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BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE 2010 - 11

Sunday 30 January FA Cup 4th round Wolves 0 Stoke City 1 (Huth) ko 1pm

Wolves 0 Stoke City 1 (Huth 81)
The 8,000 Wolves fans, well the 5,000 who were left for the dying minutes of a match of anti-football, were all willing Nenad not to score and inflict on themselves a replay of this awful match.   Stears and Berra had sttod up well to the physical and aerial onslaught that is Stoke City, John Carew and Kenwyne Jones and all while USA made two fine saves.   Everyone else was mediocre and the Potters fans enjoyed a "Going Down" chorus.  And a stupid giveaway foul, with Huth then left unmarked gave Stoke their first FA Cup win in 8 games over Wolves.   Mick said afterwards we cold have one it - not with only two shots on target we couldn't and a striker who has turned out to be a waste of money - the hapless Fletcher up front, given little service, managed to hit the post in true Stephen Elliott style. The other shot on goal was a magnificent header two minutes after coming on for Sammy Vokes - when at last we had a forward on physical enough to push back - but not until the 85th did he come on.  Someone said Capt Karl had the wrong boots on when he sliced yet another kick into the crowd - boots were alright Karl was just having one of his worst ever performances.  Wolves only seem to be able to play against the top teams this season and dreadful sides like Stoke drag us down beoynd their level while prima donna ref Jones shold have booked himself for timewasting.   Looks like 23 home games next season.

Wolves saw it through rose tinted binoculars.

Thomas Sorensen's stoppage time penalty save from Nenad Milijaš denied Wolves an FA Cup replay against Stoke after a hard fought Molineux game where chances were of a premium.
Mick McCarthy made just two changes to the team that lost to Liverpool with Marcus Hahnemann in goal and George Elokobi slotting in at left back for Stephen Ward who was playing up front in place of illness victim Kevin Doyle.  Stoke kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and three times in the opening five minutes the home defence faced long throws from Rory Delap. From the third, Hahnemann made a fine close range save as he turned John Carew's shot around the post after a brief goalmouth scramble. Stephen Hunt limped off after just ten minutes and, after Christophe Berra had headed clear a deep free-kick from Matthew Etherington, the Irish midfielder was eventually replaced by Dave Edwards.  A low Matt Jarvis cross was cleared by Robert Huth who, seconds later, was dispossessed on the edge of his own area by Ward who took a couple of paces before firing a low shot that Sorensen got his body fully behind.  A slip by Richard Stearman allowed Carew a run on goal but the defender soon regained his feet to chase back and force the Villa loanee wide. He still got his shot in but Hahnemann was more than equal to it.  Ronald Zubar needed treatment as he was shoved over by Carew as he tried to shepherd the ball out for a throw-in, then Salif Diao was yellow carded for a crude challenge on Milijaš.  Stoke were awarded a free-kick 20-yards out after Berra was adjudged to have fouled Kenwyne Jones but the wall did its job as Etherington's free-kick bounced off it.  In the 37th minute the woodwork saved Stoke after Ward's excellent left wing cross was headed against the post by Steven Fletcher.  An Etherington corner was flicked on by Jon Walters and the ball flew dangerously across the face of goal before being cleared by Jarvis who was stationed in front of the far post.  Just before the break Diao appeared to be somewhat lucky to stay on the field after another crunching tackle on Milijaš that, if anything, looked worse than the one that had earned him a booking. 

Half-Time; Wolves 0 Stoke 0

It perhaps wasn't a surprise when Glenn Whelan replaced Diao at the start of the new half.  Henry volleyed wide from 20-yards and then a mazy run down the left flank by Jarvis ended with a cross from which Ward's header was saved by Sorensen.  Zubar was shown the yellow card for tripping Delap and then City made two changes in a three minute spell. Andy Wilkinson and Jones were withdrawn with Ricardo Fuller and Marc Wilson taking their places.  Hahnemann made a good save as he beat away a fierce drive from Whelan after a Delap long throw was headed out, and then the keeper turned an angled Etherington shot around the post.  With 15 minutes remaining, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake went on in place of Fletcher.  Wolves went close in the 79th minute following a Milijaš corner which was played back into the heart of the area by Elokobi. First Jarvis had a shot blocked and when the ball bounced into the path of Milijaš, his effort hit Ward and bounced behind.  To make matters worse, just two minutes later, City took the lead. Elokobi was deemed to have fouled Walters on the by-line between the corner flag and penalty area. Etherington took the free-kick and Huth ran in to head home.  Sam Vokes was sent on in place of Ward and Sorensen clung onto a header from the Welshman following a cross from Jarvis just three minutes after his introduction. In the first of the four minutes of stoppage time, Milijaš went down under a challenge from Huth and the referee pointed straight to the spot.  But the cheers that rang around the half empty stadium soon turned to groans as Sorensen guessed correctly and dived to his left to beat away Milijaš's spot kick.

Wolves: Hahnemann, Zubar, Elokobi, Milijaš, Berra, Stearman, Jarvis, Henry (capt), Ward (Vokes 85), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 75), Hunt (Edwards 14).  Unused subs: Craddock, Hennessey, D. Jones, Mouyokolo.  Booking: ), Zubar (64 - foul).

Stoke: Sorensen, Huth, K. Jones (Fuller 69), Pugh, Diao (Whelan 45), Walters, Carew, Delap (capt), Faye, Etherington, Wilkinson (Wilson 66).  Unused subs: Nash, Collins, Pennant, Tuncay.   Bookings: Diao (26 - foul).Walters ((45 - foul)

Referee: M. Jones.  Attendance: 11,967.

Wolverhampton

01 Hahnemann
03 Elokobi
05 Stearman
11 Ward (Vokes 84)
16 Berra
23 Zubaryellow card
08 Henry
12 Hunt (Edwards 14)
17 Jarvis
20 Milijas
10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 75)

Substitutes

13 Hennessey,
06 Craddock,
22 Mouyokolo,
04 Edwards,
14 Jones,
09 Ebanks-Blake,
18 Vokes

Stoke

29 Sorensen
04 Huth
25 Faye
28 Wilkinson (Wilson 66)
14 Pugh
15 Diaoyellow card (Whelan 46)
24 Delap
26 Etherington
09 Jones (Fuller 68)
19 Waltersyellow card
22 Carew

Substitutes

27 Nash,
05 Collins,
06 Whelan,
12 Wilson,
16 Pennant,
20 Tuncay,
10 Fuller

Ref: JonesAtt: 11,967
WOLVES
STOKE
Possession

Wolves 45%
Stoke 55%

Attempts on target

Wolves 2
Stoke 8

Attempts off target

Wolves 2
Stoke 3

Corners

Wolves 7
Stoke 9

Fouls

Wolves 8
Stoke 12




Full Time
90:00+4:21 The referee ends the match.
90:00+2:38 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
90:00+1:29 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Nenad Milijas.
90:00+1:10 Penalty taken by Nenad Milijas is saved by Thomas Sorensen. Wolverhampton 0-1 Stoke.
90:00 Penalty awarded for a foul by Robert Huth on Nenad Milijas.
89:16 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake by Abdoulaye Faye. Direct free kick taken by Matthew Jarvis.
88:37 Sam Vokes takes a shot. Save by Thomas Sorensen.
88:16 Short corner worked by Matthew Jarvis.
85:14 Corner from the right by-line taken by Matthew Etherington, Headed effort from inside the area by Robert Huth misses to the left of the goal.
84:33 The assistant referee flags for offside against Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
83:53 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Sam Vokes coming on for Stephen Ward.
82:22 Unfair challenge on John Carew by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake results in a free kick. Matthew Etherington takes the free kick.
80:31 Unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters by George Elokobi results in a free kick. Assist on the goal came from Matthew Etherington.
80:31 GOAL - Robert Huth:Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Stoke Robert Huth grabs a headed goal from close range. Wolverhampton 0-1 Stoke.
77:52 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas played to the near post, clearance made by John Carew.
77:32 Short corner taken by Matthew Jarvis.
74:31 Substitution Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on for Steven Fletcher.
73:52 Corner taken by Matthew Etherington played to the near post.
73:38 Shot from 20 yards by Matthew Etherington. Marcus Hahnemann makes a brilliant save.
72:57 The referee gives a free kick against Ricardo Fuller for handball. Marcus Hahnemann restarts play with the free kick.
71:40 Glenn Whelan takes a shot. Brilliant save by Marcus Hahnemann.
68:00 Substitution Ricardo Fuller is brought on as a substitute for Kenwyne Jones.
65:36 Substitution Andy Wilkinson goes off and Marc Wilson comes on.
63:55 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Glenn Whelan, Marcus Hahnemann makes a save.
63:26 Ronald Zubar challenges Rory Delap unfairly and gives away a free kick. Matthew Etherington takes the free kick.
63:26 Booking Booking for Ronald Zubar for unsporting behaviour.
Correction - 62:06 The assistant referee flags for offside against Steven Fletcher. Abdoulaye Faye restarts play with the free kick.
62:06 Steven Fletcher is caught offside. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
60:31 Corner taken right-footed by Glenn Whelan, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
59:43 The assistant referee flags for offside against Stephen Ward. Free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
55:51 Shot from a long way out by Karl Henry goes wide of the left-hand upright.
53:23 Rory Delap concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Ward. George Elokobi takes the free kick.
53:00 Nenad Milijas crosses the ball, clearance made by Robert Huth.
52:26 Nenad Milijas takes a short corner.
51:00 The referee blows for offside against Steven Fletcher. Thomas Sorensen takes the free kick.
48:42 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas played to the near post, Kenwyne Jones manages to make a clearance.
47:36 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington from the right by-line to the near post, Stephen Ward makes a clearance.
47:13 Steven Fletcher is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Abdoulaye Faye.
45:48 Jonathan Walters concedes a free kick for a foul on Nenad Milijas. Nenad Milijas takes the free kick.
45:48 Booking The referee shows Jonathan Walters a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
45:01 Substitution (Stoke) makes a substitution, with Glenn Whelan coming on for Salif Diao.
Half Time
45:00+2:20 The ref blows to end the first period.
45:00+1:20 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Rory Delap played to the near post, John Carew produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide

