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BARCLAYS PREMIERLEAGUE 2011 - 12

No, we don't need to buy any defenders in the window.  3-0 to Liverpool in another abject defensive performance at Molineux.

The Beeb thought....
Andy Carroll celebrated the first anniversary of his £35m move to Liverpool by setting the Reds on their way to victory at Molineux.   Carroll, 23, prodded in at the far post at the start of the second half to open the scoring in the Premier League game.  Craig Bellamy added a second with a low finish and Dirk Kuyt scored a third after a quick break.  Wolves are now without a win in nine games.  It was just Carroll's seventh goal since his move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day last year, with five of that total coming in the Premier League.  He has struggled for fitness and form and has lost his place in Fabio Capello's England squad.  But, with Luis Suarez set to return from his eight-match ban against Tottenham next week, this was an ideal response after Liverpool had to deny reports they had offered him to Manchester City in a potential swap deal for Carlos Tevez. Carroll won praise for his performance in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Manchester United and once again grew in confidence after giving the Reds the lead.  The striker only had one half-chance in an open first half and Bellamy posed Liverpool's greatest threat.  The Welshman prodded wide from a fine through ball from Jordan Henderson, had a free-kick held by Wayne Hennessey and was denied on two further occasions by the Wolves goalkeeper.  Michael Kightly has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but scored his first Premier League goal in the 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa and carried on his good work against Liverpool.  The winger clipped in a great cross that David Edwards prodded straight at Pepe Reina and also took a quick corner that was headed on to the roof of the net by Steven Fletcher.  Kightly also drove just wide of Reina's goal with a thumping drive after swapping passes with Fletcher.  At the other end Hennessey did well to deny Kuyt at the start of the second half, but Liverpool took the lead six minutes after the restart.  Bellamy's quick throw was collected by Charlie Adam, who whipped a cross to the far post for Carrroll to beat Eggert Jonsson to touch in at the far post.  Just after the hour, Wolves backed off and Bellamy hit a shot from just outside the area that squirmed past fellow Welshman Hennessey for the striker's sixth goal in seven Premier League starts.  Wolves were reeling and conceded a third after a Liverpool counter-attack that started on the edge of their own area and ended with Adam rolling a pass right to Kuyt, who finished from a narrow angle to score his 50th Premier League goal.   It was the fifth straight home game that 19th-placed Wolves have conceded two or more goals in, although Mick McCarthy's side came close to a consolation when substitute Sylvain Ebanks-Blake hit the post from distance.   Wolves were booed off at the final whistle, with one fan unveiling a "Mac Out" banner.
 

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool FT
(HT 0-0)

    Carroll 52     Bellamy 61     Kuyt 78


Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson
    16 Berra
    32 Foley
    04 Edwards yellow card
    07 Kightly (Hunt 62)
    15 Frimpong (Milijas 84)
    17 Jarvis
    22 Jonsson (Ebanks-Blake 62)
    10 Fletcher

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    12 Hunt,
    20 Milijas,
    09 Ebanks-Blake,
    29 Doyle

Liverpool

    25 Reina
    02 Johnson
    03 Jose Enrique
    05 Agger yellow card (Carragher 81)
    37 Skrtel
    14 Henderson
    20 Spearing
    26 Adam yellow card (Shelvey 81)
    09 Carroll
    18 Kuyt (Aurelio 90)
    39 Bellamy yellow card

Substitutes

    32 Doni,
    06 Aurelio,
    16 Coates,
    23 Carragher,
    34 Kelly,
    19 Downing,
    33 Shelvey

Ref: TaylorAtt: 27,447
WOLVES
LIVERPOOL
Possession
    Wolves 42%    Liverpool 58%
Attempts on target
    Wolves 1    Liverpool 14
Attempts off target
    Wolves 4    Liverpool 9
Corners
    Wolves 5    Liverpool 4
Fouls
    Wolves 6    Liverpool 8

HALF TIME STATS
WOLVES LIVERPOOL
Possession
    Wolves 43%    Liverpool 57%
Attempts on target
    Wolves 1    Liverpool 7
Attempts off target
    Wolves 3    Liverpool 5
Corners
    Wolves 2    Liverpool 1
Fouls
    Wolves 4    Liverpool 3


    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+3:12 The referee brings the game to a close.
    90:00+2:18 Jonjo Shelvey gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Ward. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Nenad Milijas from left wing. Sanchez Jose Enrique challenges Stephen Hunt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stephen Hunt crosses the ball in from the free kick.
    90:00+1:10 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on Jordan Henderson. Free kick taken by Jose Reina.
    89:10 Substitution (Liverpool) makes a substitution, with Fabio Aurelio coming on for Dirk Kuyt.
    88:38 Andy Carroll takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    86:55 Short corner worked by Stephen Hunt.
    86:17 Kevin Foley sends in a cross, save made by Jose Reina. Corner taken by Nenad Milijas played to the near post, clearance by Jamie Carragher.
    85:21 A cross is delivered by Jordan Henderson, save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    85:05 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has an effort at goal from outside the penalty area that bounces off the post.
    83:32 Craig Bellamy takes the outswinging corner, Close range headed effort by Andy Carroll goes wide of the left-hand post.
    83:14 Substitution Emmanuel Frimpong goes off and Nenad Milijas comes on.
    80:46 Substitution Jamie Carragher comes on in place of Daniel Agger.
    80:33 Substitution Jonjo Shelvey on for Charlie Adam.
    77:07 The assist for the goal came from Charlie Adam.
    77:07 GOAL - Dirk KuytWolverhampton 0 - 3 Liverpool A goal is scored by Dirk Kuyt from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-3 Liverpool.
    76:54 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.
    74:31 Corner taken by Charlie Adam from the right by-line, Craig Bellamy takes a shot. David Edwards gets a block in.
    74:20 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    71:33 Glen Johnson takes the direct free kick.
    71:33 Booking David Edwards shown a yellow card.
    71:30 Foul by David Edwards on Glen Johnson, free kick awarded.
    70:50 Charlie Adam gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emmanuel Frimpong. Direct free kick taken by David Edwards.
    70:04 Roger Johnson restarts play with the free kick.
    70:04 Booking Daniel Agger goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.
    69:54 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by Daniel Agger.
    68:02 Corner taken by Craig Bellamy. Daniel Agger produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand post.
    67:54 Craig Bellamy takes a shot. Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    66:58 The ball is swung over by Jordan Henderson, clearance by Kevin Foley.
    65:37 Effort on goal by Charlie Adam from inside the area goes harmlessly over the bar.
    64:56 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Edwards by Jordan Henderson. Direct free kick taken by Kevin Foley.
    64:07 Shot from outside the box by Andy Carroll misses to the left of the goal.
    61:30 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on for Eggert Jonsson.
    61:30 Substitution Michael Kightly goes off and Stephen Hunt comes on.
    60:02 Jay Spearing provided the assist for the goal.
    60:02 GOAL - Craig BellamyWolverhampton 0 - 2 Liverpool Craig Bellamy gets on the score sheet with a goal from the edge of the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-2 Liverpool.
    58:46 Steven Fletcher produces a cross, clearance by Glen Johnson.
    54:49 The official flags Dirk Kuyt offside. Roger Johnson restarts play with the free kick.
    Correction - 51:53 Charlie Adam provided the assist for the goal.
    51:53 Assist on the goal came from Charlie Adam.
    51:53 GOAL - Andy CarrollWolverhampton 0 - 1 Liverpool Andy Carroll scores a goal from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Liverpool.
    51:27 Outswinging corner taken by Michael Kightly, Daniel Agger makes a clearance.
    51:17 The ball is crossed by David Edwards, Sanchez Jose Enrique gets a block in.
    45:01 The second half has started.
    Half Time
    45:00+1:31 The first half comes to an end.
    Correction - 45:00+0:52 Jordan Henderson takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    45:00+0:52 Jordan Henderson produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the net.
    44:40 Andy Carroll takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Ward.
    41:55 The assistant referee signals for offside against Craig Bellamy. Indirect free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
    41:27 Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Jordan Henderson.
    41:18 Matthew Jarvis produces a cross, Jay Spearing manages to make a clearance.
    40:29 Andy Carroll concedes a free kick for a foul on Roger Johnson. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    39:52 Effort from the edge of the area by Michael Kightly goes wide of the right-hand post.
    38:49 Dirk Kuyt produces a cross.
    37:19 Craig Bellamy takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    35:09 The ball is swung over by Sanchez Jose Enrique. Michael Kightly gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Craig Bellamy. Shot comes in from Craig Bellamy from the free kick, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    34:07 Eggert Jonsson challenges Glen Johnson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Glen Johnson takes the free kick.
    31:42 Dirk Kuyt produces a right-footed shot from just outside the area that goes harmlessly over the target.
    29:41 The ball is delivered by Kevin Foley, save made by Jose Reina.
    28:02 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Steven Fletcher goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
    27:23 Andy Carroll is caught offside. Free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
    26:56 A cross is delivered by Michael Kightly.
    26:08 The ball is crossed by Stephen Ward, clearance made by Martin Skrtel.
    25:01 Michael Kightly delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing.
    25:01 Booking Craig Bellamy goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.
    24:53 Craig Bellamy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher.
    23:34 Charlie Adam produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
    Correction - 23:05 Sanchez Jose Enrique takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
    23:05 Sanchez Jose Enrique takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
    22:03 Corner taken right-footed by Craig Bellamy, Daniel Agger takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    21:00 Craig Bellamy takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    19:34 Craig Bellamy has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the left of the goal.
    19:12 Sanchez Jose Enrique takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    18:09 The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson.
    18:03 Centre by Jordan Henderson, blocked by Stephen Ward.
    17:48 Centre by Sanchez Jose Enrique.
    17:14 Dirk Kuyt sends in a cross, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    16:04 Sanchez Jose Enrique sends in a cross.
    15:44 David Edwards concedes a free kick for a foul on Jay Spearing. Daniel Agger takes the direct free kick.
    12:44 The ball is delivered by Michael Kightly, David Edwards has a headed effort at goal from close in which goes wide left of the goal.
    12:44 Booking The referee books Charlie Adam for unsporting behaviour.
    12:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Charlie Adam on Matthew Jarvis.
    12:26 Jordan Henderson sends in a cross, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    11:12 David Edwards takes a shot. Jose Reina makes a save.
    10:18 Glen Johnson crosses the ball.
    8:44 The ball is sent over by Matthew Jarvis, Daniel Agger makes a clearance.
    7:30 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.
    7:06 The ball is delivered by Jordan Henderson, Christophe Berra manages to make a clearance.
    5:42 Charlie Adam delivers the ball, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    3:12 Andy Carroll fouled by Christophe Berra, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Jay Spearing.
    2:39 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    0:00 The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.


Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is without Jamie O'Hara (hernia) and Jody Craddock (hamstring), while former captain Karl Henry starts a three-game ban.

On-loan midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is fine to play despite suffering an eye injury against Aston Villa.

Liverpool could recall in-form striker Craig Bellamy after his brief FA Cup substitute appearance.

Charlie Adam and eventual match-winner Dirk Kuyt were also rested but look set to return to the starting line-up.
MATCH PREVIEW

What a difference a week makes in football. After Liverpool's defeat at Bolton in their last league match Kenny Dalglish was as angry and frustrated as I've seen him since he returned as the Reds' manager, but then equally he was elated and passionate when he witnessed the two Anfield results in the cup competitions. It was the perfect response from his team and one he demanded.

Now they must try and replicate that form on a more consistent level in the Premier League if they are to try and make their target of a top-four finish a more realistic one. A run of just one win in six league games has increased that challenge for the months ahead.

I remember commentating on this exact fixture a little over a year ago, a game that produced Dalglish's first win of his second spell in charge. Fernando Torres scored twice, Raul Meireles once and Christian Poulsen played in midfield in a victory that moved Liverpool up to 11th, but much has changed since then. The progression is there for all to see but by Dalglish's own admission there is still plenty of work to do, and another performance or result like the one he witnessed at the Reebok Stadium would quickly wipe away all the cup euphoria.

This match is just as crucial to Wolves in their battle for survival. Eight Premier League games without a win has left them looking over their shoulder and they will have been using their empty weekend to analyse defensive matters. It's 19 games since they kept a clean sheet and the fact that they have conceded two or more goals in each of their last four matches at home will be an obvious concern.

