December 2013 Click on month for reports: 2013-14 Review AprilMay14 Mar14 Feb14 Jan14 Dec13 Nov13 Oct13 Sep13 Aug13 preseason
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# |
Day |
Date |
KO |
TV |
Home |
Score |
Score |
Away |
Pts |
CumPts |
Posn |
Goal Diff |
Match Report |
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20 |
Saturday |
14th December |
15:00 |
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Wolves |
0 |
2 |
MK Dons |
0 |
43 |
2 |
+19 |
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21 |
Saturday |
21st December |
15:00 |
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Rotherham Utd |
3 |
3 |
Wolves |
1 |
44 |
2 |
+19 |
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22 |
Thursday |
26th December |
15:00 |
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Wolves |
2 |
0 |
Crewe Alexandra 3 |
47 |
2 |
+21 |
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23 |
Sunday |
29th December |
15:00 |
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Wolves |
1 |
1 |
Leyton Orient |
1 |
48 |
3 |
+21 |
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League One season 2013-1423 Sunday 29th December 15:00 Wolves 1 Ebanks-Landell 5 Leyton Orient 1 Baudry 60
Wolves 1 Ebanks-Landell 5' Leyton Orient Leyton Orient 1Baudry 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 DecemberKick-off: 15:00 GMT
Lineup, Bokings (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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner.
87:46 Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
87:46 Foul by Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient).
85:31 Attempt missed. Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
84:08 Substitution Substitution
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
75:45 Moses Odubajo (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the left wing.
73:28 Booking Booking
Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card.
73:25 Hand ball by Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
70:53 Substitution Substitution
Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leigh Griffiths replaces James Henry.
70:21 Substitution Substitution
Substitution, Leyton Orient. Yohann Lasimant replaces Robbie Simpson.
.69:46 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
66:29 Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
65:34 Booking Booking
Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient) is shown the yellow card.
65:30 Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
65:30 Foul by Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient).
62:33 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
62:04 Richard Stearman (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
61:25 Gary Sawyer (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
60:00 Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the left wing.
59:59 Foul by Robbie Simpson (Leyton Orient).
59:18 Goal scored Goal!
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
58:29 Lloyd James (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
53:33 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
53:33 Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
51:28 James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
51:28 Foul by Marvin Bartley (Leyton Orient).
50:02 Foul by Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
50:02 Gary Sawyer (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the right wing.
48:00 Attempt saved. Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 Substitution
Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. David Edwards replaces Jack Price because of an injury.
45:00 Substitution Substitution
Substitution, Leyton Orient. Gary Sawyer replaces Romain Vincelot because of an injury.
45:00 +3:13 Half time Half Time
First Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Leyton Orient 0.
45:00 +0:21 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked.
43:37 Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
43:37 Foul by Robbie Simpson (Leyton Orient).
41:06 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
38:51 Booking Booking
Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient) is shown the yellow card.
38:47 James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
38:47 Foul by Romain Vincelot (Leyton Orient).
38:11 Foul by Jack Price (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
36:33 Richard Stearman (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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.
36:00 Delay over. They are ready to continue.
34:54 Delay in match (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
34:11 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right.
31:45 Michael Jacobs (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
26:55 (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
24:43 Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
24:43 Foul by Mathieu Baudry (Leyton Orient).
24:08 Foul by Richard Stearman (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
24:08 Kevin Lisbie (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
23:52 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
20:53 Dean Cox (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
20:11 Attempt blocked. Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
17:17 Hand ball by Michael Jacobs (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
16:23 Attempt missed. Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
15:01 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers).
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
12:28 Foul by Nathan Clarke (Leyton Orient).
10:07 Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
2:28 Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 Crewe Alexandra 0
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
Possession47% 53%
Shots14 8
On target5 4
Corners11 6
Fouls14 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!
Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Crewe Alexandra 0. Leigh Griffiths (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 87:43 Corner, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Conceded by Harry Davis. 87:33 Attempt blocked. James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 84:21 Mesca (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 84:07 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 84:07 Abdul Osman (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 83:55 Foul by James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. 80:23 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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
(Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 72:22 (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 71:13 Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. 65:09 Attempt missed. Ethan Ebanks-Landell (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. 62:08 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 62:08 Mark Ellis (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick on the left wing. 61:01 Attempt saved. Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the right. 45:55 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 37:36 Hand ball by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. 27:20 Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 4:36 Abdul Osman (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 3:44 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 3:44 Mark Ellis (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 2:09 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Crewe Alexandra 0. Michael Jacobs (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 v Wolves
rRotherham 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
Continue reading the main story
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 UnitedWolverhampton Wanderers
Possession 48% 52%
Shots 14 7
On target 5 4
Corners 4 5
Fouls 14 7
Live Text Commentary
90:00 +4:05 Full time
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card. 85:03 Foul by Craig Morgan (Rotherham United). 85:03 Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 73:05 Sub Rotherham. Alex Revell replaces Haris Vuckic. 70:53 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. 70:38 Attempt saved. Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 67:16 James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 62:24 Attempt missed. Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 55:22 Foul by Kári Arnason (Rotherham United). 55:22 Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 48:49 Haris Vuckic (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 48:49 Foul by David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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
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
London Wolves Xmas Party here
rWolves 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:
Play media
"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
Possession
90mins
Wolves Milton Keynes Dons
Possession 46% 54%
Shots 1312
On target 5 7
Corners 53
Fouls 1612
Live Text Commentary
Full Time
Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0, MK Dons 2. 90:00 +4:34 Full time
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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 90:00 +1:12 Alan Smith (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +0:49 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing. 86:40 Foul by Alan Smith (MK Dons). 86:04 Foul by Michael Jacobs (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 84:26 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 83:48 Attempt missed. David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. 83:05 Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 83:05 Foul by Shaun Williams (MK Dons). 80:43 Attempt missed. James Henry (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 76:24 Lee Hodson (MK Dons) wins a free kick on the left wing. 69:48 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 69:48 Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 67:46 Foul by Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 67:46 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:38 Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:38 Foul by Jordan Spence (MK Dons). 63:39 Foul by Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 63:39 Shaun Williams (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 63:14 Attempt saved. David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 62:56 Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing. 54:33 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 51:33 Scott Golbourne (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner. 46:51 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 46:51 Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 46:09 Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card. 36:09 Attempt blocked. Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the left wing. 26:09 Foul by Patrick Bamford (MK Dons). 24:40 Foul by Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card. 21:00 Foul by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 21:00 Samir Carruthers (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 20:47 Attempt saved. Kevin Doyle (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. 20:19 Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the left wing. 20:16 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 19:41 Hand ball by Kevin McDonald (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 16:17 Leigh Griffiths (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 16:17 Foul by Shaun Williams (MK Dons). 14:37 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. 11:36 Attempt missed. Bakary Sako (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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 (Wolverhampton Wanderers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top left corner. 9:14 David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 9:14 Foul by Ben Reeves (MK Dons). 8:43 Foul by Danny Batth (Wolverhampton Wanderers). 8:43 Patrick Bamford (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 6:04 Sam Ricketts (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the left wing. 6:04 Foul by Dale Jennings (MK Dons). 4:42 Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Wolverhampton Wanderers) 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. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
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."
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