of the right-hand post.
45:00+1:05 Effort from 20 yards by John Carew. Save made by Marcus Hahnemann.
43:50 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nenad Milijas by Salif Diao. Karl Henry takes the free kick.
39:47 Corner taken by Matthew Etherington played to the near post.
38:36 Kenwyne Jones produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.
36:13 Header from close range by Steven Fletcher strikes the post.
35:12 Foul by Salif Diao on Karl Henry, free kick awarded. Nenad Milijas takes the direct free kick.
32:42 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Richard Stearman by Robert Huth. Marcus Hahnemann takes the direct free kick.
31:45 Corner taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
31:28 Rory Delap takes a shot. Clearance by Christophe Berra.
28:56 John Carew fouled by Richard Stearman, the ref awards a free kick. Abdoulaye Faye restarts play with the free kick.
28:26 Danny Pugh is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Marcus Hahnemann takes the indirect free kick.
27:23 Foul by Christophe Berra on Kenwyne Jones, free kick awarded. Strike on goal comes in from Matthew Etherington from the free kick, blocked by Steven Fletcher.
25:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nenad Milijas by Salif Diao. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick.
25:15 Booking Salif Diao shown a yellow card.
24:39 Unfair challenge on Jonathan Walters by Karl Henry results in a free kick. Thomas Sorensen restarts play with the free kick.
20:48 Shot by John Carew from 20 yards. Marcus Hahnemann makes a comfortable save.
19:04 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, comfortable save by Thomas Sorensen.
18:32 Free kick awarded for a foul by John Carew on Richard Stearman. Christophe Berra restarts play with the free kick.
18:20 Stephen Ward has a drilled shot. Brilliant save by Thomas Sorensen.
16:10 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kenwyne Jones on Richard Stearman. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
14:59 The assistant referee flags for offside against Matthew Jarvis. Free kick taken by Thomas Sorensen.
14:34 Jonathan Walters concedes a free kick for a foul on Nenad Milijas. Nenad Milijas restarts play with the free kick.
13:34 Substitution David Edwards comes on in place of Stephen Hunt.
8:20 Ronald Zubar challenges Matthew Etherington unfairly and gives away a free kick. Matthew Etherington takes the free kick.
5:50 Handball by John Carew. Direct free kick taken by Richard Stearman.
4:43 Corner taken by Rory Delap, comfortable save by Marcus Hahnemann.
4:28 John Carew has an effort at goal. Save made by Marcus Hahnemann.
2:33 Foul by Richard Stearman on John Carew, free kick awarded. Abdoulaye Faye restarts play with the free kick.
1:57 Stephen Ward fouled by Andy Wilkinson, the ref awards a free kick. Karl Henry takes the free kick.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to begin the match.

Saturday 22 January Wolves 0 Liverpool  3 (Torres 36, 90+1, Meireles 50)

Unfortunately after this match more attention was focussed on remarks declared to be sexist by Sky as their Sports commentators were sacked. DD2 said that Andy Gray 31 years ago said he would end his career at Molineux. Incredible way to bow out as the bandwagon was jumped on to get rid of him and Richard Keys. Meanwhile our strikers can’t strike, Ronnie Zubar still can’t play the offside game, assistant ref Sian Massey was unique in getting an offside decision right at Molineux(compared with many of her male counterparts and unfortunately for Wolves as Torres scored) and our inability to win football games was again broadcast around the world

Whilst the 3-0 scoreline flattered Liverpool, there can by no arguing with the fact that their clinical finishing proved the difference between the sides as Wolves slumped to a home reversal.  Mick McCarthy's team enjoyed plenty of possession and numerous crosses were played into the visitors area but Liverpool's defence stood firm. Karl Henry started in place of Dave Jones as the only change from the team that started against Manchester City a week earlier. New signing Adam Hammill was named as a substitute. Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and for the first few seconds Liverpool were stationed on the edge of their own box trying to clear the ball.  When it was eventually played upfield, Fernando Torres was penalised for a high kick as Richard Stearman went in for a header.  Nenad Milijaš's free-kick was safely gathered by Pepe Reina who once again proved to be out of favour with the home fans.  A Raul Meireles corner was cleared to Stephen Ward whose sprint down the left was halted by a crude challenge from Christian Poulsen that earned the Dane a yellow card.  Christophe Berra had to leave the field for treatment to a cut head and on his return he had to clear a dangerous low cross from Lucas as Dirk Kuyt homed in.  In the 21st minute Meireles played Torres through on goal. The striker lined up his shot on the edge of the area but Wayne Hennessey made a great save to beat the ball away with Henry completing the clearance.  Milijaš was too high with as free-kick after Daniel Agger had fouled Kevin Doyle three-yards outside the Liverpool area, and then Matt Jarvis chased back into his own half to intercept Glen Johnson's charge down the left wing.  But the threat wasn't cleared and Meireles was only a couple of feet wide after he had taken a swing at the ball some 20-yards out.  Hennessey was forced into action again as he dived low to cut out Maxi Rodriguez's shot on the turn after he had been played in by Torres but in the 36th minute Wolves fell behind after Poulsen's ball to Meireles tripped the offside trap. He squared the ball to Torres who had the easiest of tasks in scoring.  Wolves almost hit back after a snapshot from Steven Fletcher that was well saved by Reina. Then Torres was booked for fouling Ward on the left and when Stephen Hunt's free-kick dropped to Milijas at the far post, the midfielder couldn't get enough power behind his shot and Reina saved with his legs.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Liverpool 1

Both keepers were called into action in the opening minutes of the new half. Reina cut out a dangerous cross from Jarvis as Fletcher threatened, and Hennessey made a great block just inside the area to deny Kuyt who was clean through. But it's doubtful if any keeper could have saved Liverpool's second goal which arrived in the 50th minute. Berra's header dropped to Meireles 25-yards out and he hit a first time volley that flew into the net. It was hard on Wolves but they missed a good chance of getting back into it when Lucas felled Milijaš just outside the box. Hunt's free-kick hit the wall and the ball bounced to Zubar who, from an angle, smashed a shot way over the bar. Fletcher's swerving volley almost caught Reina out but the keeper held the ball at the second attempt, and another volley from Meireles went straight into the arms of Hennessey. Hammill made his debut in the 73rd minute when he replaced Hunt and at the same time the visitors switched Poulsen for Jonjo Shelvey. Within a minute, both made their presence felt. Hammill delivered a sweet cross from the right that The Reds defence only cleared with difficulty, then Shelvey shot wastefully wide after Meireles had set him up. Fletcher pulled back a Jarvis cross into the path of Hammill whose moment of glory was thwarted by Agger's block. A drive from Torres hit Berra's shoulder and took a hefty deflection but Hennessey managed to smother the ball. Meireles became the third Liverpool man to go into the book after he had fouled Doyle, before Torres shot into the roof of the net for Liverpool's third. The Molineux men never gave up and they were caught upfield as Kuyt broke on the left. Hennessey saved at the Dutchman's feet but the ball broke for Torres who made no mistake.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward, Milijaš, Berra, Stearman, Jarvis, Henry (capt), Doyle, Fletcher, Hunt (Hammill 73). Unused subs: Hahnemann, Craddock, Jones, Vokes, Mouyokolo, Davis.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Meireles, Agger, Torres, Rodriguez (Aurelio 81), Kuyt, Lucas, Poulsen (Shelvey 73), Kelly, Skrtl. Unused subs: Gulacsi, Cole, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Spearing. Bookings: Poulsen (4 - foul), Torres (45 - foul), Meireles (86 - foul).

