Wolves 0

Concentrate on the league?

Danny Batth captains the side with a Davies black eye.  Ryan Williams's superb free-kick saw Morecambe secure a shock over Wolves in the first round of the Capital One Cup. During a lacklustre first half, Wolves right-back Matt Doherty came closest when his effort hit the post.  Leigh Griffiths and Zeli Ismail then both hit the woodwork for the visitors in quick succession after the break as the League One side exerted pressure. But midfielder Williams curled home a wonderful free-kick into the top corner to give the Shrimps a famous win. The victory will evoke memories of League Two Morecambe's only other meeting against Wolves, a 3-1 victory at Molineux in which Shrimps boss Jim Bentley was a player. However, it leaves Wolves boss Kenny Jackett, who was forced into making six changes through  injury or illness, a headache with his side having not scored since he took over this summer. One of those changes, Jake Cassidy, spurned an early opening when he audaciously flicked Anthony Forde's delivery just wide, a rare chance in the first period. The game opened up after the break, and Ismail began to cause the hosts problems down the right wing, and his cross teed up Griffiths at the back post to smash the woodwork with a header, before the winger himself saw a strike from outside the area cannon off the bar.  At the other end, a Williams free-kick caused keeper Carl Ikeme problems, however defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell got to the loose ball ahead of the incoming Padraig Amond to poke it away.  Wolves forward Kevin Doyle, who Jackett has admitted could leave, came on for his first appearance this season, but the home side came close again when Ikeme was forced into a smart save from Jack Sampson's header. And Williams sent the home fans into ecstasy with his sublime free-kick in the 84th minute

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (2) & SUBSTITUTIONS (5)

Morecambe

01 Roche 05 Hughes 06 Diagne 08 Wright 22 Parrish 10 Williams (McGee - 89' ) 16 Drummond 17 Fleming 09 Sampson 20 Mwasile (Kenyon - 77' ) 27 Amond Substitutes 25 Arestidou 18 Bell 04 Kenyon 19 McGee 21 McGowan 26 Naylor 24 Woods

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty Booked 06 Batth 22 Reckord 32 Foley 08 Davis Booked 12 Forde (McAlinden - 88' ) 21 Ismail (Evans - 66' ) 23 Ebanks-Landell 09 Griffiths 16 Cassidy (Doyle - 57' ) Substitutes 01 Hennessey 34 Margreitter 39 Ihiekwe 14 Evans 19 Price 20 McAlinden 29 Doyle