You won't find a more honest manager than Mick McCarthy and he'll know they need to put some points on the board quickly, especially as they face fellow relegation candidates Queens Park Rangers, West Brom and Blackburn in the next month or so. Talk of his job being in danger seems ridiculous to me given the resources available. There has to be a sense of realism; if he goes on to keep Wolves up again that will be a major achievement. With that, and Liverpool's desire for a top-four finish, it could be a pivotal evening a Molineux.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Wolves have not beaten Liverpool in their last four home meetings (D3, L1). Wolves' last home victory over Liverpool was back in 1981.
    Liverpool's 3-0 win at Wolves in this fixture last season was Kenny Dalglish's first triumph since his return as their manager.
    The Reds beat Wolves earlier this season but haven't done the double over them since Dalglish was a player. They last achieved it in the 1978/79 season, when Alan Hansen's goal at Molineux secured a 1-0 victory after Liverpool had won 2-0 at Anfield.

Wolves

    Wolves have lost three of their last four home matches in the league (D1, L3).
    They have not won any of their last eight league games. They had a similar run of eight without a victory earlier in the season but ended that with a win at home to Wigan.
    Mick McCarthy's men have picked up 10 points from losing positions this term - the equal-most with Aston Villa.
    Wolves are in the relegation zone but have scored the same number of league goals (25) as seventh-placed Liverpool.

Liverpool

    Liverpool have lost their last two away league matches and have failed to win any of their last three in the league - their longest run without a victory so far this season. They have won just one of their last six matches.
    The Reds have won more league matches away from home than at Anfield this season - although have earned fewer points on their travels.
    Only leaders Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Liverpool in this season's Premier League.
    Craig Bellamy has scored four of Liverpool's last seven league goals and both of the Reds' most recent league wins have included goals from the Welshman.

Saturday 21st January Wolves v Aston Villa  3pm ko Keano’s return

Wolves 2 (Kightly 21, Edwards 31)  Aston Villa 3 (Bent-pen11, Keane 51, 84)

A slip into the relegation zone, worsened to 19th as Bolton won v Liverpool.  Top in August, bottom but one in January.   Kights lit up the match for a while but this was yet another Keano return and loss.

Wolves succumbed to a second half double from old boy Robbie Keane after they had come from behind and played some sparkling football against Aston Villa in the opening 45 minutes.  And to compound the misery for home supporters, the in-form Emmanuel Frimpong suffered a potentially serious eye injury, Karl Henry was sent-off for kicking out at Marc Albrighton, and the Molineux men slipped into the relegation zone for the first time in the season.  Mick McCarthy named the team that had started at Tottenham a week earlier meaning that only Christophe Berra remained from the side that went out of the FA Cup after losing to Birmingham.

Before the game started a wreath was placed in the centre circle by Roger Johnson and Henry in memory of former Molineux kitman Dave Plant who had passed away during the week.

Villa kicked-off attacking the North Bank end and they could have been ahead inside the first minute as Gary Gardner headed narrowly wide following a cross from Ciaran Clark.  Wolves responded with two Michael Kightly corners and then, after six minutes, the winger delivered a low cross that was helped on by Dave Edwards to Steven Fletcher whose shot went straight to Shay Given.  But disaster struck five minutes later when Berra hesitated making a clearance just inside the home area. He was closed down by Darren Bent and as the Scot attempted to clear he took the striker's legs. Bent sent Wayne Hennessey the wrong way from the spot.  Up to that point Wolves had been playing some good football and the setback didn't put them off their stride.  The inspired Kightly was the man that levelled matters in the 21st minute after a neat piece of work from Frimpong in midfield. He flicked Henry's pass over his own head and ran between two men before laying the ball of for Kightly.  He wasted little time in cutting into the area and curling a low shot into the far side of the net beyond the outstretched fingers of Given.  Wolves continued to press forward and from a Kightly corner Johnson powered a header goalwards. Given punched clear but only as far as Henry whose bouncing shot was headed off the line by Albrighton.  Edwards fired straight at Given from near the penalty spot after Matt Jarvis had squared the ball to him, before Wanderers deservedly moved ahead in the 32nd minute. Kightly lofted over another corner and again Johnson got in an on target header which was nodded home from close range by Edwards.   Gardner curled a free-kick over the bar from 25-yards, and then Jarvis cut into the left-hand side of the area but his angled shot was far too high.

Half-Time: Wolves 2 Villa 1

A two minute spell shortly after the break proved to be disastrous for Wolves.   After 51 minutes Clark's header fell to Keane who hit a shot on the turn into the net from 20-yards.
The response from Wolves was a Kightly corner from the right but Frimpong, as he connected with a diving header, took a boot in the face from Stiliyan Petrov.  Frimpong was down for around five minutes, surrounded by medical staff, before he was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital with an eye injury.  Nenad Milijaš was sent on as his replacement and seconds later Stephen Ward almost diverted a low centre from Bent into his own net with Hennessey just managing to boot clear as he lay on the ground.  Albrighton was off target after a surging run through midfield, and then Kightly was well wide with a header after a cross from Jarvis.  Wolves were reduced to ten men when Henry was red carded following an incident with Albrighton. The Villa man appeared to hold Henry's legs and he responded with a back heel to the chest.  Richard Stearman replaced Edwards for the closing stages but Villa stole into the lead in the 84th minute as Keane rifled a 22-yard rising drive into the net via the underside of the bar.  Kightly was booked for a late challenge on Albrighton, Milijaš saw a fierce goalbound shot bounce clear off Alan Hutton, and Keane was inches away from a hat-trick after a low shot flew wide.  The Irish star received a mixed reaction from the crowd when he was substituted as the game moved into the eight minutes of stoppage time.   Villa pulled men back to defend their advantage and they coped with some late Wolves pressure as the home side desperately sought an equaliser.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley (Ebanks-Blake 90), Ward, Edwards (Stearman 82), Berra, Johnson (capt), Kightly, Frimpong (Milijaš 58), Fletcher, Henry, Jarvis.   Unused subs: Elokobi, Hunt, Doyle, De Vries.  Booking: Kightly (86 - foul).  Sending-Off: Henry (74 - serious foul play).

Villa: Given, Hutton, Dunne, Collins, Bent, Agbonlahor (Warnock 45), Albrighton, Petrov (capt), Keane (Weimann 90), Clark, Gardner (Bannan 87).  Unused subs: Delfouneso, Guzan, Cuellar, Baker.

Referee: M. Oliver.  Attendance: 27,084.


the Beeb said
Robbie Keane's superb double punished struggling Wolves in a gripping match.   Darren Bent won and scored a penalty to put Villa ahead, before Michael Kightly equalised with a well-placed shot.   Wolves went ahead after Roger Johnson flicked on a corner and David Edwards headed past Shay Given, before Keane's second-half volley made it 2-2.  Karl Henry was sent off for kicking Marc Albrighton - who was on the ground - in the midriff, with Keane hammering in a stupendous shot for the winner.   It was quite a return to the ground where Keane, who has recently joined Villa on loan from LA Galaxy, started his professional career 15 years ago and the Republic of Ireland striker might have had a hat-trick after shooting narrowly wide following his second goal.  For Wolves it was a case of what if, given the way Christophe Berra clumsily fouled Bent to give away the penalty and Henry's ill-discipline.  After the interval Mick McCarthy's side were never able to replicate a first-half purple patch that brought their two goals, partly through the introduction of Stephen Warnock at left-back, which lessened Kightly's influence, and also when Emmanuel Frimpong was carried off on a stretcher.  Referee Michael Oliver had to play an eight extra minutes after the on-loan Arsenal midfielder needed prolonged treatment when he was caught in the face by Stiliyan Petrov's boot as Frimpong attempted a diving header following a corner.  The game's pulsating tone was set in the opening minute when Gary Gardner should have put Villa ahead, only to head narrowly wide.  Having survived that scare, Wolves provided a huge, helping hand for Villa's first goal.  Dawdling on the ball, Berra was dispossessed by Bent and, in trying to recover, the Wolves defender hacked down the Villa forward, who got up to convert the spot-kick.  Soon after Edwards claimed a penalty as he went down after a challenge from James Collins, while Fletcher turned quickly to test Shay Given with a low shot.  Wolves' revival was emboldened by the power and drive of Frimpong in midfield and the wing play of Kightly and Matt Jarvis.  It was Frimpong and Kightly who combined for Wolves' equaliser, with the on-loan midfielder flicking the ball over his head to escape his markers before quickly passing the ball to the Wolves winger.  Kightly cleverly cut inside Ciaran Clark before guiding a curling shot past a posse of Villa defenders and Given's outstretched hand.  The Villa goalkeeper had better luck in gathering an Edwards shot, though the Wolves midfielder might have done better from a good position.  It mattered not though as a Kightly corner was flicked on by Roger Johnson and Edwards was on hand to head past Given.  Keane had been virtually unseen before his first goal but the elegance of his finish more than made up for that earlier anonymity.
There seemed little danger when Clark cushioned the ball down to Keane but the Republic of Ireland forward swivelled and unleashed a dipping shot that completely surprised  Wayne Hennessey.  Keane somehow managed to better that strike with six minutes remaining when, with the minimum of backlift, he struck an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

Half time possession
WOLVESASTON VILLA
Possession    Wolves 64%     Aston Villa 36%
Attempts on target    Wolves 8    Aston Villa 2
Attempts off target    Wolves 2    Aston Villa 3
Corners    Wolves 8    Aston Villa 2
Fouls    Wolves 5    Aston Villa 4