Referee: M. Atkinson. Attendance: 28,869

Saturday, 22 January 2011

Barclays Premier League

Home Team Score Away Team Time

Wolves 0-3 Liverpool FT

(HT 0-1)

* Torres 36

* Meireles 50

* Torres 90+1

Wolverhampton

* 13 Hennessey

* 05 Stearman

* 11 Ward

* 16 Berra

* 23 Zubar

* 08 Henry

* 12 Hunt (Hammill 72)

* 17 Jarvis

* 20 Milijas

* 10 Fletcher

* 29 Doyle

Substitutes

* 01 Hahnemann,

* 06 Craddock,

* 22 Mouyokolo,

* 14 Jones,

* 19 Hammill,

* 37 Davis,

* 18 Vokes

Liverpool

* 25 Reina

* 02 G Johnson

* 05 Agger

* 34 Kelly

* 37 Skrtel

* 04 Meirelesyellow card

* 17 Maxi (Aurelio 81)

* 21 Lucas

* 28 Poulsenyellow card (Shelvey 73)

* 09 Torresyellow card

* 18 Kuyt

Substitutes

* 42 Gulacsi,

* 06 Aurelio,

* 16 Kyrgiakos,

* 10 Cole,

* 26 Spearing,

* 33 Shelvey,

* 12 Pacheco

Ref: AtkinsonAtt: 28,869

WOLVES

LIVERPOOL

Possession

* Wolves 49%

* Liverpool 51%

Attempts on target

* Wolves 5

* Liverpool 10

Attempts off target

* Wolves 7

* Liverpool 5

Corners

* Wolves 5

* Liverpool 4

Fouls

* Wolves 6

* Liverpool 17

Full Time

Full Time
90:00+3:20 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00+2:56 The assistant referee signals for offside against Fernando Torres. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
Correction - 90:00+0:19 GOAL - Fernando Torres:Wolverhampton 0 - 3 Liverpool Goal scored by Fernando Torres from inside the six-yard box high into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-3 Liverpool.
90:00+0:19 The assist for the goal came from Dirk Kuyt.
90:00+0:19 GOAL - Fernando Torres:Wolverhampton 0 - 3 Liverpool A goal is scored by Fernando Torres from inside the six-yard box high into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-3 Liverpool.
87:16 Effort on goal by Steven Fletcher from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
84:59 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Raul Meireles results in a free kick. Karl Henry restarts play with the free kick.
84:59 Booking Raul Meireles receives a caution.
83:53 Steven Fletcher has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide left of the target.
82:58 Fernando Torres takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
81:58 Leiva Lucas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. Free kick taken by Adam Hammill.
80:09 Substitution Fabio Aurelio replaces Rodriguez Maxi.
78:23 The ball is crossed by Nenad Milijas, Header on goal by Kevin Doyle from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
74:06 The ball is delivered by Nenad Milijas, Christophe Berra produces a header from inside the area that goes over the crossbar.
73:16 Effort from inside the area by Jonjo Shelvey misses to the left of the goal.
71:38 Free kick awarded for a foul by Rodriguez Maxi on Stephen Hunt. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
71:38 Substitution Jonjo Shelvey comes on in place of Christian Poulsen.
71:38 Substitution Adam Hammill replaces Stephen Hunt.
69:23 Rodriguez Maxi takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
68:41 Stephen Ward produces a cross, Headed effort from inside the box by Stephen Hunt misses to the right of the target.
67:44 Raul Meireles has an effort at goal from 18 yards. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
66:40 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt from the right by-line.
65:16 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
63:45 Corner taken right-footed by Raul Meireles, Steven Fletcher makes a clearance.
62:24 Martin Skrtel concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Fletcher. The free kick is swung in left-footed by Nenad Milijas, save made by Jose Reina.
61:57 Stephen Ward fouled by Dirk Kuyt, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
61:20 Foul by Karl Henry on Leiva Lucas, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Jose Reina.
58:10 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line.
56:19 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis, save by Jose Reina.
54:39 Effort on goal by Ronald Zubar from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.
53:16 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nenad Milijas by Leiva Lucas. Stephen Hunt produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, Leiva Lucas gets a block in.
52:10 The ball is swung over by Stephen Ward, Christian Poulsen makes a clearance.
51:24 Kevin Doyle fouled by Martin Skrtel, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, Daniel Agger manages to make a clearance.
49:37 GOAL - Raul Meireles:Wolverhampton 0 - 2 Liverpool Raul Meireles fires in a goal from outside the penalty area to the top right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-2 Liverpool.
49:08 Steven Fletcher gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Christian Poulsen. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Agger.
48:43 Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
47:07 Shot from just outside the penalty area by Raul Meireles misses to the left of the target.
45:37 A cross is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, save by Jose Reina.
45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
Half Time
45:00+2:47 The first half comes to an end.
45:00+2:24 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Blocked by Martin Skrtel.
45:00+1:21 Stephen Ward fouled by Fernando Torres, the ref awards a free kick. Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing.
45:00+1:21 Booking Fernando Torres receives a yellow card.
44:21 Foul by Martin Kelly on Stephen Hunt, free kick awarded. The ball is sent over by Stephen Hunt, Nenad Milijas takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
43:06 The assistant referee flags for offside against Ronald Zubar. Jose Reina restarts play with the free kick.
41:19 Shot from just outside the box by Rodriguez Maxi misses to the right of the target.
40:15 The assistant referee signals for offside against Rodriguez Maxi. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
38:52 Richard Stearman fouled by Fernando Torres, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
38:39 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
37:34 Raul Meireles has an effort at goal from outside the area which goes wide right of the goal.
35:53 Raul Meireles provided the assist for the goal.
35:53 GOAL - Fernando Torres:Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Liverpool A goal is scored by Fernando Torres from close in low into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Liverpool.
34:54 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Hunt. Free kick crossed by Stephen Hunt.
34:18 Rodriguez Maxi takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
31:58 Raul Meireles produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that misses to the left of the target.
29:38 Leiva Lucas challenges Karl Henry unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
29:18 Kevin Doyle is caught offside. Jose Reina takes the free kick.
28:11 Christophe Berra gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Raul Meireles. Free kick taken by Daniel Agger.
23:51 Foul by Daniel Agger on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded. Strike comes in from Nenad Milijas from the free kick.
22:28 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Richard Stearman. Free kick crossed left-footed by Nenad Milijas, Leiva Lucas manages to make a clearance.
21:00 Fernando Torres takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
20:00 Leiva Lucas is adjudged to have handled the ball. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
19:26 Corner from the left by-line taken by Raul Meireles, save by Wayne Hennessey.
18:56 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Raul Meireles played to the near post.
16:28 Christophe Berra challenges Fernando Torres unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Raul Meireles from right channel, clearance made by Daniel Agger.
15:11 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Rodriguez Maxi by Ronald Zubar. Free kick taken by Daniel Agger.
14:06 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis played to the near post, clearance made by Dirk Kuyt.
10:28 Ronald Zubar concedes a free kick for a foul on Rodriguez Maxi. Direct free kick taken by Jose Reina.
9:27 Fernando Torres concedes a free kick for a foul on Richard Stearman. Free kick crossed by Nenad Milijas, clearance made by Daniel Agger.
8:06 Christian Poulsen takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman.
5:58 Steven Fletcher is caught offside. Daniel Agger restarts play with the free kick.
3:18 Christian Poulsen concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Ward. Free kick taken by Nenad Milijas.
3:18 Booking Christian Poulsen is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
2:34 Raul Meireles takes a inswinging corner to the near post.
0:31 Nenad Milijas fouled by Fernando Torres, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, save by Jose Reina.
0:00 The referee gets the game started.
 