Ref: Eltringham Att: 2,545

MATCH STATS

Possession 48% 52% 90mins

Morecambe Wolverhampton Wanderers

Shots  18 11

On target 4 3

Corners  5 6

Fouls       7 12

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +1:14 Unfair challenge on Joe McGee by Leigh Griffiths results in a free kick. 90:00 +1:10 Clearance by Mark Hughes. 90:00 +0:51 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 90:00 +0:49 Lee Evans produces a cross. 89:47 Andrew Fleming has an effort at goal. Danny Batth gets a block in. 89:43 Joe McGee sends in a  cross. 89:29 Clearance by Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 89:00 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 88:55 The ball is delivered by Kevin Doyle. 88:35 Mark Hughes manages to make a clearance. 88:10 Substitution Joe McGee joins the action as a substitute, replacing Ryan Williams. 87:32 Substitution Liam McAlinden is brought on as a substitute for Anthony Forde. 87:11 The ball is sent over by Tony Diagne. 86:54 Andrew Parrish manages to make a clearance. 86:51 Anthony Forde delivers the ball. 86:22 Clearance by Mark Hughes. 86:09 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 85:13 Clearance by Danny Batth. 85:12 Padraig Amond sends in a cross. 84:52 Clearance made by Alex Kenyon. 83:48 Goal scored Goal - Ryan Williams - Morecambe 1 - 0 Wolves Free kick scored by Ryan Williams. Morecambe 1-0 Wolverhampton. 82:56 Booking for Matt Doherty for unsporting behaviour. 82:56 Booking 82:30 Free kick awarded for a foul by Matt Doherty on Andrew Fleming. 82:16 Stewart Drummond manages to make a clearance. 82:11 Free kick taken by David Davis. 81:44 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matt Doherty by Jack Sampson. 81:37 Clearance by Andrew Parrish. 81:18 Header by Jack Sampson misses right. 81:17 Tony Diagne crosses the ball. 80:48 Matt Doherty sends in a cross. 80:36 Clearance by Andrew Wright. 80:25 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 80:23 David Davis produces a cross. 80:16 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 79:47 Shot by Anthony Forde. Barry Roche parries the ball away. 78:34 Andrew Fleming takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand upright. 78:07 Ethan Ebanks-Landell manages to make a clearance. 77:10 Padraig Amond takes a shot and went wide right of the net. 77:05 Free kick taken by Ryan Williams. 76:25 Substitution Alex Kenyon is brought on as a substitute for Joe Mwasile. 76:08 Danny Batth concedes a free kick for a foul on Jack Sampson. 75:43 David Davis manages to make a clearance. 74:59 Ethan Ebanks-Landell makes a clearance. 73:52 Lee Evans takes a shot and went wide right of the net. 73:39 Clearance made by Andrew Parrish. 73:36 The ball is swung over by Anthony Forde. 73:17 Clearance by Mark Hughes. 72:11 Jamie Reckord makes a clearance. 71:55 Clearance made by Matt Doherty. 71:53 The ball is swung over by Padraig Amond. 71:08 Anthony Forde takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Parried by Barry Roche back into danger. 71:06 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 70:16 Jack Sampson takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the net. 69:27 Andrew Wright makes a clearance. 69:10 Ryan Williams manages to make a clearance. 69:03 Lee Evans makes a clearance. 67:50 Free kick taken by Barry Roche. 67:23 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tony Diagne by Kevin Doyle. 66:53 Tony Diagne delivers the ball. 65:45 Substitution Lee Evans on for Zeli Ismail. 65:32 The ball is swung over by Joe Mwasile. 65:07 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 61:58 Corner from the right by-line taken by Leigh Griffiths. 61:38 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 60:47 Shot by Andrew Fleming missed to the left of the net. 60:12 Padraig Amond crosses the ball. 59:39 Leigh Griffiths has an effort direct from the free kick that misses right. 58:40 Kevin Doyle fouled by Andrew Fleming, the ref awards a free kick. 58:18 Clearance by Kevin Foley. 58:15 Mark Hughes gets a header at goal. 58:14 Corner taken by Ryan Williams. 57:49 Clearance by Jamie Reckord. 57:48 Andrew Fleming sends in a cross. 57:38 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 57:32 Corner taken by Ryan Williams from the left by-line. 57:01 Corner from the left by-line taken by Ryan Williams. 56:46 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Kevin Doyle coming on for Jake Cassidy. 56:19 Zeli Ismail makes a clearance. 56:18 Tony Diagne delivers the ball. 55:47 Andrew Fleming takes a shot. Ethan Ebanks-Landell gets a block in. 55:40 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 54:43 Anthony Forde makes a clearance. 54:41 Clearance by Matt Doherty. 54:39 Corner taken by Ryan Williams from the right by-line. 54:16 Clearance made by Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 54:13 Strike on goal comes in from Ryan Williams from the free kick. Carl Ikeme parries the ball but the danger is not over. 53:29 Jack Sampson fouled by Ethan Ebanks-Landell, the ref awards a free kick. 51:32 Zeli Ismail takes the chance to get an effort at goal and hits the bar. 51:11 Ryan Williams takes a shot. Danny Batth gets a block in. 50:48 Ethan Ebanks-Landell manages to make a clearance. 50:25 Matt Doherty manages to make a clearance. 50:14 Clearance made by Tony Diagne. 50:08 Header at goal by Leigh Griffiths strikes the woodwork. 50:08 Zeli Ismail crosses the ball. 49:51 Kevin Foley restarts play with the free kick. 48:56 David Davis fouled by Andrew Fleming, the ref awards a free kick. 48:05 Andrew Parrish manages to make a clearance. 47:40 Ryan Williams has an effort at goal and missed to the right of the net. 47:19 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 46:54 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 45:58 Free kick taken by Mark Hughes. 45:49 David Davis concedes a free kick for a foul on Ryan Williams. 45:01 The referee gets the second half underway. 45:00 +1:02 Half time