WOLVES
ASTON VILLA
Possession
    Wolves 50%     Aston Villa 50%

Attempts on target
    Wolves 9    Aston Villa 5

Attempts off target
    Wolves 4    Aston Villa 6

Corners
    Wolves 12    Aston Villa 3

Fouls
    Wolves 11    Aston Villa 8

Show latest live text only
Full Time
90:00+8:13 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
90:00+6:38 Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas from the left by-line, James Collins makes a clearance.
90:00+6:05 Effort from the edge of the area by Andreas Weimann goes wide of the right-hand upright.
90:00+5:24 Andreas Weimann sends in a cross, save by Wayne Hennessey.
90:00+4:23 Ciaran Clark fouled by Christophe Berra, the ref awards a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by Shay Given.
90:00+4:07 The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, James Collins makes a clearance.
90:00+3:12 The ball is crossed by Stephen Warnock, Richard Stearman makes a clearance.
90:00+1:33 Foul by Andreas Weimann on Nenad Milijas, free kick awarded. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
Correction - 84:00 Corner taken left-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, James Collins makes a clearance. The assist for the goal came from Alan Hutton.
89:09 Substitution Andreas Weimann comes on in place of Robbie Keane.
89:09 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is brought on as a substitute for Kevin Foley.
88:58 Robbie Keane has an effort at goal from long range that misses to the right of the goal.
87:14 Nenad Milijas takes a shot. James Collins gets a block in.
86:11 Free kick taken by Stephen Warnock.
86:11 Substitution Barry Bannan joins the action as a substitute, replacing Gary Gardner.
86:11 Booking Michael Kightly shown a yellow card.
86:06 Foul by Michael Kightly on Marc Albrighton, free kick awarded.
84:00 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Matthew Jarvis, James Collins makes a clearance.
84:00 GOAL - Robbie Keane Wolverhampton 2 - 3 Aston Villa Robbie Keane finds the back of the net with a goal from a long way out to the top left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 2-3 Aston Villa.
83:12 Centre by Stephen Ward, clearance by James Collins.
82:27 The assistant referee signals for offside against Darren Bent. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
81:02 Indirect free kick taken by Kevin Foley.
81:02 Substitution Richard Stearman on for David Edwards.
81:02 Richard Dunne challenges Steven Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick.
80:45 The ball is crossed by Alan Hutton, Kevin Foley makes a clearance.
79:25 The ball is swung over by Marc Albrighton.
78:56 Marc Albrighton takes a short corner.
77:44 Marc Albrighton sends in a cross.
74:26 Richard Dunne takes the indirect free kick.
74:26 Sent off Karl Henry is sent off by the referee for violent conduct.
74:26 Marc Albrighton fouled by Karl Henry, the ref awards a free kick.
73:22 Marc Albrighton gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Karl Henry. Karl Henry takes the free kick.
72:08 Matthew Jarvis produces a cross, Headed effort from deep inside the area by Michael Kightly misses to the right of the target.
69:57 Unfair challenge on Ciaran Clark by Karl Henry results in a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by James Collins.
69:38 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis by Alan Hutton. Stephen Ward restarts play with the free kick.
Correction - 68:24 Effort on goal by Marc Albrighton from long range goes over the bar.
68:24 Marc Albrighton produces a right-footed shot from a long way out which goes wide right of the goal.
68:04 The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by James Collins.
66:54 Karl Henry concedes a free kick for a foul on Ciaran Clark. Stiliyan Petrov takes the indirect free kick.
65:53 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis.
Correction - 64:07 The ball is swung over by Nenad Milijas, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance.
64:07 Substitution Nenad Milijas comes on in place of Emmanuel Frimpong.
Correction - 64:07 Marc Albrighton is adjudged to have handled the ball.
64:07 Nenad Milijas sends in a cross, Richard Dunne makes a clearance.
64:07 Substitution Nenad Milijas is brought on as a substitute for Emmanuel Frimpong.
64:07 The referee penalises Marc Albrighton for handball. Steven Fletcher takes the free kick,
62:11 Centre by Matthew Jarvis, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance.
61:37 Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball, clearance made by James Collins.
52:02 Corner from the right by-line taken by Michael Kightly, Emmanuel Frimpong has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
50:46 Ciaran Clark provided the assist for the goal.
50:46 GOAL - Robbie Keane Wolverhampton 2 - 2 Aston Villa A goal is scored by Robbie Keane from outside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 2-2 Aston Villa.
47:52 Darren Bent takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
47:05 Stephen Ward sends in a cross, clearance by Shay Given.
45:59 Matthew Jarvis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Alan Hutton. James Collins restarts play with the free kick.
45:01 The second half has started.
45:01 Substitution Stephen Warnock replaces Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Correction - 24:38 Michael Kightly delivers the ball, Richard Dunne makes a clearance. Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post. Emmanuel Frimpong takes a shot. Michael Kightly takes a inswinging corner. Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Michael Kightly. Karl Henry takes a shot. James Collins gets a block in. Blocked by James Collins.
Half Time
45:00+1:14 It is the end of the first-half.
44:13 Gabriel Agbonlahor sends in a cross, Roger Johnson makes a clearance.
40:56 Effort on goal by Matthew Jarvis from just inside the penalty area goes over the target.
40:24 The ball is swung over by Marc Albrighton.
40:05 A cross is delivered by Michael Kightly, comfortable save by Shay Given.
39:03 Marc Albrighton sends in a cross, clearance by Christophe Berra.
37:27 Gary Gardner fouled by Karl Henry, the ref awards a free kick. Gary Gardner produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
36:50 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Darren Bent. Free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
35:32 Ciaran Clark produces a cross, Gabriel Agbonlahor produces a header from inside the area that goes over the crossbar.
35:00 Emmanuel Frimpong takes a shot. Blocked by James Collins.
34:10 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Emmanuel Frimpong by Marc Albrighton. Emmanuel Frimpong takes the free kick.
30:42 Assist by Roger Johnson.
30:42 GOAL - David Edwards Wolverhampton 2 - 1 Aston Villa David Edwards scores a headed goal from close in. Wolverhampton 2-1 Aston Villa.
29:24 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Shay Given makes a save. Corner from the right by-line taken by Michael Kightly,
28:32 David Edwards takes a shot. Shay Given makes a save.
24:38 The ball is crossed by Michael Kightly, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance. Michael Kightly takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post. Emmanuel Frimpong takes a shot. Corner taken by Michael Kightly. Corner taken by Michael Kightly from the right by-line. Karl Henry takes a shot. Blocked by James Collins. James Collins gets a block in.
22:34 A cross is delivered by Michael Kightly, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance. Corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Richard Dunne. A cross is delivered by Marc Albrighton.
20:39 The assist for the goal came from Emmanuel Frimpong.
20:39 GOAL - Michael Kightly Wolverhampton 1 - 1 Aston Villa Michael Kightly scores a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-1 Aston Villa.
19:28 Michael Kightly fouled by Richard Dunne, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Kevin Foley.
16:40 Robbie Keane produces a volleyed right-footed shot from 20 yards. Roger Johnson gets a block in. Short corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line.
15:11 Gary Gardner takes a shot. Short corner taken by Marc Albrighton. The ball is delivered by Marc Albrighton, clearance by Stephen Ward. The ball is crossed by Stiliyan Petrov, Christophe Berra makes a clearance.
14:39 Corner taken right-footed by Marc Albrighton from the right by-line, Emmanuel Frimpong makes a clearance.
14:21 Centre by Ciaran Clark, clearance by Roger Johnson.
12:41 Michael Kightly fouled by Gabriel Agbonlahor, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Emmanuel Frimpong.
11:33 David Edwards gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gary Gardner. Free kick taken by James Collins.
10:11 GOAL - Darren Bent Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Aston Villa Placed penalty scored by Darren Bent. Wolverhampton 0-1 Aston Villa.
9:21 Penalty awarded for a foul by Christophe Berra on Darren Bent.
7:10 Kevin Foley challenges Gabriel Agbonlahor unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stiliyan Petrov delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, save made by Shay Given.
6:24 The ball is crossed by Marc Albrighton.
5:49 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save made by Shay Given.
2:57 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Michael Kightly. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Michael Kightly played to the near post, clearance by Richard Dunne.
2:52 The ball is sent over by Michael Kightly, blocked by Ciaran Clark.
1:33 The ball is sent over by Alan Hutton, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
0:42 Ciaran Clark produces a cross, Headed effort from deep inside the area by Gary Gardner misses to the right of the target.
0:09 Matthew Jarvis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stiliyan Petrov. Direct free kick taken by Stiliyan Petrov.
0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

By Steve Wilson BBC Match of the Day commentator  Barclays Premier League

    Venue: Molineux      Date: Saturday, 21 January      Kick-off: 1500 GMT


Mick McCarthy Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is seeking to arrest a slump of nine games without a win in all competitions
    Whilst Villa's record against Wolves is good, with one defeat in 19, they are not the most fearsome opposition in the Premier League

TEAM NEWS

Wolves defenders Roger Johnson and Kevin Foley should play despite missing the midweek FA Cup replay against Birmingham with ankle injuries.

Winger Matt Jarvis returns after sitting out that game with a hamstring strain but Dave Edwards is a doubt.

Former Wolves forward Robbie Keane is pushing for his first Villa start after impressing in training.

Emile Heskey and Chris Herd remain sidelined with respective Achilles and ankle injuries.

MATCH PREVIEW

You may have heard the quaint old English saying: "A face like a robber's dog chewing a wasp."

If you want to know what that actually looks like, search for the pictures of Mick McCarthy as the whistle blew at Molineux on Wednesday night and they went out of the FA Cup

to Birmingham. It must have been a particularly unpalatable wasp.
Continue reading the main story

McCarthy's side have now failed to win any of their last nine games, and though draws at the Emirates and White Hart Lane are admirable, it's winning games that keeps the wolf

from the Wolves door.

Another home game and another local derby might be just what they need to get themselves back into a positive frame of mind. Whilst Villa's record against Wolves is good, with

one defeat in 19, they are not the most fearsome opposition in the Premier League with only five league wins all season.

The star of the show for Wolves has been Steven Fletcher with seven goals in his last nine starts. That's a very respectable record if you are playing for a club in the top half. If

you are at a club battling at the other end it is priceless.

But it's a former Wolves striker returning in the claret and blue of Villa who I am particularly looking forward to seeing. Robbie Keane made his debut for Wolves more than 14 years

ago and set the tone by scoring twice against Norwich. His transfer fees since add up to an eye-watering £70m. As a part of Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland squad for the

2002 World Cup, memorably scoring against both Germany and Spain, I'm sure that he will get a warm welcome from the current Wolves boss.

Keane left Molineux in 1999 and has only played there once since. That was for Spurs in 2004 - it will come as a surprise to no one that he scored.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Wolves are winless in their last eight home matches in this fixture (D3, L5) since a 3-1 top-flight victory in May 1978.
    Villa have only lost one of their last 19 league and cup matches against Wolves (W13, D5) spanning nearly 32 years. That solitary success for Wolves came in March last year

when Matt Jarvis scored the only goal at Villa Park.
    These clubs met in Wolverhampton on the opening day of the inaugural Football League season in 1888. The game ended 1-1.

Wolves

    Wolves have gone seven games without a win, accruing only four points out of a possible 21.
    Mick McCarthy's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 league games since a goalless draw at Villa in August. Their worst Premier League run is 19 matches.
    They have gained a league-high 10 points from losing positions this season.
    Steven Fletcher has scored nine Premier League goals this season from just 12 shots on target, according to Opta.
    Richard Stearman and David Edwards could both make their 100th league appearance for Wolves.

Aston Villa

    They have only taken 13 points from 14 matches since mid-October but are unbeaten in their last four away games (W2, D2).
    Villa have failed to score in eight of their 21 league matches - only Swansea and Wigan (both nine) have fared worse.
    Darren Bent is two goals shy of 100 in the Premier League.
    Robbie Keane has scored 123 goals in 344 Premier League appearances but his last 30 top-flight games in England have yielded only three goals. The most recent of those came

against Aston Villa in April 2011.
    Bent and Keane started 15 league matches together at Tottenham during the 2007-08 season, scoring four goals each. They never both scored in the same game.
    This match takes place on Alex McLeish's 53rd birthday.
 

Wednesday 18th January Wolves 0 v Birmingham  Elliott 74 FAC 3rd round replay  8pm ko (Live on ITV)

Even Fletch can't rescue the back-up squad.  Only Right back Matt Doherty comes out with any credit as the rest stumble in another poor match and George Elokobi has his worst game in gold.

A much changed Wolves side bowed out of the FA Cup following a disappointing display against near neighbours Birmingham City who went through to a fourth round tie at Sheffield United courtesy of a late Wade Elliott goal.  Christophe Berra, captain for the night, was the only member of the team that started at Tottenham to begin the game against City.  The visitors kicked-off attacking the North Bank end and the first real moment of danger came when David Murphy found some space on the left and delivered a low cross that Berra cleared from the heart of the six-yard box.  A determined run from Stephen Hunt was halted by a blocked challenge. The ball broke to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake but Colin Doyle had little trouble in saving his low shot.   Ebanks-Blake was a lot closer to breaking the deadlock in the 9th minute. Adam Hammill held off Jean Beausejour's challenge before crossing for Ebanks-Blake to power a bouncing header just the wrong side of the post.  Eggert Jonsson, making his home debut, lifted the ball to the edge of the Blues area where Ebanks-Blake chested it into the path of Nenad Milijaš who volleyed high and wide from the edge of the area.  Matt Doherty got to the bye-line and hit a fierce cross that was too high for the incoming Ebanks-Blake, then a nasty collision between Beausejour and Murphy saw both players needing attention for cut heads.  Both went to the dressing room for treatment leaving City to play with nine men. Murphy soon returned but it was almost ten minutes before Beausejour rejoined fray again.  Before his return there was a scare for the home crowd when the ball bounced over Berra's head leaving Adam Rooney with a clear path to goal. Just as he was about to shoot George Elokobi got back to divert the ball back to Dorus De Vries with the referee waving aside penalty appeals.   After 42 minutes De Vries had to be at his best to turn Curtis Davies's header past the post after Jordon Mutch had planted a free-kick into the Wolves box.  Milijaš hit a 25-yard free-kick straight to Doyle after his namesake in the home team had been pulled down by Davies.  In stoppage time of an uninspiring half, Jonathan Spector was inches wide of the far post with an angled drive.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Blues 0

De Vries had to turn aside a low 25-yard effort from Mutch and after Elokobi was deemed to have obstructed Spector to the right of the area, Murphy's free-kick sailed harmlessly wide on the far side.  Elokobi's throw-in to Hammill was followed by a cross that half cleared to Doherty. The defender ran in and from 25-yards hit a shot that skimmed across the surface but into the arms of Doyle.  Moments later Jonsson was replaced by Adlene Guedioura who, within two minutes of his introduction hit a drive that curled the wrong side of the far post.   A second switch for the home side saw Steven Fletcher replacing Doyle for the final 20 minutes.   Elokobi almost put through his own goal as he kicked a low cross from Beausejour behind. But, from the corner conceded, Elliott grabbed what proved to be the winning goal.   Mutch fired over the flag-kick and when the ball dropped to Elliott his shot from close range struck the post. Murphy pushed the rebound back towards goal and the ball was deflected back to Elliott who was lying on the floor as he hooked it over the line from just a yard out.   Five minutes from the end De Vries had to palm away a Beausejour drive before Wanderers almost snatched an 88th minute equaliser.  Ebanks-Blake's shot was deflected into the path of Fletcher and although the Scot beat Doyle to the ball, the keeper managed to block. Hunt homed in on the loose ball but he was denied by Doyle who made a fine save to turn the ball over the bar.

Wolves: De Vries, Doherty (Ward 83), Elokobi, Jonsson (Guedioura 67), Berra (capt), Stearman, Hammill, Milijaš, K. Doyle (Fletcher 72), Ebanks- Blake, Hunt.  Unused subs: Hennessey, Henry, Keogh, Forde.

Blues: C. Doyle, Murphy, Caldwell (capt), Mutch, Beausejour, Gomis (Fahey 89), Elliott, Rooney, Redmond (Burke 76), Spector, Davies (capt).  Unused subs: Zigic, King, Valles, Butland, Gnahore.