Tuesday 18th January Wolves 5 (Fletcher 5, Mujangi Bia 60, Doyle 66, Jarvis 74, Jones 90+3) Doncaster Rovers 0

Wolves will meet Stoke in the fourth round of the FA Cup after seeing off the threat of Doncaster Rovers with three goals in 15 second half minutes making the game safe after Steven Fletcher's early opener. Dave Jones wrapped things up in stoppage time.   Jody Craddock returned from his lengthy injury lay off and there were starts for skipper Karl Henry and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia. Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and there were chances for both teams in the opening three minutes. The Molineux side was first to threaten as Stephen Hunt cut into the area and pulled the ball back for Fletcher whose shot was blocked by James Chambers.  Then the ball skidded off Craddock's toes as he attempted to clear leaving Billy Sharp through on goal but Marcus Hahnemann quickly closed the striker down and blocked at close range to avert the danger.  Wolves moved into a fifth minute lead through Fletcher who headed powerfully past Neil Sullivan after Hunt had supplied a pinpoint cross from the left.  Mujangi Bia wasn't far away from a second three minutes later after he had run onto a short pass from Hunt but his 20-yard drive flashed wide of the post.  Ronald Zubar and Mujangi Bia were both wide of the far post after cutting in from the left as the game went through something of a tepid period with neither goal being seriously threatened.  Things livened up though after Mujangi Bia raced into the box and took a return pass from Fletcher. But, with the goal beckoning, the young Belgian shot over from near the penalty spot.  Then, in the 37th minute, the referee was well placed to wave away Doncaster appeals after James Coppinger went down following a Henry challenge just inside the Wolves box.  Just on half-time Kevin Doyle headed over in a congested area from Hunt's right-wing corner.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Rovers 0

Seconds after the resumption, John Oster had to shepherd the ball back to Sullivan as Doyle threatened, then Sharp had a shot that deflected behind off a defender when play had switched to the other end.  Then followed another spell with little to enthuse the small crowd until Mujangi Bia scored his first goal for the club and opened up a two goal cushion on the hour mark.  Zubar released Doyle on the overlap and he delivered a low cross for Mujangi Bia to blast home and angled shot that took a deflection and gave Sullivan no chance.  Six minutes later it was three thanks to a brilliant effort from Doyle. Hunt played his fellow countryman through on the left and after turning Sam Hird inside out he found the net via the far post from the acutest of angles from near the by-line.  Matt Jarvis was sent on in place of Hunt and within five minutes of his introduction he had made it four with a clinical finish after Richard Stearman's pass had carved open the Rovers defence.   In the 78th minute Sam Vokes and Stephen Ward replaced Doyle and Fletcher.  As the game moved into stoppage time a swashbuckling run from Zubar took him deep into the Doncaster half. He slipped a short pass to Vokes who flicked the ball to Jones. But Sullivan read the situation and he was quickly out to block.  But Jones wasn't to be denied and when Jarvis played a low corner into his path he drilled the ball home from the edge of the box to complete the rout.

Wolves: Hahnemann, Stearman, Zubar, Jones, Craddock, Mouyokolo, Mujangi Bia, Henry (capt), Doyle (Vokes 78) Fletcher (Ward 78), Hunt (Jarvo 69).  nused subs:

Hennessey, Berra, Milijaš, Davis.

Rovers: Sullivan, Chambers (Friend 75), O'Connor, Hird, Wilson, Oster, Lockwood (capt), Coppinger (Souza 75), Sharp (Brooker 82), Hayter, Shiels. Unused subs: Woods,

Fairhurst, Webster,

Referee: K.A. Friend.   Attendance: 10,031.


 Match Information



    * Match Stats
    * Line-ups

 
  Wolverhampton Doncaster Rovers
Goals : 5 0
Possession : 53% 47%
Shots On Target : 6 1
Shots Off Target : 9 2
Corners : 4 5
Fouls : 10 10
Most Fouls : Mouyokolo (3) Shiels (2)
Yellow Cards : 0 0
Red Cards : 0 0
 
Scorers :
Fletcher 5
Mujangi Bia 61
Doyle 66
Jarvis 74
Jones 90 + 3

 
Full Match Stats
 
  Wolverhampton Doncaster Rovers
 
 Team Line Ups :
 
Marcus Hahnemann  
Ronald Zubar  
Richard Stearman  
Jody Craddock  
Steven Mouyokolo  
Geoffrey Mujangi Bia  
Karl Henry  
David Jones  
Stephen Hunt 69
Kevin Doyle 78
Steven Fletcher 77
 
Substitutes :
 
David Davis  
Wayne Hennessey  
Stephen Ward 77
Christophe Berra  
Sam Vokes 78
Nenad Milijas  
Matthew Jarvis 69

 
 
   Neil Sullivan
   James O'Connor
   Sam Hird
   Adam Lockwood
76 James Chambers
   John Oster
   Mark Wilson
   Dean Shiels
75 James Coppinger
82 Billy Sharp
   James Hayter
 
 
 
   Gary Woods
76 George Friend
82 Steve Brooker
   Byron Webster
75 Dennis Souza
   Waide Fairhurst


Wolverhampton   5 - 0   Doncaster


Wolves swept aside Championship outfit Doncaster at Molineux to earn a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.  Rovers should have taken the lead when Marcus Hahnemann foiled Billy Sharp.  But Wolves went in front when Steven Fletcher headed in Stephen Hunt's cross and it was 2-0 when Geoffrey Mujangi Bia slammed in his first for the club.  Kevin Doyle cut inside and drove a third, Matt Jarvis hammered in a fourth and David Jones lashed in deep into injury time to wrap it up.  The scoreline was harsh on Sean O'Driscoll's men, who played their part in an entertaining replay in front of only 10,031 people in the Midlands.  They made only two changes from the 2-2 draw at the Keepmoat 10 days ago and almost went ahead with only three minutes gone as Sharp latched on to a fine Dean Shiels pass only to fire against the advancing Hahnemann in the Wolves goal.  Doncaster paid the price two minutes later when Doyle sent Hunt away down the left and his pinpoint cross was glanced in by Fletcher for his sixth goal of the season.  Wolves continued to plough forward as young Belgian midfielder Mujangi Bia and Ronald Zubar both hit shots wide from good positions.  Rovers kept attacking too and James Hayter headed wide as they sought an equaliser.  At the other end Mujangi Bia was in profligate form as he spurned several chances to double the hosts' advantage.  Doncaster started the second half in threatening fashion and James Coppinger had a goalbound shot deflected behind, but as the clock ticked past the hour mark Wolves put the tie to bed.  Zubar played in Doyle down the Wolves left and his ball into the box evaded several players before falling for Mujangi Bia to finally drive in a second past Neil Sullivan.  Mick McCarthy's side suddenly looked hungry for more goals and Doyle quickly put the tie to bed, cutting in off the left flank and crashing a low shot in-off Sullivan's right-hand post.  Wolves sent on Jarvis and it took the winger only five minutes to get on the scoresheet, latching on to a pass from Richard Stearman, after the defender had superbly stepped out of defence, to slide in his first goal since October.  The rout was completed deep into stoppage time as Jarvis played a corner to the unmarked Jones 16 yards out and the midfielder swept in a fifth past Sullivan. 

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, who has been ill:
"Maybe it's a bit of man flu. I'm just soft me, I know, but I was here doing my job. I can't remember too many 5-0 scorelines, but this turned out to be a comfortable night in

the end with what was a good professional performance.  "Once we managed to get the second goal it completely opened up the game."

Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll:
"Billy is usually clinical with those, then a minute later we were 1-0 down.  After, we gave bad goals away. Those aside parts of the performance were OK as we kept shape

and discipline.  But you cannot give away goals like we did in the Championship, never mind against a Premier League team."


Tuesday, 18 January 2011

The FA Cup
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Wolves 5-0 Doncaster FT
(HT 1-0)

    * Fletcher 5
    * Mujangi Bia 61
    * Doyle 66
    * Jarvis 74
    * Jones 90+3

Wolverhampton

    * 01 Hahnemann
    * 05 Stearman
    * 06 Craddock
    * 22 Mouyokolo
    * 23 Zubar
    * 08 Henry
    * 12 Hunt (Jarvis 69)
    * 14 Jones
    * 25 Mujangi Bia
    * 10 Fletcher (Ward 77)
    * 29 Doyle (Vokes 78)

Substitutes

    * 13 Hennessey,
    * 11 Ward,
    * 16 Berra,
    * 17 Jarvis,
    * 20 Milijas,
    * 37 Davis,
    * 18 Vokes

Doncaster

    * 01 Sullivan
    * 02 O'Connor
    * 06 Chambers (Friend 76)
    * 11 Lockwood
    * 21 Hird
    * 15 Wilson
    * 16 Oster
    * 22 Shiels
    * 26 Coppinger (Guedes 75)
    * 10 Sharp (Brooker 82)
    * 12 Hayter

Substitutes

    * 33 Woods,
    * 03 Friend,
    * 23 Webster,
    * 25 Guedes,
    * 09 Brooker,
    * 29 Fairhurst