Half Time

The ref blows to signal half-time. 45:00 +0:35 David Davis manages to make a clearance. 45:00 +0:34 Shot by Andrew Fleming went wide of the right-hand upright. 45:00 +0:34 Clearance by Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 45:00 +0:30 Corner taken by Ryan Williams. 44:57 Ryan Williams has an effort at goal. Blocked by Danny Batth. 44:25 Clearance by Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 43:46 Clearance made by Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 43:17 The ball is sent over by Matt Doherty. 43:02 Andrew Parrish makes a clearance. 42:19 The ball is crossed by Zeli Ismail. 42:00 Leigh Griffiths manages to make a clearance. 41:49 Tony Diagne manages to make a clearance. 41:17 Padraig Amond delivers the ball. 41:05 Clearance by Jamie Reckord. 40:12 Ryan Williams has a direct shot on goal from the free kick. Carl Ikeme makes a block. 39:36 Booking 39:36 David Davis shown a yellow card. 39:16 Unfair challenge on Andrew Fleming by David Davis results in a free kick. 38:53 Free kick taken by David Davis. 38:40 Ryan Williams challenges David Davis unfairly and gives away a free kick. 38:17 The ball is swung over by Leigh Griffiths. 37:50 Jake Cassidy makes a clearance. 36:57 The assistant referee signals for offside against Andrew Wright. 36:19 David Davis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Joe Mwasile. 35:31 Andrew Parrish manages to make a clearance. 34:49 Stewart Drummond manages to make a clearance. 34:46 The ball is delivered by Jake Cassidy. 33:46 Clearance by Ethan Ebanks-Landell. 33:25 Matt Doherty makes a clearance. 32:59 Barry Roche restarts play with the free kick. 32:17 Unfair challenge on Andrew Wright by Jake Cassidy results in a free kick. 32:13 Mark Hughes makes a clearance. 31:00 Clearance made by David Davis. 30:57 Tony Diagne manages to make a clearance. 30:54 The ball is swung over by Anthony Forde. 30:17 Andrew Wright delivers the ball. 29:18 Shot by Ryan Williams went wide of the right-hand upright. 28:40 Clearance by Tony Diagne. 27:19 Ryan Williams manages to make a clearance. 26:24 Corner taken by Anthony Forde from the left by-line. 25:56 Andrew Wright makes a clearance. 25:55 Corner from the right by-line taken by Leigh Griffiths. 25:26 Andrew Parrish makes a clearance. 25:24 The ball is crossed by Matt Doherty. 25:02 David Davis makes a clearance. 24:59 Joe Mwasile crosses the ball. 23:55 Free kick taken by Danny Batth. 23:44 Foul by Jack Sampson on Danny Batth, free kick awarded. 22:44 Matt Doherty manages to make a clearance. 22:40 The ball is swung over by Padraig Amond. 22:12 Jamie Reckord manages to make a clearance. 21:38 Clearance by Jack Sampson. 21:34 Clearance made by Jamie Reckord. 20:46 Shot by Anthony Forde went over the bar. 20:43 Ethan Ebanks-Landell takes the free kick. 20:35 Foul by Jack Sampson on Ethan Ebanks-Landell, free kick awarded. 20:20 Clearance made by Matt Doherty. 20:15 Barry Roche restarts play with the free kick. 19:51 Handball decision goes against Jake Cassidy. 18:50 Clearance by Stewart Drummond. 18:46 Corner taken by Anthony Forde. 18:23 Zeli Ismail takes a shot. Blocked by Mark Hughes. 18:21 The ball is swung over by Jamie Reckord. 16:02 Clearance by Matt Doherty. 16:00 The ball is crossed by Stewart Drummond. 15:42 Barry Roche restarts play with the free kick. 15:08 Foul by Jake Cassidy on Mark Hughes, free kick awarded. 14:21 Leigh Griffiths takes a shot. Mark Hughes gets a block in. 14:05 Mark Hughes makes a clearance. 13:23 Header at goal by Stewart Drummond misses left of the target. 13:21 A cross is delivered by Padraig Amond. 13:18 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 13:16 A cross is delivered by Ryan Williams. 12:29 Jake Cassidy takes a shot and went wide of the right hand upright. 12:27 A cross is delivered by Anthony Forde. 12:16 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 12:12 Jack Sampson is adjudged to have handled the ball. 10:42 Clearance by Andrew Parrish. 10:39 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths. 10:22 Clearance by Mark Hughes. 10:21 Matt Doherty sends in a cross. 10:11 Clearance by Joe Mwasile. 9:53 Clearance by Andrew Parrish. 8:00 Anthony Forde makes a clearance. 7:51 A cross is delivered by Jamie Reckord. 7:27 Zeli Ismail has an effort at goal. Barry Roche catches the ball. 7:22 David Davis manages to make a clearance. 7:22 Jack Sampson manages to make a clearance. 7:17 Jack Sampson makes a clearance. 7:16 Clearance made by Mark Hughes. 7:13 David Davis crosses the ball. 7:01 Jack Sampson manages to make a clearance. 6:57 Corner from the right by-line taken by Leigh Griffiths. 6:35 Tony Diagne makes a clearance. 6:20 Stewart Drummond takes the free kick. 6:08 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ethan Ebanks-Landell on Padraig Amond. 5:29 Mark Hughes manages to make a clearance. 5:01 Clearance made by Andrew Parrish. 4:46 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 4:33 Jack Sampson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matt Doherty. 4:26 Jamie Reckord manages to make a clearance. 4:15 Free kick taken by Barry Roche. 3:45 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tony Diagne by Jake Cassidy. 3:29 Mark Hughes makes a clearance. 2:27 Tony Diagne sends in a cross. 1:56 Tony Diagne makes a clearance. 0:47 Kevin Foley makes a clearance. 0:26 Stewart Drummond has an effort at goal. Carl Ikeme parries the effort to safety. 0:25 Clearance made by Danny Batth. 0:23 Tony Diagne crosses the ball. 0:06 Clearance made by Leigh Griffiths. 0:00 The match has kicked off.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