Referee: H. Webb.  Attendance: 10,153.

the Beeb
FA Cup
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Wolves 0 - 1 Birmingham FT
(HT 0 - 0)      Elliott 74

Wolves are the only Premier League team to be eliminated by Championship opposition in this year's FA Cup third round
"I am very disappointed, angry, and the game hinged on us not marking from a corner so I'm disappointed with that" said Mick

Birmingham secured an FA Cup fourth-round trip to Sheffield United as Wade Elliott's late goal helped beat Wolves.  The visitors had the best first-half chance of the replay at Molineux, Adam Rooney hesitating when clean through.  But a prostrate Elliott scythed in the winner from three yards after his initial effort came back off a post.  Substitute Steven Fletcher almost took the game into extra-time but his shot was smothered by Colin Doyle, who then tipped Stephen Hunt's rebound over.  Much was made of the lack of quality in the first match between the teams, played on a pudding of a pitch at St Andrews 11 days ago before a sparse crowd of 14,594.  There were many empty old gold seats at Molineux and numerous changes on both sides, but Birmingham's vociferous travelling contingent ensured a lively atmosphere.  However, despite a far better playing surface the majority of the action on the field was less than inspired once again.  Led Zeppelin maestro Robert Plant flew in from Texas especially for the match but found his beloved Wolves were not in the mood for long periods.  Christophe Berra, the only Wolves player to remain from Saturday's starting line-up in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, made a key interception to clear David Murphy's cross as Birmingham started positively.  Adam Hammill provided some of the better moments for the home side down the right flank, and his fine early cross was met by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, but under pressure the burly striker headed wide from inside the six-yard box Hammill flashed another dangerous ball across the face of goal ahead of his team-mates, but even when Birmingham were briefly down to nine men following a clash of heads between Murphy and Jean Beausejour, Wolves could not provide a cutting edge.  Indeed it was the visitors, while still reduced to 10 men as Beausejour's treatment continued, who had the best chance of the half when Rooney raced clean through, only to take too long and allow George Elokobi to make a muscular challenge.  Curtis Davies forced Dorus De Vries into a low save to his left with a flick-on from Jordon Mutch's long free-kick, and Jonathan Spector's long-range drive from the right side fizzed inches wide of the left-hand post.  Birmingham, playing their 36th match of the season, continued to have the better of things in the early stages of the second-half, and Mutch tested De Vries with a low drive from 25 yards.  With such a lack of potency going forward, Wolves brought on their leading scorer Fletcher, who netted the opening goal at Spurs, with 20 minutes remaining. Yet the chances continued at the other end, Beausejour's left-wing cross turned fractionally wide of his own post by Elokobi, and from the resulting corner the Blues were in front.  Elliott might have done better when he turned to meet the loose ball from close range, but his determination was evident as he forced home the rebound.  Fletcher looked set to save his team but was bravely met by Doyle as he slid in with his trademark left foot from inside the six-yard box.  Just as he had done late on in the first match, the Birmingham goalkeeper Doyle completed a fine double save, springing to his feet to keep out Hunt's volleyed follow-up, as the Blues earned a visit to Bramall Lane on 28 January. 

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy: "I am very disappointed, angry, and the game hinged on us not marking from a corner so I'm disappointed with that.  I've loads of complaints, not with them but with us for not being good enough on the night. I've said my piece in the dressing room.   I know winning games creates that winning mentality and I didn't want to lose tonight. I'm bitterly disappointed, I didn't want to lose. I'm angry about that.  Yes, there are a lot of changes, some enforced, some my decision, but they are all Premier League players and the best of them was Matt Doherty, the one kid on the pitch.  I know what they can all do individually but collectively they've not done it as well as we could have done. I'm livid we've gone out."

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton: "It was a satisfying result. Wolves made more changes than us but to come here and win was excellent. We had to defend very well at times and our two centre-halves Curtis Davies and Steven Caldwell were excellent and we needed them.  But I thought we showed enough on the ball to be a real threat at times and in the end we just deserved it."
Wolverhampton

    31 De Vries
    03 Elokobi
    05 Stearman
    16 Berrayellow card
    30 Doherty (Ward 83)
    12 Hunt
    19 Hammill
    20 Milijas
    22 Jonsson (Guedioura 67)
    09 Ebanks-Blake
    29 Doyle (Fletcher 72)

Substitutes

    01 Hennessey,
    11 Ward,
    08 Henry,
    34 Guedioura,
    37 Forde,
    10 Fletcher,
    21 Keogh

Birmingham

    13 Doyle
    03 Murphy
    04 Caldwell
    23 Spector
    24 Davies
    11 Beausejour
    12 Mutch
    14 Gomis (Fahey 90)
    15 Elliott
    22 Redmond (Burke 76)
    17 Rooney

Substitutes

    26 Butland,
    07 Burke,
    18 Fahey,
    20 Valles Prat,
    34 Gnahore,
    09 King,
    19 Zigic

Ref: H WebbAtt: 10,153
WOLVES  BIRMINGHAM
Possession     Wolves 48%    Birmingham 52%
Attempts on target    Wolves 8    Birmingham 4
Attempts off target    Wolves 3    Birmingham 3
Corners    Wolves 3    Birmingham 4
Fouls    Wolves 10    Birmingham 8

HT Stats
WOLVESBIRMINGHAM
Possession    Wolves 52%    Birmingham 48%
Attempts on target    Wolves 3    Birmingham 1
Attempts off target    Wolves 2    Birmingham 2
Corners    Wolves 2    Birmingham 2
Fouls    Wolves 4    Birmingham 6
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Result
Full Time
90:00+4:38 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
89:58 The assistant referee flags for offside against Richard Stearman. Indirect free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
89:18 Substitution Keith Fahey on for Morgaro Gomis.
88:15 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save made by Colin Doyle. Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Save by Colin Doyle. Corner from left by-line taken by Nenad Milijas.
85:47 Direct free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
85:47 Booking Christophe Berra receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.
85:36 Christophe Berra challenges Jean Beausejour unfairly and gives away a free kick.
84:22 Jean Beausejour takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries. Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Jordon Mutch, Steven Caldwell concedes a free kick for a foul on Richard Stearman. Free kick taken by Dorus De Vries.
83:16 Unfair challenge on Chris Burke by George Elokobi results in a free kick. Jonathan Spector takes the free kick.
81:58 Colin Doyle takes the indirect free kick.
81:58 Substitution Stephen Ward joins the action as a substitute, replacing Matt Doherty.
81:58 The official flags Sylvan Ebanks-Blake offside.
80:35 Steven Fletcher is ruled offside. Colin Doyle restarts play with the free kick.
75:55 Substitution Chris Burke replaces Nathan Redmond.
73:22 GOAL - Wade Elliott Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Birmingham Wade Elliott fires in a goal from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Birmingham.
72:43 Outswinging corner taken by Jordon Mutch, Wade Elliott produces a right-footed shot from inside the box and strikes the post.
71:17 Substitution Steven Fletcher is brought on as a substitute for Kevin Doyle.
70:02 The offside flag is raised against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Colin Doyle takes the free kick.
68:23 Adlene Guedioura produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the target.
66:35 Kevin Doyle takes the free kick. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake concedes a free kick for a foul on Curtis Davies. Free kick taken by Curtis Davies.
66:35 Substitution Adlene Guedioura joins the action as a substitute, replacing Eggert Jonsson.
66:35 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Adam Rooney.
66:08 Wade Elliott takes a shot. Dorus De Vries makes a save.
64:25 Adam Hammill takes a shot. Save by Colin Doyle.
60:03 The referee blows for offside against Nenad Milijas. Indirect free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
57:58 Matt Doherty takes a shot. Colin Doyle makes a save.
55:34 Jonathan Spector fouled by George Elokobi, the ref awards a free kick. David Murphy takes the direct free kick.
54:29 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Save made by Colin Doyle.
52:59 Stephen Hunt gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Spector. Free kick taken by Jordon Mutch.
51:47 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake challenges Curtis Davies unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Curtis Davies.
51:21 Eggert Jonsson fouled by Morgaro Gomis, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Nenad Milijas.
49:47 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Steven Caldwell gets a block in.
45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
Half Time
45:00+3:11 The half-time whistle blows.
45:00+1:28 Effort from outside the penalty area by Jonathan Spector goes wide left of the target.
43:32 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Curtis Davies. Nenad Milijas produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick, save made by Colin Doyle.
42:28 Adam Rooney gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra. Direct free kick taken by Dorus De Vries.
41:21 Curtis Davies takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries. Jordon Mutch takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Richard Stearman.
40:48 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jean Beausejour by Matt Doherty. Direct free kick taken by Jordon Mutch.
Correction - 39:24 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Morgaro Gomis. Jordon Mutch restarts play with the free kick.
40:06 David Murphy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
39:24 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Morgaro Gomis by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Free kick taken by Jordon Mutch,
36:07 Morgaro Gomis challenges Adam Hammill unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Matt Doherty.
33:18 The referee blows for offside. Colin Doyle restarts play with the free kick.
25:07 Stephen Hunt decides to take the corner short. The assistant referee flags for offside against Richard Stearman. Colin Doyle takes the indirect free kick.
22:13 Unfair challenge on Adam Rooney by Matt Doherty results in a free kick. David Murphy takes the direct free kick.
21:20 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Jordon Mutch, comfortable save by Dorus De Vries.
15:26 Adam Rooney gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matt Doherty. Free kick taken by Matt Doherty.
14:46 Nenad Milijas has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
12:53 Nathan Redmond produces a right-footed shot from just outside the area that goes wide left of the goal.
10:05 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Adam Hammill played to the near post, clearance made by Jordon Mutch.
8:36 Headed effort from close range by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake goes wide left of the goal.
7:22 Stephen Hunt challenges Jordon Mutch unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jordon Mutch takes the direct free kick.
6:11 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Comfortable save by Colin Doyle.
0:39 Morgaro Gomis is adjudged to have handled the ball. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
0:00 The game gets underway.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.



TEAM NEWS

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Kevin Doyle will start for Wolves after Mick McCarthy opted to rest in-form striker Steven Fletcher.

Injured trio Kevin Foley, Dave Edwards and Roger Johnson miss out.

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton will rotate his squad after the 6-0 win at Millwall over the weekend.

Winger Wade Elliott is set to start after being left out against the Lions, while defender Pablo Ibanez is back from a knee injury.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• These West Midland rivals have met 130 times competitively; Wolves have won 61, Birmingham 38, with 31 drawn.

• Wanderers recorded a goalless draw in the original tie, and hold a three wins to one lead in FA Cup meetings. This is the second time they have required a replay.

• The winners of this tie will be away to Sheffield United in the fourth round.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Mick McCarthy's side have not won in eight league and cup games, and have drawn five of the last six, including a 1-1 stalemate with Spurs at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

• Wanderers, who won the FA Cup for the fourth time in their history in 1960, have gone out at the fourth round stage in seven of the last eight years, including the most recent three.

• They were eliminated by a Championship club most recently in the season before last, when Crystal Palace got the better of them after a fourth round replay.

Birmingham City

• Chris Hughton's club revert to FA Cup business having beaten Millwall 6-0 away on Saturday; their second successive win and sixth game without defeat.

• The 1931 and 1956 losing finalists have been quarter-finalists for two seasons running, but have won only four of their last 26 FA Cup meetings with top-flight clubs.

• The Brummies last eliminated a Premier League club in the fourth round in January 2010, when Everton were beaten 2-1.

Saturday 14th January Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Modric 51) Wolves 1 (Fletcher 22)

Steven Fletcher's strike makes Tottenham the first team to concede 1,000 Premier League goals.

The White Hart Lane silent sanitorium, apart from the Wolves corner, finally woke up when Wayne was unsighted for the Spurs equaliser.  Perhaps Mick could stop players turning their back on the ball when "defending" - in this case Jarvo.   A very good, energetic, tackling performance from the returning Michael Kightly, matched perhaps by Fletch's well lauded up front running.  Frimpong had a great contribution, in spite of getting riled by another poor referee who deserved his chorus of "you might as well wear white".  Jones seemed determined to penalise Wolves players, but, at least his biggest two mistakes were to give us a corner from which Fletch scored, and, thanks to the lino, disallowed Adebayor's attempt to hijack Bale's goal bound effort for offside.  Kevin Foley needs to readjust quickly! In the meantime another example of totally unsporting Scott Parker... Stephen Ward puts the ball out so that van der Vaart can receive treatment having been Frimponged by a clearance.  Parker starts an attacking move by the 18 yard box with the throw in.  Later, when Wayne came for a ball and clattered Johnson, Jones bizarrely gave a drop ball which Adebayor agressively (but not foully) challenged for.   Congrats to Karl Henry as he joins the 200up club for Wolves.