Ref: FriendAtt: 10,031
WOLVES
DONCASTER
Possession

    * Wolves 53%
    * Doncaster 47%

Attempts on target

    * Wolves 6
    * Doncaster 1

Attempts off target

    * Wolves 9
    * Doncaster 2

Corners

    * Wolves 4
    * Doncaster 5

Fouls

    * Wolves 10
    * Doncaster 10

Full Time
90:00+3:40 The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00+2:30 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, assist on the goal came from Matthew Jarvis.
90:00+2:30 GOAL - David Jones:Wolverhampton 5 - 0 Doncaster David Jones grabs a goal from a long way out to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 5-0

Doncaster.
90:00+0:40 David Jones takes a shot. Save by Neil Sullivan.
84:46 Unfair challenge on Jody Craddock by John Oster results in a free kick. Marcus Hahnemann restarts play with the free kick.
84:17 David Jones challenges George Friend unfairly and gives away a free kick. Sam Hird takes the free kick.
83:56 Dean Shiels produces a cross.
83:27 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Dean Shiels.
82:22 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mark Wilson by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia. Mark Wilson takes the direct free kick.
81:14 Substitution Steve Brooker joins the action as a substitute, replacing Billy Sharp.
77:08 Substitution Sam Vokes joins the action as a substitute, replacing Kevin Doyle.
76:57 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Stephen Ward coming on for Steven Fletcher.
75:46 Foul by Sam Hird on Karl Henry, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Karl Henry.
75:33 Substitution James Chambers goes off and George Friend comes on.
74:57 Substitution Dennis Souza comes on in place of James Coppinger.
Correction - 73:29 GOAL - Matthew Jarvis:Wolverhampton 4 - 0 Doncaster Matthew Jarvis finds the net with a goal from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal.

Wolverhampton 4-0 Doncaster.
73:29 The assist for the goal came from Karl Henry.
73:29 GOAL - Matthew Jarvis:Wolverhampton 4 - 0 Doncaster A goal is scored by Matthew Jarvis from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 4-0

Doncaster.
70:37 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, clearance by James O'Connor.
69:52 Billy Sharp is caught offside. Marcus Hahnemann takes the indirect free kick.
68:47 Substitution Matthew Jarvis is brought on as a substitute for Stephen Hunt.
66:56 Free kick awarded for a foul by Dean Shiels on Jody Craddock. Marcus Hahnemann takes the direct free kick.
65:20 Assist on the goal came from Stephen Hunt.
65:20 GOAL - Kevin Doyle:Wolverhampton 3 - 0 Doncaster Kevin Doyle grabs a goal from inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 3-0

Doncaster.
64:37 Unfair challenge on James Hayter by Jody Craddock results in a free kick. Free kick taken by James Hayter.
Correction - 60:11 GOAL - Geoffrey Mujangi Bia:Wolverhampton 2 - 0 Doncaster Geoffrey Mujangi Bia finds the net with a goal from inside the six-yard box high into the

middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 2-0 Doncaster.
60:11 Assist by Kevin Doyle.
60:11 GOAL - Geoffrey Mujangi Bia:Wolverhampton 2 - 0 Doncaster Geoffrey Mujangi Bia scores a goal from close range high into the middle of the goal. Wolverhampton 2-0

Doncaster.
55:47 Foul by John Oster on Karl Henry, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
54:33 James Hayter fouled by Steven Mouyokolo, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Dean Shiels.
53:01 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ronald Zubar by James Chambers. Ronald Zubar restarts play with the free kick.
52:13 The offside flag is raised against Stephen Hunt. Free kick taken by Neil Sullivan.
50:26 Long distance shot from Steven Fletcher misses to the left of the goal.
48:34 Corner taken by James Coppinger played to the near post, clearance by Steven Fletcher.
46:40 Dean Shiels delivers the ball, clearance by Steven Mouyokolo.
46:22 Corner taken right-footed by Dean Shiels.
45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.
Half Time
45:00+0:55 It is the end of the first-half.
44:17 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt from the right by-line, Kevin Doyle produces a header from inside the six-yard box that clears the bar.
43:38 Geoffrey Mujangi Bia produces a left-footed shot from a long way out which goes wide right of the goal.
41:32 Richard Stearman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Dean Shiels. Mark Wilson takes the free kick.
38:09 Right-footed shot by Kevin Doyle missed to the left of the target.
36:18 James Coppinger takes a shot. Save made by Marcus Hahnemann.
34:20 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James Hayter by Steven Mouyokolo. Dean Shiels takes the free kick.
33:18 Effort from the edge of the penalty box by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia goes wide of the right-hand upright.
32:41 The offside flag is raised against Ronald Zubar. Sam Hird takes the free kick.
29:09 Foul by James O'Connor on Stephen Hunt, free kick awarded. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick.
28:38 The assistant referee signals for offside against Steven Fletcher. Neil Sullivan takes the indirect free kick.
27:48 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Hunt by Mark Wilson. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
26:14 Free kick awarded for a foul by Karl Henry on Dean Shiels. Free kick taken by Adam Lockwood.
25:47 Steven Fletcher is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Sam Hird restarts play with the free kick.
24:53 Effort from long range by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia goes wide right of the target.
22:56 Billy Sharp concedes a free kick for a foul on Jody Craddock. Jody Craddock restarts play with the free kick.
22:30 Effort from a long way out by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia goes wide right of the target.
18:17 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Mark Wilson, clearance by Kevin Doyle.
17:48 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Oster by Steven Fletcher. Free kick taken by Sam Hird.
16:25 The official flags Steven Fletcher offside. Mark Wilson restarts play with the free kick.
14:16 Dean Shiels concedes a free kick for a foul on David Jones. Free kick taken by Karl Henry.
13:51 Steven Mouyokolo gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Hayter. Direct free kick taken by James O'Connor.
12:08 Shot from long distance by Ronald Zubar goes wide of the left-hand post.
10:28 James Hayter has a headed effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the left of the goal.
9:51 Foul by Karl Henry on James Hayter, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Neil Sullivan.
9:10 Inswinging corner taken by Stephen Hunt from the right by-line, clearance made by Sam Hird.
7:24 Right-footed shot by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia went wide left of the target.
4:04 Assist on the goal came from Stephen Hunt.
4:04 GOAL - Steven Fletcher:Wolverhampton 1 - 0 Doncaster Steven Fletcher scores a headed goal from deep inside the penalty box. Wolverhampton 1-0 Doncaster.
3:28 A cross is delivered by James Coppinger.
3:04 Short corner taken by James Coppinger.
2:39 Billy Sharp takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann.
0:54 James Hayter concedes a free kick for a foul on Karl Henry. Direct free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
0:00 The match begins.

 

Saturday 15 January Manchester City  4 (K. Toure 40,Tevez 49, 66, Y. Toure 54)  Wolves 3 (Milijaš 12, Doyle-pen 68, Zubar 86)

 Somewhat fortunate to go into the interval on level terms, Manchester City cruised into a 4-1 lead after the break before goals from Kevin Doyle and Ronald Zubar left the Premier League big spenders hanging on to deny Wolves a share of the spoils.  Edin Dzeko, a £27 million midweek signing for the Eastlands side, made his debut for City who started the game with £110 million worth of signings on the bench.  After just 25 seconds Nenad Milijaš drilled a low shot narrowly wide before Stephen Hunt was penalised for a foul on Dzeko just outside the area. Carlos Tevez took the free-kick but his effort hit the wall and bounced out for a corner.  There was a chance for Matt Jarvis as he met a low cross from Doyle but he ball deflected behind off a defender.  In the 12th minute Wanderers moved into the lead after Jarvis's cross bounced off Kolo Toure into the path of Milijaš. He stabbed the ball towards goal and although Joe Hart managed to block, the Serb made no mistake with his second attempt.  The Jarvis and Milijaš combination almost worked again three minutes later but this time Hart was able to claim Milijaš's header.  Jarvis looked odds on for a second Wolves goal on 20 minutes after Hunt's clever flick released Steven Fletcher. The striker raced into the box and laid the ball back to Jarvis who was thwarted by Aleksandar Kolarov's superb block.  Pablo Zabaleta found himself in space of on the right wing but Richard Stearman was there to clear the dangerous cross that followed and then Wayne Hennessey saved with his legs from Adam Johnson who had cut into the box from the wing.  Tevez was inches away with a rising drive that was literally inches too high as it flew over the angle before City drew level in the 40th minute.   Johnson's corner was allowed to go through to Kolo Toure at the far post and although Hennessey looked as if he was going to block the ball, it hit Dave Jones and trickled over the line.   A minute before the break Kolarov let fly from 30-yards providing Hennessy with an uncomfortable moment before he managed to save at the expense of a corner. 