Kevin Ellison will miss Morecambe's League Cup tie against Wolves.

He limped off with a hamstring strain during Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Wycombe, while new signing Marcus Marshall is out with the same problem.

Defender Richard Stearman (hamstring), midfielder David Edwards (ankle) and full-back George Elokobi (groin) will not feature for League One side Wolves.

But head coach Kenny Jackett may give goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey his first appearance since April 2012.

The Wales international has been out for 16 months with a serious knee injury and could be selected ahead of Carl Ikeme, who started the 0-0 draw against Preston at the weekend.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

The only previous meeting between these two clubs came in the League Cup in 2007, with Morecambe shocking then-Championship outfit Wolves 3-1 away at Molineux in the second round.

Morecambe

Morecambe have won each of their last three first-round matches, scoring two goals on each occasion.

This will be just the third League Cup tie that Morecambe have played at home, having won one and lost one of the other two.

Wolves

Wolves have won five and drawn two of their last seven games in the first round of the League Cup.

They were last knocked out by a League Two club in 2008, when Rotherham won a second-round tie on penalties.

They have won just two of their last nine League Cup matches away from home (D3, L4).

1 Saturday 3rd August 15:00 Preston North End 0 Wolves 0   

E&S

Preston 0 Wolves 0 - match report

Wolves lost three players to injury on a bruising opening-day encounter at Preston.   Richard Stearman, Dave Edwards and George Elokobi – who replaced Stearman – all limped off as Wolves made a highly-competitive return to the third tier after a 24-year absence.  Stearman limped off in the 32nd minute after coming off second best in a challenge with veteran striker Kevin Davies.  The former Bolton striker then caught Edwards late in the 64th minute and left the Wales international with a leg injury,  Edwards was followed by Elokobi 20 minutes from time after he pulled his groin as he crossed from the left wing.