Wolves saw it like this

Wolves defied the pundits and the odds to take a fully deserved point from form team Tottenham Hotspur in a pulsating game at White Hart Lane.  For the third consecutive season Wanderers were a goal up at the break and although Luka Modric cancelled out Steven Fletcher's opener, the visitors defended manfully to take a precious point.  Just five members of the team that started in the previous week's FA Cup tie at Birmingham began the game and there was a first League start of the season for Kevin Foley
Wolves kicked-off defending the end of the ground that housed 1,800 of their supporters.   After four minutes Kyle Walker's low cross was helped on to Modric who fired wide from the edge of the box.  Christophe Berra and Benoit Assou-Ekotto both needed treatment after separate incidents within a two minute spell and then Rafael van der Vaart was pole-axed by an Emmanuel Frimpong clearance inside the Wolves area. He too continued after treatment.  As expected, Spurs were doing all the pressing although Brad Friedel in the home goal did have to smother crosses from Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly.  Modric was too high with a 25-yard shot and then the Croatian was in action at the other end but he couldn't prevent his side from falling behind.  Dave Edwards and Walker chased the ball back to the Tottenham bye-line and when it went out, the referee awarded a corner much to the anger of the home players and fans.   Jarvis's flag-kick was headed towards goal by Roger Johnson and when Modric cleared off the line Fletcher was on hand to force the ball home.     Spurs were soon back on the attack and Gareth Bale tried a low drive that went straight to Wayne Hennessey.  Frimpong, who was attracting boos from the home fans every time he touched the ball, went into the book for a late challenge on Bale.   Modric swung a foot at Stephen Ward's headed clearance but Hennessey was well positioned to save, and on 37 minutes there was another opening for the visitors when a Jarvis cross rolled into the path of Edward. But he failed to make a proper connection and the ball curled away from goal.  A great ball out of defence by Edwards sent Frimpong away. He laid the ball off for Kightly who cut in from the right and tried a cross-shot that was both high and wide.   Hennessey saved from Younes Kaboul at the near post and then, when Emmanuel Adebayour did find the back of Hennessey's net, the offside flag quickly muted the home celebrations.  In stoppage time a Van der Vaart free-kick went straight through to Hennessey, a last ditch tackle by Kaboul denied Frimpong a shooting opportunity, and a Jarvis free-kick was headed clear by the Spurs defence.

Half-Time: Spurs 0 Wolves 1

There was an early chance for Bale shortly after the restart but he fired high over the bar after running onto Assou-Ekotto's centre.  It then took an athletic leap by Friedel to push away Frimpong's volley after Kightly had hooked a Jarvis cross into the danger area and Kaboul headed into the path of the midfielder.  But from what could have been a 2-0 lead, Wolves were pegged back in the 51st minute when Modric took a short pass from Bale and drove the ball through the legs of defenders and into the net.  Things could have been worse three minutes later but for a double save from Hennessey who blocked from Modric and then saved Aaron Lennon's angled follow up.   Midway through the half Mick McCarthy made a change switching Stephen Hunt for Frimpong before Assou-Ekotto went into the book for kicking the ball away after pulling back Kightly.  Home skipper Michael Dawson hooked the ball high over the bar from a Van der Vaart corner and then Hennessey saved with his legs from Jeremain Defoe shortly after the striker had replaced Lennon.  After Henry had been booked for tripping Modric, the Spurs man shot over the bar from outside the area.  Johnson and Hennessey needed treatment after they had collided with each other in clearing a Spurs attack. Bizarrely, after they had received treatment, the referee decided to start the game with a dropped ball inside the area.   Johnson was booked for showing his displeasure at the decision, but justice was done when a foul was quickly awarded in Wolves' favour after the ball had been dropped.   Almost six minutes of additional time was played but the Wolves defence held firm to the delight of their supporters who were making all the noise at the final whistle.

Spurs: Friedel, Bale, Kaboul, Lennon (Defoe 74), Parker, Adebayor, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Dawson (capt), Walker, Assou-Ekotto (Rose 80).  Unused subs: Cudicini, Pavlyuchenko, Bassong, Kranjcar, Livermore.  Booking: Assou-Ekotto (69 - kicking ball away after conceding free-kick).

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Edwards (Milijaš 80), Berra, Johnson (capt), Kightly, Frimpong (Hunt 67), Fletcher, Henry, Jarvis (Elokobi 85).  Unused subs: De Vries, Stearman, Ebanks-Blake, Doyle.  Bookings: Frimpong (29 - foul), Henry (83 - foul).

Referee: M. Jones.  Attendance: 36,194.

and the Beeb saw it like this...
Tottenham missed the chance to go level on points with the Premier League leaders as they were held by Wolves.  Steven Fletcher put the visitors ahead with their first attack, prodding home from close range after Brad Friedel parried a Roger Johnson header. Steven Fletcher's strike makes Tottenham the first team to concede 1,000 Premier League goals. Luka Modric drew Spurs level with a 20-yard drive after Gareth Bale's lay-off but the goal failed to spark the hosts.  Wolves defended resolutely, with keeper Wayne Hennessey staying alert to deny Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe.  This was a deflating end to an otherwise excellent week for Tottenham, whose title ambitions have been widely feted since they beat Everton 2-0 on Wednesday.  Spurs could have gone joint top of the league, albeit with an inferior goal difference, had they defeated struggling Wolves.   
But after requiring four months of white-hot form for their championship challenge to finally be taken seriously, Harry Redknapp's side undid some of their fine recent work in a lacklustre 90 minutes at White Hart Lane.  Wolves' goal had an element of fortune, with some controversy about the corner that led to it, but Mick McCarthy's industrious side were good value for their point.  After a confident start from the hosts, in which Modric three times tried his luck but failed to hit the target, Wolves took the lead against the run of play.  From a Matt Jarvis corner, Johnson's header was superbly clawed away by Friedel but only as far as top scorer Fletcher, who gleefully tucked home from six yards.   Spurs were livid, replays showing that the corner should not have been given as the last touch appeared to come off Wolves' Dave Edwards.   Tottenham almost hit back straight away but Gareth Bale could only fire straight at the keeper after finding some space in the box.  The hosts could not turn possession into clear-cut chances for the remainder of the half - the closest they came was an Emmanuel Adebayor strike ruled out for offside.  Wolves, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the break and Edwards could have doubled their lead but spooned an effort wide from 12 yards after being teed up by Jarvis.  The unfancied visitors started the second half brightly as Emmanuel Frimpong, on loan from Arsenal, forced a good stop from Friedel.  But, moments later, Spurs were level with the simplest of attacks as Bale laid the ball back to Modric 20 yards out and the Croatian's low drive went under Hennessey.  Modric then almost put Spurs ahead with a similar effort from the edge of the box but this time the Wales keeper stopped it, before also denying Lennon on the rebound.  Just when it looked as if Spurs were taking control, the intensity of the game dropped and the hosts were restricted to wayward pot shots from distance.  Redknapp brought on Defoe to add some attacking urgency and the striker quickly saw an effort saved by Hennessey's legs.  But there was no final flourish from Tottenham, perhaps feeling the effect of playing two games in a week, and Wolves held out comfortably.  Spurs will have the perfect chance to revive belief in their title credentials in their next match - a trip to leaders Manchester City on Sunday 22 January.  Mick McCarthy said he was delighted with 'terrific' point while Harry Redknapp credits 'hard-working' Wolves

 

Saturday, 14 January 2012

Premier League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Tottenham 1-1 Wolves FT
(HT 0-1)

             Modric 51    Fletcher 22



Tottenham

    24 Friedel
    03 Bale
    04 Kaboul
    20 Dawson
    28 Walker
    32 Assou-Ekottoyellow card (Rose 80)
    07 Lennon (Defoe 74)
    08 Parker
    11 Van der Vaart
    14 Modric
    10 Adebayor

Substitutes

    23 Cudicini,
    19 Bassong,
    21 Kranjcar,
    25 Rose,
    29 Livermore,
    09 Pavlyuchenko,
    18 Defoe

Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    11 Ward
    14 Johnsonyellow card
    16 Berra
    32 Foley
    04 Edwards (Milijas 81)
    07 Kightly
    08 Henryyellow card
    15 Frimpongyellow card (Hunt 67)
    17 Jarvis (Elokobi 85)
    10 Fletcher

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    05 Stearman,
    12 Hunt,
    20 Milijas,
    09 Ebanks-Blake,
    29 Doyle

Ref: JonesAtt: 36,194
TOTTENHAM
WOLVES
Possession    Tottenham 57%    Wolves 43%
Attempts on target    Tottenham 10    Wolves 3
Attempts off target    Tottenham 12    Wolves 2
Corners    Tottenham 8    Wolves 1
Fouls    Tottenham 6    Wolves 12



    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+6:02 The referee ends the match.
    90:00+3:31 Foul by Christophe Berra on Scott Parker, free kick awarded. Strike on goal comes in from Gareth Bale from the free kick.
    90:00+2:57 Gareth Bale produces a cross, clearance made by Stephen Hunt.
    90:00+2:05 Emmanuel Adebayor challenges Roger Johnson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Karl Henry crosses the ball in from the free kick, Michael Dawson manages to

make a clearance.
    90:00+0:25 Emmanuel Adebayor challenges Karl Henry unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    Correction - 89:56 Booking Booking for Roger Johnson.
    89:56 Booking Wayne Hennessey goes into the referee's book.
    86:48 Foul by Kevin Foley on Gareth Bale, free kick awarded. Gareth Bale takes the free kick.
    84:41 Substitution George Elokobi joins the action as a substitute, replacing Matthew Jarvis.
    84:26 Effort on goal by Luka Modric from just outside the area goes harmlessly over the target.
    83:07 Free kick taken by Scott Parker.
    83:07 Booking Booking for Karl Henry for unsporting behaviour.
    82:59 Karl Henry gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Luka Modric.
    81:54 Roger Johnson concedes a free kick for a foul on Younes Kaboul. The free kick is delivered left-footed by Rafael Van der Vaart from right wing, clearance by Roger

Johnson.
    81:34 Corner taken by Gareth Bale.
    81:19 Kyle Walker takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
    79:33 Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
    79:33 Substitution Nenad Milijas on for David Edwards.
    79:33 Substitution Danny Rose on for Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
    79:33 Benoit Assou-Ekotto fouled by Michael Kightly, the ref awards a free kick.
    78:02 Corner taken by Rafael Van der Vaart from the left by-line, Shot from just outside the box by Benoit Assou-Ekotto goes over the target.
    77:36 Jermain Defoe takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    75:00 Emmanuel Adebayor is caught offside. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
    73:07 Substitution Aaron Lennon leaves the field to be replaced by Jermain Defoe.
    72:55 Kyle Walker produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the net.
    72:49 The ball is delivered by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, clearance made by Stephen Ward.
    71:05 Effort on goal by Gareth Bale from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.
    69:36 Corner from the right by-line taken by Luka Modric, Shot from deep inside the area by Michael Dawson clears the crossbar.
    68:44 Direct free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
    68:44 Booking Benoit Assou-Ekotto is cautioned.
    68:34 Free kick awarded for a foul by Benoit Assou-Ekotto on Michael Kightly.
    66:23 Scott Parker restarts play with the free kick.
    66:23 Substitution Stephen Hunt is brought on as a substitute for Emmanuel Frimpong.
    66:23 Rafael Van der Vaart fouled by Karl Henry, the ref awards a free kick.
    64:25 Emmanuel Frimpong gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Aaron Lennon. Rafael Van der Vaart produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
    63:59 Michael Kightly produces a cross, Michael Dawson makes a clearance.
    62:48 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    60:20 Header from deep inside the penalty area by Gareth Bale goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
    58:10 Benoit Assou-Ekotto delivers the ball, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    56:04 Kyle Walker delivers the ball, Kevin Foley manages to make a clearance.
    54:18 Corner taken by Rafael Van der Vaart, clearance made by Steven Fletcher.
    53:19 Luka Modric takes a shot. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    50:13 Assist on the goal came from Gareth Bale.
    50:13 GOAL - Luka ModricTottenham 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Luka Modric finds the back of the net with a goal from just outside the area low into the middle of the goal. Tottenham 1-1 Wolverhampton.
    Correction - 48:38 Emmanuel Frimpong takes a shot. Brad Friedel makes a save.
    48:38 Roger Johnson takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
    48:02 Unfair challenge on Gareth Bale by Christophe Berra results in a free kick. Rafael Van der Vaart takes the direct free kick.
    47:10 Effort on goal by Gareth Bale from just inside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the target.
    46:11 Foul by Emmanuel Frimpong on Luka Modric, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Luka Modric.
    45:01 The referee gets the second half started.
    Half Time
    45:00+3:43 The players leave the pitch at half time.
    45:00+2:56 Kyle Walker challenges Steven Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, Emmanuel Adebayor makes a clearance.
    45:00+2:04 Unfair challenge on Karl Henry by Rafael Van der Vaart results in a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    45:00+0:14 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gareth Bale by Stephen Ward. Rafael Van der Vaart crosses the ball from the free kick left-footed from right wing, save by Wayne Hennessey.
    43:40 The assistant referee signals for offside against Emmanuel Adebayor. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    42:32 Younes Kaboul takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    41:00 Michael Kightly produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that misses to the left of the goal.
    38:16 A cross is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, Younes Kaboul manages to make a clearance.
    36:08 Effort on goal by David Edwards from inside the box misses to the right of the target.
    35:22 Aaron Lennon crosses the ball, clearance by Kevin Foley.
    33:48 The ball is swung over by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, clearance by Stephen Ward.
    32:59 Luka Modric takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    32:51 The ball is delivered by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, clearance by Stephen Ward.
    32:41 The ball is crossed by Benoit Assou-Ekotto, clearance by Roger Johnson.
    32:11 Corner taken by Rafael Van der Vaart from the left by-line played to the near post.
    31:51 Rafael Van der Vaart takes a shot. Blocked by Roger Johnson.
    29:03 Emmanuel Frimpong concedes a free kick for a foul on Gareth Bale. Free kick taken by Michael Dawson.
    28:54 Booking Emmanuel Frimpong receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
    28:30 Gareth Bale takes a shot. Blocked by Emmanuel Frimpong.
    26:39 Effort on goal by Rafael Van der Vaart from just outside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.
    25:29 Corner taken right-footed by Luka Modric to the near post, Steven Fletcher makes a clearance.
    25:05 Gareth Bale takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    21:33 Assist on the goal came from Roger Johnson.
    21:33 GOAL - Steven FletcherTottenham 0 - 1 Wolverhampton Steven Fletcher fires in a goal from inside the six-yard box high into the middle of the goal. Tottenham 0-1