 Half-Time: City 1 Wolves 1

A brilliant goal from Tevez gave City the lead four minutes after the resumption. The Argentinean jinked his way between Christophe Berra and Hunt before cutting inside Stearman and netting with a low shot.   Former Molineux star Joleon Lescott was sent on in place of Kolo Toure shortly before the Sky Blues gave themselves some breathing space as they netted a third in the 54th minute.  Wolves were on the attack but Hart punched clear a Jarvis cross and the ball was played upfield to Dzeko for Yaya Toure to beat the advancing Hennessey.  Three minutes later, Zubar powered a header against the City crossbar after a Jarvis corner.  Johnson missed a good chance when he scuffed his shot following Zabeleta's centre, and a low drive from Dzeko was deflected just wide of the post.  Midway through the half Tevez scored his second and his team's fourth when he headed a Vincent Kompany cross home via the underside of the bar.  Almost immediately, Wolves pulled one back with Doyle sending Hart the wrong way fromthe spot after Lescott had pushed Fletcher over in the box.  Mick McCarthy then made two switches with Karl Henry and Steven Mouyokolo replacing Fletcher and Stephen Ward.  Wolves continued to push forward but they were nearly caught out when Yaya Toure broke away. With Berra in hot pursuit the City man shot for goal but Hennessey managed to get a touch that was enough to take the ball wide.  In the 86th minute, a corner from Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, who had come on in place of Jarvis, was headed in by Zubar with the linesman indicating the ball had crossed the line before Nigel De Jong had hooked it clear.  The home supporters groaned as the fourth official held up the board indicating five minutes of added time and they had to endure a couple of nervy moments before the end.  Milijaš almost broke through as he took a short pass from Doyle but he was dispossessed as he ran into the box.Then Mujangi Bia hit a goalbound shot that struck a defender and went behind for a corner.  With everyone up front for Wolves, James Milner almost exploited the gaping holes at the back as he broke clear with just Hennessey to beat. But Stearman managed to get back to block in a nick of time.

City: Hart, Kompany, Zabaleta, Dzeko, Johnson (Jo 84), Kolarov, Barry, K. Toure (Lescott 51), Tevez (capt) (Milner 81), De Jong, Y. Toure.  Unused subs: Given, Boateng, Silva, Vieira.

 Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Ward (Mouyokolo 69), Jones, Berra (capt), Stearman, Hunt, Milijaš, Doyle, Fletcher (Henry 69), Jarvis (Mujangi Bia 79).  Unused subs: Hahnemann, Vokes, Davis, Doherty.

 
Referee: L.Mason.  Attendance: 46,677.
 
FULL TIME

Man City   4 - 3   Wolverhampton

Carlos Tevez scores a wonderful second for City By Saj Chowdhury

 
Carlos Tevez scored twice - including a superb solo effort - as Manchester City beat Wolves to go top of the table.    Nenad Milijas poked in the opener for Wolves before Kolo Toure grabbed a deflected equaliser from close range.  Tevez's individual effort put City ahead and then Yaya Toure made it 3-1 thanks to an assist from Edin Dzeko.  Tevez headed his second before Kevin Doyle scored from the spot after he was fouled by Joleon Lescott and Ronald Zubar headed in late on.   Wolves' debatable third in the last 10 minutes, with the ball only crossing the line by the slimmest of margins if at all, ensured a cracking finale, although City would have been left aggrieved had they let the win slip. However, had the home side gone into the break a goal down there would not have been any complaints.   It is hard to criticise a manager who has won three Serie A titles and whose current team began the day second in the Premier League table.  But Roberto Mancini's decision to start £27m new signing Dzeko and push Tevez wide on the left was questionable, especially during a first half when Wolves took control in the middle.  Midway through the half, Argentine Tevez did begin to drift inside in order to exert his influence but by this stage Mick McCarthy's side had gone 1-0 up and looked comfortable.   The opener came from a Jarvis ball which struck Aleksandar Kolarov en route to a lively round of pinball between City players before it was poked in by Milijas.  The Serbian scorer then went close with a header as City's defence began to display the confused look.  And with City's midfield also looking like they did not fancy the fight, it was up to Tevez to lead their threat.  He provided a little teaser for what was to follow when he launched a rocket of a shot from 20 yards that caressed the top of the Wolves netting.  That awoke Mancini's millionaires and a few minutes later they equalised when Kolo's four-yard shot found its way in off the bodies of David Jones and keeper Wayne Hennessey.  And just before the interval, Kolarov, who was having one of his better games in a City shirt, fizzed in a cracker from 30 yards which the Wolves stopper unconvincingly pushed behind for a corner.  But the dazzling moment of the match came four minutes after the break.  Tevez picked up a throw-in from the right, tip-toed his way into the area and weaved past three Wolves challenges before slotting in to display why, of all City's multi-million pound buys, he remains their most  Important player.  He then played his part in the third. From the edge of his own area, Yaya Toure played the ball in-field to Tevez. The Argentine found Dzeko and his killer ball was timed brilliantly for the Ivorian, who made up 90 yards, to slot in.  And just before he came off to a standing ovation, Tevez headed in fellow countryman Pablo Zabaleta's clipped ball from the right. That should have put the game safe, but City's Achilles is their defence.  With 20 minutes of the match remaining, substitute and former Wolves player Lescott bundled over Doyle in the area.  Referee Lee Mason did not hesitate with his decision and Doyle stepped up to score only his second league goal of the season.   Wolves, sensing the comeback of all comebacks was on the cards, kept pressing and set up an exciting finish when Ronald Zubar's header was judged to have crossed the line, even though it appeared that Nigel de Jong had successfully cleared the effort.   Five minutes of stoppage time were played but City held on to move a point clear of their city rivals Manchester United, albeit having played there games more.

 

Saturday, 15 January 2011

 

Barclays Premier League

Home Team       Score     Away Team        Time

Man City              4-3          Wolves                 FT

(HT 1-1)

 K Toure 40
Tevez 49
Y Toure 54
Tevez 66

Milijas 12
Doyle (pen) 68
Zubar 86

Man City

 

25 Hart

04 Kompany

05 Zabaleta

13 Kolarov

28 K Toure (Lescott 51)

11 A Johnson (Silva 84)

18 Barry

34 De Jong

42 Y Toure

10 Dzeko

32 Tevez (Milner 81)

 

Substitutes

 

01 Given,

17 Boateng,

19 Lescott,

07 Milner,

21 Silva,

24 Vieira,

27 Jo

 

Wolverhampton

 

13 Hennessey

05 Stearman

11 Ward (Mouyokolo 70)

16 Berra

23 Zubar

12 Hunt

14 Jones

17 Jarvis (Mujangi Bia 79)

20 Milijas

10 Fletcher (Henry 69)

29 Doyle


Substitutes


01 Hahnemann,

22 Mouyokolo,

46 Doherty,

08 Henry,

25 Mujangi Bia,

37 Davis,

18 Vokes

 

Ref: Lee MasonAtt: 46,672


MAN CITY

WOLVES

Possession

Man City 55% Wolves 45%

Attempts on target

Man City 12 Wolves 7

Attempts off target
Man City 3 Wolves 3

Corners
Man City 11  Wolves 8

Fouls

Man City 9  Wolves 9


HALF TIME

MAN CITY WOLVES

Possession

Man City 52%Wolves 48%

Attempts on target

Man City 5 Wolves 5

Attempts off target

Man City 1Wolves 2

Corners

Man City 5Wolves 5

Fouls

Man City 5 Wolves 4

after 30 minutes

 

MAN CITY  WOLVES

Possession
Man City 46% Wolves 54%
Attempts on target


Man City 1 Wolves 5

 

Attempts off target

 

Man City 0

Wolves 2

 

Corners

 

Man City 3 Wolves 4
Fouls
Man City 4  Wolves 4

 

Man City

 25 Hart
04 Kompany
05 Zabaleta
13 Kolarov
28 K Toure (Lescott 51)
11 A Johnson (Silva 84)
18 Barry
34 De Jong
42 Y Toure
10 Dzeko
32 Tevez (Milner 81)

 

Substitutes

 01 Given,
17 Boateng,
19 Lescott,
07 Milner,
21 Silva,
24 Vieira,
27 Jo

 

Wolverhampton

 13 Hennessey
05 Stearman
11 Ward (Mouyokolo 70)
16 Berra
23 Zubar
12 Hunt
14 Jones
17 Jarvis (Mujangi Bia 79)
20 Milijas
10 Fletcher (Henry 69)
29 Doyle

 

Substitutes

01 Hahnemann,
* 22 Mouyokolo,
46 Doherty,
 * 08 Henry,
25 Mujangi Bia,
* 37 Davis,
   * 18 Vokes

 