Wolves ended the game with captain Sam Ricketts, who had started at left-back, playing centre-half, and substitute Kevin Foley at left-back.  It was pretty much a game of two halves, as the visitors had the better of the first period before they were bossed by Preston after the break, although the home side failed to create any clear-cut chances.  Jackett handed Wolves league debuts to Ricketts, Lee Evans and Leigh Griffiths in an expected youthful line-up unchanged from the side that started against Real Betis last week.  

Wolves, defending the Kop end where their sell-out allocation of 5,000 fans were, edged the first half, creating the greater number of chances.  But before they could show in front of goal, they had a let off in the third minute.  Tom Clarke looked to have arrived with perfect timing to meet John Welsh’s corner but the ball was just too high for him. Wolves, who were trying to be more positive going forwards with diagonal balls short and long to stretch the opposition, responded with a long-range shot from Evans which flew high and wide. But Bakary Sako was much closer, forcing the first save of the game in the 13th minute with a fierce, angled drive that was blocked by keeper Declan Rudd at the near post.  Sako tried his luck again on 22 but this time his 30-yard effort was too high.  There followed a scrappy period of the game where Davies put himself about with heavy but fair challenges on Danny Batth and Stearman, who was down for some time before eventually going off, and Wolves’ young side briefly looked as if they were going to be bullied.   But they responded with some firm tackles of their own and hit back to force the best chance of the half in the 37th minute.  Leigh Griffiths adjusted his feet brilliantly to crash a volley goalwards at the far post but it was headed off the line after Rudd punched clear Rickett’s corner.  A minute later, Clarke crashed a header a couple of feet over after a long throw breeched Wolves’ back line.

Three minutes before the break, Preston fans raged at the referee when Nick Wroe twice went down in the area under challenge from David Davis, who went to ground on both occasions.  But it looked like good refereeing as there was no foul committed.  Wolves went close again to taking the lead, this time in first-half injuy-time from another Ricketts corner, this time the combination of Rudd tipping away and Holmes on the line stopping it hitting the net.  There was a bruising start to the second half when Davies went through on Ikeme after a surging run from the back by Clarke caused Wolves all sorts of problems. Ikeme came out bravely to block and was left injured and needed treatment before he could continue.  Davies announced the start of the second half in crunching fashion with a challenge on keeper Carl Ikeme that left the Wolves keeper needing treatment after a surging run from the back by Clarke.  But Wolves had the first sight of goal in the half with a shot by Griffiths on 54 which was deflected away.  Elokobi was injured as he crossed from the left and he couldn’t get back as Preston broke at speed, the ball worked to Nicky Wroe, who cut inside from the left before firing wide of the far post from the edge of the box.  Wolves looked to have had a lucky escape in the 75th minute as Lee Holmes tumbled in the box when Matt Doherty put his arm out, but the referee waved play on.  Not helped with the injuries, the visitors were looking a little over-run and five minutes later, Ricketts did brilliantly to prevent his former Bolton team-mate Davies putting Preston in front from point-blank range after substitute Will Hayhurst’s cross surprised Ikeme.  Wolves had had to defend for long periods of the second half but they always looked capable on the break.  And they had a real chance to steal the points in the second minute of time added on when substitute Jake Cassidy got to the byeline for a cross but both Bjorn Sigurdarson and Evans failed to connect before the referee blew for a foul.   