Wolverhampton.
    21:19 Corner from the left by-line taken by Matthew Jarvis, Roger Johnson takes a shot. Save made by Brad Friedel.
    20:06 Shot from just outside the box by Luka Modric misses to the right of the goal.
    19:05 Short corner taken by Rafael Van der Vaart.
    18:15 Corner taken by Rafael Van der Vaart from the left by-line.
    17:58 Gareth Bale takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
    12:51 Centre by Aaron Lennon, clearance made by Kevin Foley.
    11:11 Karl Henry fouled by Scott Parker, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    3:44 Luka Modric produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that misses to the left of the target.
    2:13 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Foley on Rafael Van der Vaart. Rafael Van der Vaart takes the direct free kick.
    1:10 The referee blows for offside against David Edwards. Michael Dawson restarts play with the free kick.
    0:00 The referee gets the match started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham are hopeful that Scott Parker will be fit to play against Wolves after missing the last three games with a knee injury.  Sandro, William Gallas and Ledley King all remain sidelined.

Wolves pair Steven Fletcher and Roger Johnson picked up minor ankle problems last weekend but both are expected to start at White Hart Lane.  Nenad Milijas is back from a ban, while Dave Edwards should be available after a groin problem.

MATCH PREVIEW

A trip to Tottenham has to be the hardest away fixture of them all this weekend given the current form of Harry Redknapp's team.   Spurs go into this game just three points off top spot following their 2-0 win over Everton and they have to be considered as contenders for the big prize in May. Wolves will hope to succeed where Everton failed as they look for their first away success since the opening weekend of the season, when they were winners at Blackburn.Mick McCarthy's team won against the odds at White Hart Lane two seasons ago, when Kevin Doyle scored the only goal, but a repeat performance is a tall order.   Recent successes for Blackburn at Manchester United and Aston Villa at Chelsea indicate the unpredictable nature of the Premier League; however, Tottenham have shut out five of the last six teams to visit the Lane and Wolves have taken only three points from the last available 27 on the road.  Spurs fans shouldn't get carried away though. Wolves were unlucky not to get something from this fixture last season, when they led until 13 minutes from time. Then they gave away a penalty which enabled Rafael van der Vaart to score his first Spurs goal and there was an element of fortune about Tottenham's second goal and third goals, scored by Roman Pavlyuchenko and Alan Hutton in the final few minutes of the game.  Tottenham have given themselves a platform from which they could contend for the title while success for Wolves would involve staying up, but on their day they've troubled Spurs before and have only lost two of five meetings since they were promoted in 2009.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Wolves' 1-0 win at Tottenham in 2009 is their only victory at White Hart Lane in the last 39 years.
    The Molineux side have lost only two of five games against Spurs since winning promotion (W2, D1, L2).

Tottenham

    Spurs have kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League this season, matching their total for the 2010-11 campaign.
    Harry Redknapp's side have shut out their opponents in five of their last six league and cup matches at White Hart Lane.
    Spurs have scored in each of their last 19 Premier League matches.
    According to Opta, Tottenham have more points after 20 games than 10 of the 19 previous Premier League champions.

Wolves

    Wolves have taken three points from the last available 18.
    Since winning at Blackburn on the opening day, Wolves have claimed three points from a possible 27 away from Molineux.
    Mick McCarthy's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 17 league games.
    Christophe Berra is set to make his 100th league appearance for Wolves, while Karl Henry is one shy of his 200th.

Saturday 7th January Birmingham City 0  Wolves 0 12:30pm ko FA Cup 3rd Round (live on ESPN)

Birmingham City 0 Wolves 0

The FA Cup-tie at Birmingham was in its 94th and final minute when substitute Matt Jarvis came within an inch or two of putting Wolves through to the fourth round of the competition.  But Blues keeper Colin Doyle touched the winger's effort onto the inside of the post and then beat away Steven Fletcher's follow-up header to earn his side a replay at Molineux. 
Eggert Jonsson made his debut as one of four changes from the team that started against Chelsea. Dorus De Vries was named as keeper with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Michael Kightly, back from his Watford loan, also coming in.  Dropping out were Wayne Hennessey, Dave Edwards and Emmanuel Frimpong who were all named as substitutes, and Adam Hammill.  City kicked-off attacking the Railway End of St Andrews that housed around 2,500 travelling supporters.  There was an early chance for Jonsson when Guirane N'Daw headed a Stephen Ward throw into his path but the Icelander's shot was too high.  Wolves did most of the early pressing without unduly worrying Doyle in the City goal, but Roger Johnson, on his first return to his former club, had to head behind a Wade Elliott free-kick.  Jordon Mutch scooped a first time shot over the bar after he had met Nathan Redmond's centre, and Johnson headed over following a Kightly corner at the other end.  After 24 minutes, De Vries had little trouble in collecting a low, 30-yard drive from Mutch before Johnson's afternoon ended unhappily when he landed badly after an aerial challenge with Adam Rooney.  The defender was in obvious pain and he was helped off to be replaced by Kevin Foley who moved into the right-back slot with Richard Stearman joining Christophe Berra in central defence.  A short through ball from Jonsson found Ebanks-Blake and he turned quickly and toe poked the ball towards goal where Doyle blocked with Curtis Davies completing the clearance.

Half-Time: Blues 0 Wolves 0

Seconds after the restart, Doyle deflected an Ebanks-Blake shot over the bar but the striker was adjudged offside anyway.  Both goals then survived dangerous moments within a five minute spell. After 54 minutes the ball fell nicely for Rooney inside the Wolves box. His shot had power and direction but Jonsson threw himself in front of the ball to block.  Then Foley sent Kightly away on the right and his low cross rolled invitingly in front of Ebanks-Blake but he shot over the bar from 15-yards.  Davies was shown the yellow card after tripping Kevin Doyle some 22-yards out. Karl Henry rolled the ball back to Stephen Hunt who flicked it into the air to set a volley up for himself. But his effort was too high.  Both sides made a change in the 69th minute with Jarvis coming on for Hunt and Jean Beausejour for Mutch.  A combination of Berra and Stearman managed to block a shot from Redmond and when the loose ball ran to Rooney his low effort was kept out by De Vries.  Wolves made a final switch when Fletcher replaced Doyle for the final stages of the game. Jonsson blocked a Beausejour volley before Rooney went into the book after one foul too many for referee Mike Dean.  With the game about to move into stoppage time, Redmond hit a low shot that De Vries needed two attempts to hold on to.  Ward headed straight at the keeper from Kightly's corner before the drama in the dying seconds.  Jarvis cut in from the left and unleashed a shot that was destined for the far corner until Doyle got his fingertips to the ball to touch it onto the post.  The ball looped up into the air and Fletcher headed towards goal only for Doyle to save the day again for the home side. He hadn't regained his feet but he still managed to beat the ball away to deny Fletcher and Wolves.

Blues: C. Doyle, Murphy, Ridgewell (Caldwell 50), N'Daw (Fahey 83), Mutch (Beausejour 69), Gomis, Elliott, Rooney, Redmond, Spector, Davies (capt).  Unused subs: Butland, King, Zigic, Reilly.  Bookings: Davies (67 - foul), Rooney (84 - persistent fouling).

Wolves: De Vries, Stearman, Ward, Jonsson, Berra, Johnson (capt) (Foley 36), Kightly, Henry, K. Doyle (Fletcher 74), Ebanks- Blake, Hunt (Jarvis 69). Unused subs: Hennessey, Elokobi, Edwards, Frimpong. 
Referee: M. Dean.  Attendance: 14,594 (2,488 away supporters).

The Beeb found it less stimulating!

Birmingham and Wolves cancelled each other out in a dreary West Midlands derby in the FA Cup third round.  The only true moment of quality arrived in the dying seconds when a Matt Jarvis drive was tipped on to the post by Birmingham keeper Colin Doyle.  Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had earlier blazed wastefully over the bar.  Birmingham created little on a poor pitch and must now travel for a replay at Wolves, whose captain Roger Johnson was forced off with an ankle injury.  The outcome is far from ideal for either side, with Birmingham already facing fixture congestion following their Europa League campaign and Wolves embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle.   But a draw was probably a fair result, given that neither team really did enough to win a turgid game on a surface littered with bumps.   Watched from the stands by their former manager Steve Bruce, Birmingham settled more quickly, with highly rated 17-year-old winger Nathan Redmond catching the eye early on.  His pass released David Murphy down the left to send over a cross that Jordon Mutch, arriving from midfield, clipped wide of the near post.  Johnson, who left Birmingham for Wolves in a £4.5m summer transfer, announced his return to St Andrews with a crunching tackle, and was soon the subject of mocking applause as his header from a corner sailed over the bar.  But the central defender limped off the field shortly after the half-hour mark having twisted his ankle when he landed after an aerial challenge with Adam Rooney.  Wolves improved as the half elapsed and went close through Ebanks-Blake, who latched on to Stephen Ward's pass but could only poke his shot straight at Doyle.  Ebanks-Blake, given a chance to impress with top-scorer Steven Fletcher on the bench, missed a far easier chance after the break.  Michael Kightly's cut-back found him in plenty of space, but he could only spoon his side-footed shot over the bar.  Wolves manager Mick McCarthy brought on England winger Jarvis and Fletcher, while Birmingham turned to Chile winger Jean Beausejour.  But none of them could enliven a dire encounter until three minutes into stoppage time, when Jarvis cut inside from the left flank and smashed a shot towards the far corner, with Doyle reacting sharply to save one-handed.  The ball rebounded to Fletcher, but his follow-up header lacked power and Doyle was able to save once again to keep his side in the competition.

Did you know Wolves have made it through the FA Cup third round in each of the past nine seasons?