Ref: Lee MasonAtt: 46,672

MAN CITY  WOLVES

Possession
Man City 55% Wolves 45%

Attempts on target
Man City 1Wolves 7
Attempts off target
   * Man City 3Wolves 3
Corners
Man City 11Wolves 8

Fouls
   * Man City 9 Wolves 9

 

Full Time

90:00+5:12 The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00+5:04 James Milner takes a shot. Karl Henry gets a block in.90:00+4:11 Corner from right by-line taken by Stephen Hunt.
90:00+3:45 Geoffrey Mujangi Bia takes a shot. Blocked by Vincent Kompany.
90:00+1:48 James Milner decides to take the corner short.
90:00+0:45 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Jones on Nigel De Jong. Joe Hart takes the free kick.
89:09 Edin Dzeko is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
88:13 Free kick awarded for a foul by Christophe Berra on Gnegneri Toure Yaya. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
87:06 David Jones challenges Nigel De Jong unfairly and gives away a free kick. Joe Hart restarts play with the free kick.
Correction - 85:02 Corner taken right-footed by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, assist on the goal came from Geoffrey Mujangi Bia.
Correction - 85:02 GOAL - Ronald Zubar:Man City 4 - 3 Wolverhampton Ronald Zubar grabs a headed goal from inside the penalty area. Man City 4-3 Wolverhampton.
85:02 Corner taken right-footed by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia from the left by-line, assist by Geoffrey Mujangi Bia.
85:02 GOAL - Ronald Zubar:Man City 4 - 3 Wolverhampton Ronald Zubar finds the back of the net with a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of

the goal. Man City 4-3 Wolverhampton.
84:08 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
83:22 Substitution Adam Johnson goes off and David Silva comes on.
82:33 Corner taken right-footed by James Milner from the left by-line, Karl Henry manages to make a clearance.
82:09 Gnegneri Toure Yaya takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.
80:42 Substitution Carlos Tevez goes off and James Milner comes on.
79:53 The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
78:39 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Carlos Tevez by Steven Mouyokolo. Gnegneri Toure Yaya restarts play with the free kick.
78:39 Substitution Geoffrey Mujangi Bia on for Matthew Jarvis.
75:44 Corner taken by Adam Johnson from the left by-line.
75:06 Joleon Lescott fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Joe Hart.
74:46 The official flags Edin Dzeko offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
73:52 Corner taken by Adam Johnson played to the near post.
73:42 Carlos Tevez takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Stearman.
69:01 Substitution Stephen Ward goes off and Steven Mouyokolo comes on.
68:40 Substitution Steven Fletcher goes off and Karl Henry comes on.
67:47 GOAL - Kevin Doyle:Man City 4 - 2 Wolverhampton Placed penalty scored by Kevin Doyle. Man City 4-2 Wolverhampton.
67:01 Penalty awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Joleon Lescott.
65:16 Assist on the goal came from Pablo Zabaleta.
65:16 GOAL - Carlos Tevez:Man City 4 - 1 Wolverhampton Carlos Tevez finds the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Man City 4-1 Wolverhampton.
65:04 Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Adam Johnson, clearance by David Jones.
64:36 Edin Dzeko takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Hunt.
61:11 Adam Johnson takes a shot.
56:33 Outswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, Ronald Zubar takes a shot.
55:21 Foul by Aleksandar Kolarov on Kevin Doyle, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Nenad Milijas.
53:05 Edin Dzeko provided the assist for the goal.
53:05 GOAL - Gnegneri Toure Yaya:Man City 3 - 1 Wolverhampton Gnegneri Toure Yaya finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the penalty area low into the middle

of the goal. Man City 3-1 Wolverhampton.
51:11 Outswinging corner taken by Adam Johnson.
50:46 Substitution Kolo Toure leaves the field to be replaced by Joleon Lescott.
50:13 Carlos Tevez produces a left-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the target.
49:37 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ronald Zubar by Edin Dzeko. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
48:11 GOAL - Carlos Tevez:Man City 2 - 1 Wolverhampton A goal is scored by Carlos Tevez from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man City 2-1 Wolverhampton.
45:42 Unfair challenge on Stephen Hunt by Pablo Zabaleta results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
45:01 The referee blows his whistle to start the second half.

Half Time

45:00+1:10 The match has reached half-time.
44:28 The referee blows for offside against Steven Fletcher. Nigel De Jong restarts play with the free kick.
43:42 Corner from right by-line taken by Adam Johnson.
43:28 Aleksandar Kolarov takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
39:53 Assist on the goal came from Vincent Kompany.
39:53 GOAL - Kolo Toure:Man City 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Kolo Toure fires in a goal from inside the six-yard box low into the middle of the goal. Man City 1-1 Wolverhampton.
39:53 Corner taken by Adam Johnson from the left by-line.
39:23 Edin Dzeko takes a shot. Blocked by Ronald Zubar.
36:15 Corner from left by-line crossed in by Matthew Jarvis, Gnegneri Toure Yaya manages to make a clearance.
33:49 Shot from just outside the area by Carlos Tevez goes over the bar.
32:37 Christophe Berra fouled by Carlos Tevez, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
30:13 Adam Johnson takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
27:56 David Jones challenges Carlos Tevez unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Carlos Tevez.
27:11 The referee blows for offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
24:25 Short corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Effort from outside the box by Stephen Hunt goes wide right of the target.
22:54 Kolo Toure concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. Stephen Ward takes the free kick.
21:37 Outswinging corner taken by Stephen Hunt from the left by-line played to the near post, Nigel De Jong manages to make a clearance.
20:51 Free kick awarded for a foul by Pablo Zabaleta on Kevin Doyle. Free kick taken by Nenad Milijas.
20:27 Stephen Hunt gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Pablo Zabaleta. Direct free kick taken by Pablo Zabaleta.
19:22 Outswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the right by-line, clearance made by Pablo Zabaleta.
19:02 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Blocked by Aleksandar Kolarov.
17:34 Gnegneri Toure Yaya decides to take the corner short.
15:48 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kolo Toure on Kevin Doyle. Nenad Milijas restarts play with the free kick.
14:25 Nenad Milijas takes a shot. Save made by Joe Hart.
13:17 Corner from left by-line taken by Adam Johnson.
11:52 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart.
Correction - 11:52 Nenad Milijas takes a shot. Save by Joe Hart.
Correction - 11:46 GOAL - Nenad Milijas:Man City 0 - 1 Wolverhampton Nenad Milijas fires in a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Man

City 0-1 Wolverhampton.
11:46 GOAL - Steven Fletcher:Man City 0 - 1 Wolverhampton Steven Fletcher grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Man City 0-1

Wolverhampton.
11:32 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Gareth Barry results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
10:59 The assistant referee flags for offside against Steven Fletcher. Indirect free kick taken by Vincent Kompany.
6:39 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, save by Joe Hart.
6:25 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Blocked by Aleksandar Kolarov.
6:04 Corner taken left-footed by Adam Johnson from the left by-line to the near post, Steven Fletcher manages to make a clearance.
4:54 Unfair challenge on Edin Dzeko by Stephen Hunt results in a free kick. Carlos Tevez produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
2:54 The official flags Steven Fletcher offside. Joe Hart restarts play with the free kick.
1:42 Steven Fletcher gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nigel De Jong. Kolo Toure restarts play with the free kick.
0:16 Nenad Milijas produces a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area and misses left.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

 

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Barclays Premier League  Venue: City of Manchester Stadium  Date: Saturday, 15 January Kick-off: 1500 GMT  Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC

Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

 

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City are unlikely to hand new £27m striker Edin Dzeko a starting spot, despite Mario Balotelli being ruled out for another four weeks.
David Silva is fit again after a knee problem, but Micah Richards is out

Wolves are boosted by the return of captain Karl Henry and defenders Jody Craddock and Steve Mouyokolo.
Dave Edwards is unlikely to feature after tweaking a hamstring against Doncaster, while George Elokobi begins a three-match ban.

Man City
Injured: Balotelli (knee), Richards (back)
Wolves
Suspended: Elokobi (three matches) Doubtful: Edwards (hamstring) Injured: Guedioura (broken leg), Kightly & Mancienne (both knee)

 

MATCH PREVIEW


Title-chasing Manchester City host fourth-from-bottom Wolves in a game which on paper should prove to be a straightforward victory that propels the world's richest club to the top of the table.