But ultimately it was a battling point that Wolves will be happy with

BBC

Title favourites Wolves began life in League One with a goalless draw at promotion hopefuls Preston.  Visiting captain Sam Ricketts hit the crossbar directly from a corner, while Bakary Sako was denied by  North End goalkeeper Declan Rudd.  Kevin Davies came close to a goal on his Preston debut, but his second-half effort from 15 yards drifted wide.  he home side threatened from a number of set-pieces but failed to beat keeper Carl Ikeme.  or the two teams, who were involved in a fairly even contest at Deepdale, a point will be viewed as a satisfactory start to a campaign in which both are expected to challenge for a return to the Championship.   After back-to-back relegations, Wolves were playing a game in the third tier for the first time since May 1989.  Around 5,000 Wanderers fans travelled to Lancashire to watch the first match of Kenny Jackett's reign as head coach, and saw their side weather an early North End storm.

One-time England international Davies, one of three debutants in the Preston line-up, was almost on target inside two minutes, as winger Lee Holmes tricked his way past Danny Batth and stood up a cross that was just too high for the veteran forward.  After escaping from a series of corners unscathed, the visitors grew into the game and Sako, a summer target for Premier League side Fulham, struck a powerful angled drive that forced Rudd into a smart save low to his left. But the England Under-21 goalkeeper had John Welsh to thank for preserving his clean sheet shortly before the break, the Preston skipper clearing a well-struck volley from Leigh Griffiths off the line as a feisty first half drew to a close.  I think we can do better, particularly in the second half, because I don't think we had a shot on target   and that was disappointing.  Wolves boss Kenny Jackett

Scotland international striker Griffiths was making his first start for Wolves, two-and-a-half years after moving to Molineux. He netted 28 times in a loan spell at Hibernian last season, 23 of them coming in the Scottish Premier League, and he showed brief glimpses of his potential to score goals south of the border when given the right service.

The second half began in the same fashion as the first, with Davies almost putting the hosts in front. The ex-Bolton man latched onto Tom Clarke's through-ball and collided heavily with Wolves keeper Ikeme but he poked the ball wide from 15 yards.  A teasing cross from Preston substitute Will Hayhurst was almost turned in at the back post by Davies, while Hayhurst and Holmes had claims for penalties waved away by referee Andy Haines.  Despite the odd frenetic moment in the closing stages, the two teams appeared to run out of ideas as they attempted to break the deadlock and accepted a point apiece.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM:

Preston manager Simon Grayson:

"It was a good opening-day fixture for us. There was a lot of endeavour and a good attitude from both  sets of players.  The first thing you want to do in the first game of the season is not get beat, although obviously you'll  try to win the game, hence why I went to 4-4-2 for the last five minutes. We can be really pleased with how we performed."

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett on being League One title favourites:

"It's no surprise to me that we've been tagged that way.  In terms of a changing team, it showed today that until you get into your level of play, you never quite  know what you've got. That assessment has to come quickly.  I think we   can do better, particularly in the second half, because I don't think we had a shot on target and that was disappointing.

"The fans were a massive boost. They got right behind us and cheered us right to the end. It's a new start for us and it's a point that we start with."

LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (0)

Preston North End

23 Rudd 02 Keane 04 Huntington 06 Wright 16 Buchanan 05 Clarke 07 Humphrey 08 Wroe 11 Holmes 19 Welsh 09 Davies Substitutes 01 Stuckmann 03 Laird 21 Mousinho 22 King 24 Hayhurst 14 Garner 27 Hume

Wolverhampton Wanderers

13 Ikeme 02 Doherty 05 Stearman (Elokobi - 32' ) 06 Batth 18 Ricketts 08 Davis 10 Sako 14 Evans 15 Sigurdarson 04 Edwards Substitutes 01 Hennessey 03 Elokobi 32 Foley 19 Price 21 Ismail 16 Cassidy 20 McAlinden