Saturday, 7 January 2012


Birmingham

    13 Doyle
    03 Murphy
    06 Ridgewell (Caldwell 49)
    23 Spector
    24 Daviesyellow card
    08 N'daw (Fahey 82)
    12 Mutch (Beausejour 69)
    14 Gomis
    15 Elliott
    22 Redmond
    17 Rooneyyellow card

Substitutes

    26 Butland,
    04 Caldwell,
    11 Beausejour,
    18 Fahey,
    35 Reilly,
    09 King,
    19 Zigic

Wolverhampton

    31 De Vries
    05 Stearman
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson (Foley 35)
    16 Berra
    07 Kightly
    08 Henry
    12 Hunt (Jarvis 69)
    22 Jonsson
    09 Ebanks-Blake
    29 Doyle (Fletcher 74)

Substitutes

    01 Hennessey,
    03 Elokobi,
    32 Foley,
    04 Edwards,
    15 Frimpong,
    17 Jarvis,
    10 Fletcher

Ref: DeanAtt: 14,594
BIRMINGHAM  WOLVES
Possession
    Birmingham 52%    Wolves 48%
Attempts on target
    Birmingham 9    Wolves 4
Attempts off target
    Birmingham 3    Wolves 8
Corners
    Birmingham 2    Wolves 4
Fouls
    Birmingham 15  Wolves 5

    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+4:45 The referee brings the game to a close.
    90:00+3:55 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Colin Doyle makes a save.
    90:00+3:19 Effort from the edge of the area by Matthew Jarvis hits the post.
    90:00+1:27 The ball is delivered by Nathan Redmond.
    90:00+0:47 Outswinging corner taken by Michael Kightly from the right by-line, Stephen Ward takes a shot. Save by Colin Doyle.
    90:00+0:11 Nathan Redmond takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries.
    88:07 The official flags Sylvan Ebanks-Blake offside. Free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
    86:40 Adam Rooney takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
    86:09 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Fletcher on Steven Caldwell. Jonathan Spector takes the free kick.
    85:15 The referee penalises Matthew Jarvis for handball. Colin Doyle restarts play with the free kick.
    83:18 Foul by Adam Rooney on Eggert Jonsson, free kick awarded. Dorus De Vries restarts play with the free kick.
    83:18 Booking Adam Rooney receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.
    81:19 Substitution Guirane N'Daw leaves the field to be replaced by Keith Fahey.
    81:03 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake sends in a cross, save by Colin Doyle.
    80:06 The ball is delivered by David Murphy, save by Dorus De Vries.
    78:24 Nathan Redmond delivers the ball.
    77:03 The referee blows for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
    76:25 Nathan Redmond takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Ward.
    75:42 Morgaro Gomis has an effort at goal from outside the area which misses left.
    73:56 Substitution Kevin Doyle leaves the field to be replaced by Steven Fletcher.
    73:34 Adam Rooney takes a shot. Save by Dorus De Vries.
    73:14 Nathan Redmond takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman.
    72:03 Free kick awarded for a foul by Morgaro Gomis on Kevin Doyle. Stephen Ward takes the direct free kick.
    70:53 The ball is crossed by Jean Beausejour.
    69:59 Morgaro Gomis takes a shot. Eggert Jonsson gets a block in.
    68:16 Substitution Matthew Jarvis on for Stephen Hunt.
    68:16 Substitution Jordon Mutch leaves the field to be replaced by Jean Beausejour.
    67:19 Strike on goal comes in from Stephen Hunt from the free kick.
    67:19 Booking The referee shows Curtis Davies a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
    66:52 Free kick awarded for a foul by Curtis Davies on Kevin Doyle.
    66:27 Michael Kightly takes a shot. Steven Caldwell gets a block in.
    65:49 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Richard Stearman by Adam Rooney. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick.
    64:46 Eggert Jonsson is adjudged to have handled the ball. Jonathan Spector takes the direct free kick.
    62:11 Foul by Wade Elliott on Stephen Hunt, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Dorus De Vries.
    61:01 The assistant referee flags for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Colin Doyle restarts play with the free kick.
    60:19 Corner taken by Stephen Hunt, clearance by Steven Caldwell.
    59:45 Nathan Redmond concedes a free kick for a foul on Eggert Jonsson. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick.
    58:57 Jonathan Spector crosses the ball, clearance by Michael Kightly.
    57:43 Michael Kightly crosses the ball, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.
    56:54 Centre by Wade Elliott, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    55:44 The ball is delivered by Kevin Foley, Jonathan Spector makes a clearance.
    53:42 Adam Rooney takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.
    53:00 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Caldwell. Free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
    51:59 Shot from just outside the area by Kevin Doyle misses to the right of the target.
    49:58 Free kick awarded for a foul by Adam Rooney on Christophe Berra. Dorus De Vries takes the free kick.
    48:17 Substitution Steven Caldwell comes on in place of Liam Ridgewell.
    47:00 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is caught offside. Colin Doyle takes the direct free kick.
    45:29 The referee blows for offside. Direct free kick taken by Colin Doyle.
    45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
    Half Time
    45:00+2:23 The whistle is blown to end the first half.
    45:00+1:58 Inswinging corner taken by Stephen Hunt from the left by-line, clearance by Liam Ridgewell.
    44:31 Centre by David Murphy.
    42:52 Kevin Doyle delivers the ball, Morgaro Gomis manages to make a clearance.
    41:57 Nathan Redmond takes a shot. Dorus De Vries makes a save.
    41:33 Jordon Mutch takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Ward.
    40:42 Foul by Adam Rooney on Christophe Berra, free kick awarded. Christophe Berra takes the direct free kick.
    39:48 Effort from outside the penalty box by Kevin Doyle goes wide right of the goal.
    37:12 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Save by Colin Doyle.
    32:52 Dorus De Vries takes the free kick.
    32:52 Substitution Roger Johnson leaves the field to be replaced by Kevin Foley.
    32:52 Adam Rooney concedes a free kick for a foul on Roger Johnson.
    32:17 The assistant referee flags for offside against Kevin Doyle. Colin Doyle restarts play with the free kick.
    32:05 Stephen Ward crosses the ball, clearance made by Guirane N'Daw.
    30:56 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Wade Elliott from the left by-line to the near post, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    30:48 David Murphy sends in a cross, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
    27:01 Michael Kightly produces a cross.
    25:55 Jordon Mutch concedes a free kick for a foul on Eggert Jonsson. Roger Johnson takes the free kick.
    25:20 Effort from range distance by Karl Henry goes wide of the right-hand upright.
    24:19 David Murphy sends in a cross, clearance by Stephen Ward.
    24:12 Nathan Redmond sends in a cross, Roger Johnson makes a clearance.
    23:15 Jordon Mutch takes a shot. Dorus De Vries makes a comfortable save.
    21:18 Inswinging corner taken by Michael Kightly, Header on goal by Roger Johnson from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
    21:08 Stephen Ward delivers the ball, blocked by Wade Elliott.
    20:56 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Wade Elliott. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
    20:25 Foul by Adam Rooney on Stephen Ward, free kick awarded. Dorus De Vries takes the direct free kick.
    20:00 The ball is crossed by Stephen Hunt, save by Colin Doyle.
    19:31 Richard Stearman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nathan Redmond. Liam Ridgewell restarts play with the free kick.
    18:17 Guirane N'Daw fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. Curtis Davies restarts play with the free kick.
    17:43 The ball is crossed by Wade Elliott, Shot from deep inside the area by Jordon Mutch clears the bar.
    17:28 Wade Elliott delivers the ball, clearance by Richard Stearman.
    16:50 The ball is delivered by Jonathan Spector, clearance made by Roger Johnson.
    14:35 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michael Kightly by Guirane N'Daw. Direct free kick taken by Dorus De Vries.
    13:57 Outswinging corner taken by Wade Elliott, clearance made by Christophe Berra.
    13:13 Richard Stearman concedes a free kick for a foul on Nathan Redmond. Wade Elliott crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, Richard Stearman makes

a clearance.
    12:49 Centre by Jonathan Spector, Richard Stearman manages to make a clearance.
    10:05 Wade Elliott sends in a cross, clearance by Roger Johnson.
    6:50 The ball is sent over by Jonathan Spector, Richard Stearman makes a clearance.
    6:41 The ball is sent over by Wade Elliott, clearance made by Stephen Hunt.
    6:35 The ball is sent over by David Murphy, clearance by Stephen Ward.
    5:43 Unfair challenge on Stephen Ward by Adam Rooney results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Ward.
    4:18 Eggert Jonsson has an effort at goal from outside the box which misses left.
    3:31 Centre by Nathan Redmond, Stephen Ward makes a clearance.
    3:24 Centre by Wade Elliott.
    1:10 Foul by Curtis Davies on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded. Stephen Ward restarts play with the free kick.
    0:00 The match has kicked off.

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Monday 2nd January Wolves 1 (Ward 84) Chelsea 2 (Ramires 54 Lampard 89)

Atrocious refereeing again as Walton fails to dismiss Lampard for a studs up leg-breaker or Cole for a kcik high in Doyler's chest having already not booked him for hacking Frimpong down.  This ref was just overawed by Chelsea and should spend some time in the Conference to get his head straightened out.  Meanwhile only QPR are between us and the relegation zone, and the teams above have opened up a 5 point gap.

A late Frank Lampard goal cost Wolves a share of the spoils at Molineux although the Chelsea man was perhaps a little fortunate to still be on the field following a first-half challenge on Adam Hammill.  Just five minutes before Lampard struck, Stephen Ward had cancelled out Ramires' opener for the Londoners to seemingly give Wanderers a fully deserved point.  Five of the team that had started against Bolton just 48 hours earlier - George Elokobi, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Steven Fletcher, Stephen Hunt and Matt Jarvis - were named as substitutes. Into the team came new loan signing Emmanuel Frimpong along with Dave Edwards, Anthony Forde, Kevin Doyle and Hammill.   Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and there was a chance for Edwards after just 20 seconds but he failed to make a proper connection from 20-yards allowing Petr Cech to make a comfortable save.   Frimpong's first involvement was quickly ended by a crude Ashley Cole challenge that earned the England defender a rebuke from the referee.   Chelsea threatened when the ball broke for Juan Mata who raced into the area and hit a low shot that Wayne Hennessey blocked with Richard Stearman completing the clearance.  In the 13th minute Lampard took a short pass from Fernando Torres and looked on to score until Christrophe Berra got across with a perfect tackle to deny the midfielder a shooting opportunity.  Ramires fired into the side netting after breaking into the right of the home area, before the game erupted in the 24th minute when Lampard caught Hammill with a late challenge at speed. The crowd reacted furiously when the referee only produced the yellow card.  Hammill went into the book shortly afterwards for a clumsy challenge on Cole and he was quickly followed by Karl Henry who clipped Torres's heels just outside the 18-yard line. Lampard curled the free-kick into the box where Frimpong was well placed to clear.   The crowd's anger moved up a level after another rough challenge from Cole on Doyle who reacted by shoving the ball at the Chelsea man. The referee gave Cole another lecture but no yellow card before calling Doyle over and booking him to further enrage the home faithful.  Hammill lifted the free-kick into the box and Roger Johnson ran in on the far side to power a header against the outside of the post.   The fifth booking in a nine minute spell came when Oriol Romeu kicked the ball away after John Terry had been penalised for a foul on Hammill to the right of the Chelsea area.   Shortly before the break, Lampard tested Hennessey with a low shot from 25-yards and then the keeper pushed aside an on target effort from Jose Bosingwa.   In stoppage time, after some good work from Henry, Hammill slipped the ball to Doyle who cut into the box before firing wide of the near post.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Chelsea 0

Jarvis was an interval replacement for Forde and he was soon in the action with a run and cross that fell to Hammill whose drive bounced clear off Terry.  Then a Ramires shove on Doyle, by the left-hand corner flag, led to a Jarvis free-kick which again found Hammill who this time curled a shot over the angle.  Chelsea moved into a 54th minute lead when Ramires controlled a corner from Mata before turning and lashing a shot into the roof of the net.   After Fletcher replaced Frimpong with just over an hour on the clock, Chelsea threatened twice more through Mata, who saw his shot beaten away by Hennessey, and Torres who was through on goal until he was thwarted by a fine challenge from Stearman. Edwards tried to head the ball over the advancing Cech after Henry had lofted a ball into the Chelsea box, but the keeper was able to pluck the ball out of the air.  There was a final change for Wolves when Kevin Foley went on in place of Edwards.  The home goal was a little fortunate when Mata hit Stearman and the ball looped onto the roof of the net with Hennessey completely wrong footed.  Wolves drew level in the 84th minute through Ward who drove home a low shot after Fletcher had knocked Jarvis's free-kick back into the danger zone.  But all the hard work was undone five minutes later as Lampard tucked away Cole's low cross from inside the six-yard box.  Deep into stoppage time Cech pulled off a reflex save to keep out Doyle's header after a long throw from Ward. The referee blew for time before the corner conceded could be taken.

Wolves: Hennessey, Stearman, Ward, Frimpong (Fletcher 61), Berra, Johnson (capt), Hammill, Henry, Doyle, Edwards (Foley 76), Forde (Jarvis 45).  Unused subs: Elokobi, Ebanks-Blake, Hunt, De Vries.  Bookings: Hammill (26 - foul), Henry (27 - foul), Doyle (31 - ungentlemanly conduct).

Chelsea: Cech, Cole, Luiz, Romeu, Ramires, Lampard, Torres, Mata (McEachran 83), Meireles, Bosingwa, Terry (capt).  Unused subs: Turnbull, Lukaku, Ferreira, Hutchinson, Bertrand, Chalobah.  Bookings: Lampard (24 - foul), Romeu (33 - ungentlemanly conduct).