MATCH STATS

Possession  45mins

Preston North End 51% Wolverhampton Wanderers 49%

Shots 1 6

On target 1 2

Corners 3 5

Fouls  4 5

Live Text Commentary

45:00 +3:51 Half time

Half Time

The ref blows to signal half-time. 45:00 +0:53 Samuel Ricketts takes the chance to get an effort at goal and hits the bar. 45:00 +0:37 Corner taken by Samuel Ricketts from the left by-line. 41:47 Header by Bjorn Sigurdarson misses to the right of the target. 41:33 Centre by Bakary Sako. 41:17 Carl Ikeme restarts play with the free kick. 40:25 Keith Keane challenges Lee Evans unfairly and gives away a free kick. 38:09 Corner from the right by-line taken by Lee Holmes. 37:12 Corner taken by Bakary Sako. 36:59 Clearance by Paul Huntington. 36:37 Shot by Leigh Griffiths. 36:25 Clearance by Declan Rudd. 36:16 Corner taken by Samuel Ricketts. 34:43 Dave Edwards fouled by Nicky Wroe, the ref awards a free kick. 32:31 Corner taken by Samuel Ricketts from the left by-line. 31:44 Substitution

Substitution George Elokobi is brought on as a substitute for Richard Stearman. 30:11 Bailey Wright makes a clearance. 29:39 Free kick taken by Carl Ikeme. 29:24 David Davis fouled by John Welsh, the ref awards a free kick. 29:14 Clearance by Danny Batth.  28:52 Lee Holmes restarts play with the free kick. 28:42 Chris Humphrey fouled by Samuel Ricketts, the ref awards a free kick. 26:50 Clearance made by Keith Keane. 24:32 Lee Holmes has a direct shot on goal from the free kick. 22:27 Kevin Davies fouled by Richard Stearman, the ref awards a free kick. 21:56 Shot by Bakary Sako went wide right of the post. 17:52 Samuel Ricketts produces a cross. 14:06 Corner taken by Leigh Griffiths from the left by-line. 12:58 Bakary Sako takes a shot. Declan Rudd parries the effort to safety. 12:24 David Buchanan restarts play with the free kick. 12:03 David Davis concedes a free kick for a foul on John Welsh. 11:42 Tom Clarke takes the free kick. 11:10 Unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey by Samuel Ricketts results in a free kick. 11:01 Declan Rudd manages to make a clearance. 10:59 Clearance made by Tom Clarke. 10:43 Bakary Sako crosses the ball in from the free kick. 10:33 Unfair challenge on Matt Doherty by Keith Keane results in a free kick. 9:43 Danny Batth manages to make a clearance. 9:37 David Buchanan crosses the ball. 6:37 Clearance made by Carl Ikeme. 5:39 Lee Evans takes a shot and missed to the right of the target. 3:34 Corner from the right by-line taken by Lee Holmes. 2:46 Clearance by Samuel Ricketts. 2:33 Corner from the left by-line taken by John Welsh. 1:21 Lee Holmes crosses the ball in from the free kick. 1:03 Foul by Bakary Sako on Chris Humphrey, free kick awarded. 0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association

A happy anniversary?

Preston and Wolves were two of the 12 founding members of the Football League. As the league celebrates its 125th anniversary, both clubs find themselves in the third tier. The last time that happened was in 1988-89.  That season, Graham Turner's Wolves, helped by Steve Bull scoring 50 goals for a second consecutive season, won the Division Three title. John McGrath's North End finished sixth and lost in the play-offs to Port Vale.

England international Kevin Davies is set to make his debut for Preston North End against Wolves, following the striker's free transfer from Bolton.

With Stuart Beavon injured, Iain Hume is expected to partner Davies up front.

Wolves' only new signing, Sam Ricketts, will captain the relegated club as they prepare for their first game in the third tier since 1989.

New head coach Kenny Jackett could also give debuts to young midfielder Lee Evans and striker Leigh Griffiths.

VIEW FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Preston manager Simon Grayson told BBC North West Tonight:

Strike duo key for Preston – Grayson "It's a good start for us and there's an excitement around the place. Everything's in place and now we've got 46 league games to try and get into the play-offs at the very least.  "Two years ago, Wolves were preparing for life in the Premier League. Back-to-back relegations have  brought them back into League One and they're going to be everybody's favourites.  It's going to be difficult at times for them because of the expectancy levels. I had a similar problem at Leeds. Everybody expects you to go straight back up and it wasn't that easy. We know we're in for a tough test but it's a challenge we're really looking forward to at the weekend."

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