Referee: P. Walton.   Attendance: 27,049.

the beeb saw it as
Frank Lampard scored a last-gasp winner as Chelsea secured a first win in five matches with a gutsy and much-improved display against Wolves at Molineux.   Stephen Ward seemed to have earned the hosts a point when he smashed Steven Fletcher's cross low into the net.  But Chelsea, who led through a Ramires strike, won it when Lampard volleyed in Ashley Cole's brilliant cross.   Kevin Doyle almost snatched a point in injury time but his header was superbly saved by Blues keeper Petr Cech.  It was a spectacular save and a fitting way to finish off a pulsating match that Chelsea will feel they fully deserved to win.   The hosts had two spells in either half where they rattled the visitors and had they not wasted two stunning chances in the latter stages of the first period, they would probably have avoided a fifth home league defeat of the season.  But Chelsea dominated possession and showed signs of the unity that many had doubted existed in their dressing room with a disciplined, professional performance.  However it was almost a disastrous start as a sloppy Jose Bosingwa pass could easily have gifted Wolves a first-minute opener.  David Edwards failed to connect with his effort and Chelsea's packed midfield then began to get on top.  Oriol Romeu, playing in his familiar holding role, laid the defensive platform with Lampard and Raul Meireles deployed further forward and the hosts struggled to get a foothold in the game in the first 25 minutes.  The much-maligned Fernando Torres, back in the side because of injuries to Daniel Sturridge and Didier Drogba, flourished early on and almost set up goals for both Juan Mata and Lampard.  Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey did brilliantly to race out and block Mata's strike after a delightful first-time Torres pass, and defender Richard Stearman then did enough to put off Lampard with the midfielder poised to shoot home following another astute Torres through-ball.  An increasingly confident Torres even tried an audacious 60-yard effort on goal after winning the ball on halfway, only for his strike to drift closer to the corner flag than the goal.  Chelsea players celebrate their opening goal by Ramires Chelsea's players rushed to celebrate their opening goal with their bench  Ramires also shot wide and an away goal seemed inevitable but Wolves were awoken from their slumbers by a very clumsy studs-up challenge by Lampard.  The England midfielder could easily have been sent off as he clattered into Adam Hamill, but his obvious attempts to pull out of the challenge and instant apology may have spared him.  Lampard's caution sparked a nine-minute spell that brought five yellow cards and saw Wolves rattle the Londoners with by far their best spell of the game.  Roger Johnson was desperately unlucky not to open the scoring with a powerful far-post header from Hamill's fine free-kick.  And moments later Stephen Ward missed the easiest chance of the afternoon, heading well wide from six yards after another excellent Hamill centre.  But as the temper levels dropped off, Chelsea began to boss things again.  Lampard, Bosingwa and Terry all went close before the break and although Hamill saw a decent strike blocked by John Terry, the Blues then went ahead when Ramires reacted quickly to lash the ball into the top corner following Mata's corner.  Chelsea seemed desperate to grab a second and avoid a nervy finale and a possible fourth 1-1 draw in five games.  Ramires tested Hennessey from wide on the right after showing blistering pace and some Torres trickery almost saw him create a one-on-one chance. Wolves once again dragged themselves back into the game and appeared to have piled more misery on under-pressure Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas with an 84th-minute equaliser. Matthew Jarvis crossed to the far post and when fellow substitute Fletcher turned the ball back into the danger area, Ward crashed the ball past Cech.  But Chelsea somehow rallied and Lampard showed typical drive to arrive in the box and steer the ball home from close range from Cole's inviting left-wing centre.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:

"I'm livid and disgusted. I should be talking about a well-earned point. We've given it away. Frank Lampard should not have been unmarked and putting the ball into the net. Defend the cross properly. We should have had a 1-1 draw.  The second goal is rubbish to concede. Maybe we could have nicked a goal at the end but we have left them off the hook and I am sick.  I get sick of talking about our spirit. Let's get points and talk about a well-earned point and not back-handed praise for getting back in the game and my team running about, which is a pre-requisite."

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas:

Chelsea character pleases Villas-Boas

"It was an important win based on recent results. The team showed good strength of character to come back from negative results and to come away with a win today has a special flavour.  It is excellent signs in the moments of difficulty that you can dig deep.  It [conceding goals] has been happening a lot so to us in the last few minutes of games but you have to praise the response within a four-minute period. The players were magnificent today and it was a good, solid team win.   We are united in our objectives."


 

Monday, 2 January 2012

Premier League

Wolves 1-2 Chelsea FT
         (HT 0-0) 
    Ward 84           Ramires 54
                          Lampard 89


Wolverhampton

    01 Hennessey
    05 Stearman
    11 Ward
    14 Johnson
    16 Berra
    04 Edwards (Foley 76)
    08 Henry yellow card
    15 Frimpong (Fletcher 61)
    19 Hammill yellow card
    37 Forde (Jarvis 46)
    29 Doyle yellow card

Substitutes

    31 De Vries,
    03 Elokobi,
    32 Foley,
    12 Hunt,
    17 Jarvis,
    09 Ebanks-Blake,
    10 Fletcher

Chelsea

    01 Cech
    03 Cole
    04 David Luiz
    17 Bosingwa
    26 Terry
    06 Romeu yellow card
    07 Ramires
    08 Lampard yellow card
    16 Meireles
    09 Torres
    10 Mata (McEachran 83)

Substitutes

    22 Turnbull,
    19 Ferreira,
    27 Hutchinson,
    34 Bertrand,
    45 Chalobah,
    20 McEachran,
    18 Lukaku

Ref: Walton  Att: 27,289
WOLVES
CHELSEA
Possession
    Wolves 39%    Chelsea 61%
Attempts on target
    Wolves 5    Chelsea 10
Attempts off target
    Wolves 4    Chelsea 5
Corners
    Wolves 0    Chelsea 5
Fouls
    Wolves 9    Chelsea 10



    Final Result
    Full Time
    90:00+4:06 The referee ends the match.
    90:00+3:30 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.
    90:00+1:46 Fernando Torres concedes a free kick for a foul on Christophe Berra. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
    88:21 Assist by Ashley Cole.
    88:21 GOAL - Frank LampardWolverhampton 1 - 2 Chelsea Goal scored by Frank Lampard from inside the penalty box high into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-2 Chelsea.
    88:18 Ashley Cole crosses the ball,
    85:43 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Oriol Romeu by Matthew Jarvis. Raul Meireles takes the direct free kick.
    84:03 Centre by Steven Fletcher,
    84:00 Assist by Steven Fletcher.
    84:00 GOAL - Stephen WardWolverhampton 1 - 1 Chelsea Stephen Ward finds the net with a goal from inside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-1 Chelsea.
    83:42 Unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Fernando Torres results in a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
    82:57 Substitution Josh McEachran replaces Juan Mata.
    81:54 The ball is delivered by Ramires, Roger Johnson makes a clearance.
    81:19 Adam Hammill produces a cross, clearance by Oriol Romeu.
    80:04 Corner taken by Frank Lampard from the right by-line, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    79:43 Juan Mata takes a shot. Richard Stearman gets a block in.
    79:32 A cross is delivered by Ashley Cole.
    Correction - 74:57 Substitution Kevin Foley joins the action as a substitute, replacing David Edwards.
    Correction - 74:57 Unfair challenge on David Edwards by Fernando Torres results in a free kick.
    74:57 Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
    74:57 Substitution Kevin Foley on for David Edwards.
    74:57 Fernando Torres gives away a for an unfair challenge on David Edwards.
    72:37 Richard Stearman delivers the ball, save by Petr Cech.
    71:32 Juan Mata has an effort at goal from the edge of the box that misses to the right of the target.
    70:46 David Edwards takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.
    68:18 The ball is crossed by Fernando Torres, Karl Henry manages to make a clearance.
    67:09 A cross is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.
    66:47 Ramires takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    66:28 Raul Meireles delivers the ball.
    65:10 A cross is delivered by Ramires, Fernando Torres has an effort from just inside the box that misses to the left of the goal.
    63:10 Matthew Jarvis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ramires. Free kick taken by David Luiz.
    62:41 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Karl Henry. Free kick taken by Karl Henry.
    60:29 Substitution Steven Fletcher comes on in place of Emmanuel Frimpong.
    59:14 A cross is delivered by Ramires, Richard Stearman makes a clearance.
    57:03 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Ward by Ramires. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    53:36 The assist for the goal came from John Terry.
    53:36 GOAL - RamiresWolverhampton 0 - 1 Chelsea Goal scored by Ramires from inside the penalty box to the top left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Chelsea.
    53:18 Outswinging corner taken by Juan Mata from the left by-line,
    50:40 Shot on goal by Adam Hammill from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
    50:15 Kevin Doyle fouled by Ramires, the ref awards a free kick. Matthew Jarvis takes the free kick.
    49:49 The ball is sent over by Ramires, clearance made by Emmanuel Frimpong.
    49:05 The ball is crossed by Matthew Jarvis, Adam Hammill has an effort at goal. John Terry gets a block in.
    47:59 David Luiz fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. Jose Bosingwa takes the free kick.
    45:44 Raul Meireles sends in a cross.
    45:01 The second half kicks off.
    45:01 Substitution Matthew Jarvis joins the action as a substitute, replacing Anthony Forde.
    Half Time
    45:00+2:16 The players leave the pitch at half time.
    45:00+1:11 Effort from the edge of the box by Kevin Doyle goes wide of the left-hand upright.
    45:00+0:13 Inswinging corner taken by Juan Mata, John Terry has a headed effort from close range and clears the crossbar.
    45:00+0:03 Jose Bosingwa takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    44:49 Juan Mata produces a cross.
    43:32 Frank Lampard takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    41:47 Centre by Oriol Romeu, Roger Johnson makes a clearance.
    40:52 Inswinging corner taken by Juan Mata, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    39:49 Juan Mata delivers the ball, clearance made by Richard Stearman.
    37:32 John Terry is penalised for a handball. Adam Hammill delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, clearance by John Terry.
    37:09 The referee blows for offside against Juan Mata. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
    36:44 The ball is delivered by Ashley Cole, Adam Hammill makes a clearance.
    36:00 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kevin Doyle on Oriol Romeu. Free kick taken by John Terry.
    32:45 The ball is crossed by Adam Hammill, Header from close in by Stephen Ward misses to the left of the target.
    32:45 Booking Oriol Romeu receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
    32:27 Foul by Oriol Romeu on Adam Hammill, free kick awarded.
    30:56 Adam Hammill produces a cross, Roger Johnson produces a header from deep inside the area and hits the post.
    30:56 Booking Kevin Doyle is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
    29:30 Foul by Ashley Cole on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded.
    26:53 Shot on goal comes in from Frank Lampard from the free kick, Emmanuel Frimpong gets a block in.
    26:53 Booking Karl Henry goes into the referee's book.
    26:40 Karl Henry challenges Fernando Torres unfairly and gives away a free kick.
    25:24 Petr Cech restarts play with the free kick.
    25:24 Booking Adam Hammill is given a yellow card.
    25:16 Adam Hammill challenges Ashley Cole unfairly and gives away a free kick.
    24:27 Roger Johnson takes the free kick.
    24:27 Booking Booking for Frank Lampard for unsporting behaviour.
    24:06 Frank Lampard concedes a free kick for a foul on Adam Hammill.
    23:40 Fernando Torres takes a shot. Christophe Berra gets a block in.
    22:27 A cross is delivered by Ramires.
    20:26 The ball is sent over by Ramires, clearance by Stephen Ward.
    19:34 The ball is swung over by Jose Bosingwa.
    18:18 Centre by Juan Mata.
    16:35 The ball is sent over by Ramires, clearance by Christophe Berra.
    13:59 Ramires takes a shot from 12 yards. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
    13:32 Inswinging corner taken by Juan Mata, Stephen Ward manages to make a clearance.
    12:37 Effort on goal by Ramires from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
    11:46 Frank Lampard takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
    11:10 The ball is sent over by Ramires, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
    6:54 Kevin Doyle challenges John Terry unfairly and gives away a free kick. Petr Cech takes the free kick.
    6:05 Ashley Cole challenges Emmanuel Frimpong unfairly and gives away a free kick. Roger Johnson restarts play with the free kick.
    4:46 Juan Mata delivers the ball.
    4:14 Foul by David Edwards on Juan Mata, free kick awarded. Juan Mata restarts play with the free kick.
    2:37 Foul by Christophe Berra on Fernando Torres, free kick awarded. Juan Mata has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
    2:11 The ball is crossed by Ramires.
    0:17 David Edwards takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.
    0:00 The match has kicked off.

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