Man City boss Roberto Mancini

But in this season of shocks and surprises no result is guaranteed, and as City boss Roberto Mancini said this week: "In football in 2011, you can't meet any easyteam".
With Wolves having already beaten City this season, and coming fresh off the back of victories against Liverpool and Chelsea, Mancini is right to have his guard up.  Only City

themselves and rivals Manchester United have picked up more league victories than Wolves in their last seven matches, and it has helped Mick McCarthy's side to clamber out

of the relegation places.  But they will have their work cut out if they are going to get a result at Eastlands, given that City can unleash giant striker Edin Dzeko. They hope

he will be the final piece of their title-winning jigsaw and he certainly arrives with a fearsome goalscoring pedigree, having been prolific during his time with Wolfsburg in the

Bundesliga.

MATCH FACTS


Head-to-head

• There have been five previous Premier League meetings between these two sides. Both teams have been victorious on two occasions, with the other match finishing as a

draw.
• If Wolves did win, it would be their first double over Manchester City in the top flight since the 1960/61 season.
• This will be the 113th meeting between the sides. Wolves have won 46 times, Manchester City 42 and there have been 24 draws.

Man City
• Manchester City are on a run of three clean sheets in the league and have kept 11 in total this season - the equal-most in the division with Sunderland. They have

conceded just 16 goals in 22 matches.
• City have committed 297 fouls this season, more than any other team in the league.
• Man City have won more penalties (six) than any other team in the top flight this season.
• City's new signing Edin Dzeko scored 25 Bundesliga goals in 2010 - more than any other player in the division. He had scored 10 goals in 17 league matches for Wolfsburg

this season.
Wolves
• Wolves have lost more matches (12) this season than any other club in the Premier League.
• They have picked up four points and scored just six goals away from home, which are both the lowest totals in the top flight.
• Having failed to keep a clean sheet in their first 16 matches this season, Wolves have kept three in their last five games.
• They have scored just two first-half goals in their last 11 matches.

 

LEADING GOALSCORERS
Carlos Tevez
Man City
Tevez: 13 goals (12 league); Balotelli: 8 goals (5 league)
Wolves' Steven Fletcher
Wolves
Fletcher: 5 goals (4 league);  Ebanks-Blake: 4 goals (4 league)

 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Lee Mason  Assistant referees: Peter Kirkup & Andy Halliday Fourth official: Russell Booth

 

Saturday 8 January FA Cup 3rd round Doncaster Rovers 2 (Sharp 41, Hayter 43) Wolves 2 (Milijaš 38, Hunt-pen 58)

Wolves face a Molineux FA Cup replay (Tuesday Jan 18th) against Doncaster Rovers following a four goal thriller at the Keepmoat Stadium that was marred by a controversial decision that saw the dismissal of George Elokobi 15 minutes from time.   Mick McCarthy made four changes for the tie with Kevin Foley and Ronald Zubar dropping out through injury. The other omissions were Kevin Doyle and Wayne Hennessey who were both named as substitutes.  Into the side came Marcus Hahnemann, Stephen Ward, Nenad Milijaš and, making his debut at right-back, Matt Doherty. Christophe Berra captained the team as Wolves kicked-off defending the end of the ground that housed their supporters.

After just 30 seconds Ward volleyed inches wide from the edge of the box after he had run onto a low centre from Steven Fletcher.  In the second minute Billy Sharp drove a shot across the face of goal before Richard Stearman took the ball from halfway and unleashed a shot from 20-yards that forced a diving save from Neil Sullivan for an unproductive corner.  The lively exchanges continued and Sam Hird was next to try his luck for Rovers as he sent a rising drive narrowly wide of the far angle.   Berra was wide with a far post header after a corner from Matt Jarvis and then Wolves lost the services of Dave Edwards who limped off to be replaced by Dave Jones. Milijaš was booked for conceding a free-kick and preventing it from being taken quickly but the Serb was all smiles in the 38th minute as he gave Wolves the lead with a Contender for goal of the season.   There didn't seem to be any danger as he picked the ball up a good 30-yards out. But then he let fly with a tremendous shot that beat Sullivan all ends up.   But Doncaster heads didn't drop and within five minutes they were in front. Sharp took a pass from Mark Wilson and held off Stearman before netting with a low shot from just outside the box.  Worse followed with James Hayter hooking the ball home after a centre from John Oster to stun the Wolves supporters behind Hahnemann's goal. Just before the break Stephen Hunt worked a shooting position but his effort was easily gathered by Sullivan. 

Half-Time: Rovers 2 Wolves 1

Oster went into the book for a foul on Fletcher five minutes into the new half but Milijaš's free-kick went straight through to Sullivan. Shortly afterwards, Jones was too high

with a shot from distance.  Wolves drew level in the 57th minute from the penalty spot. The ball broke to Jarvis just side the area and after he had been felled by Hird, Hunt drilled home the penalty.  There was some warm applause from the Wolves support when former Molineux defender George Friend went on as a substitute in place of James Chambers.  On the hour mark, Ward hooked over the bar from close quarters after Fletcher had headed down a Jarvis cross and then Ward had an overhead kick saved by the diving Sullivan after yet another centre from Jarvis.  Doyle replaced Fletcher for the final 20 minutes and seconds after his introduction he looked on as Sullivan tipped over a Ward header after Jarvis returned a half cleared Hunt corner into the box.  From Hunt's corner, Jones flicked the ball on forcing another fine save from Sullivan at the near post.  A superb ball from Milijaš released Jarvis who cut inside a defender before curling a shot onto the roof of the net.  Then came the Elokobi sending off after an horrific clash of heads with James Coppinger. Both players were watching the ball and both were laid out by the collision. When the Wolves defender groggily got to his feet, he was shown the red card.  It was a robust but genuine challenge and the dismissal seemed to be harsh to the extreme.  At that stage the visitors were well on top but the loss of a man saw Rovers finish the game on the front foot although the nearest thing to a winner came in stoppage time when Sullivan lost a low shot from Doyle with the ball trickling out for a corner.

Rovers: Sullivan, Chambers (Friend 64), Mills, O'Connor, Hird, Wilson, Oster, Lockwood (capt), Coppinger, Sharp, Hayter (Brooker 90).  Unused subs: Woods, Webster, Woods, Fairhurst.  Booking: Oster (50 - foul).

Wolves: Hahnemann, Doherty, Elokobi, Edwards (Jones 28), Berra (capt), Stearman, Jarvis, Milijaš, Ward, Fletcher (Doyle 69), Hunt.  Unused subs: Hennessey, Mujangi-Bia, Davis, Winnall, Batth.  Booking: Milijaš (33 - preventing free-kick from being taken).  Sending-Off: Elokobi (75 - reckless challenge).

Referee: A. Taylor.  Attendance: 8,616


Ten-man Wolves hung on for a replay in the FA Cup third round after being pushed close by Championship club Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium.  The visitors took the lead in stunning fashion after 37 minutes through Nenad Milijas's powerful 35-yard strike.  But Rovers soon levelled as Billy Sharp drilled in before James Hayter volleyed the hosts ahead just before half time.  Wolves equalised when Stephen Hunt scored a penalty before George Elokobi was sent off for a reckless tackle. Mick McCarthy's side clung to their draw after Elokobi had clattered into the back of James Coppinger with 13 minutes remaining.  Wolves winger Stephen Ward set the tone for an pulsating tie within 30 seconds, flashing a left-foot shot wide of target.  Sharp had the ball in the net fpr Doncaster in the 12th minute when he turned home a cross but referee Anthony Taylor ruled that he had fouled Christophe Berra.  With Doncaster pressing, Wolves grabbed the lead when Milijas lashed past Neil Sullivan from the left flank. But moments later Sharp was fed by a short pass from Coppinger before confidently shooting home.  And the hosts went ahead when John Oster's header into the box fell to Hayter, whose swinging right-foot volley beat Marcus Hahnemann.  Wolves settled after half-time and Doncaster's Sam Hird could have few complaints following the trip on Matt Jarvis which led to Hunt's penalty, which he squeezed in to Sullivan's left.  With the action fraught, Elokobi went into Coppinger on the halfway line and after lengthy treatment - and frayed tempers on the touchline - the Wolves man was handed a straight red card.
Live text and stats

 

Saturday, 8 January 2011

The FA Cup
Home Team Score Away Team Time
Doncaster 2-2 Wolves FT
(HT 2-1)

    * Sharp 41
    * Hayter 43



    * Milijas 38
    * Hunt (pen) 58


Hide team line-ups and match stats
Doncaster

    * 01 Sullivan yellow card
    * 02 O'Connor
    * 06 Chambers (Friend 64)
    * 11 Lockwood
    * 20 Mills
    * 21 Hird
    * 15 Wilson
    * 16 Oster yellow card
    * 26 Coppinger
    * 10 Sharp
    * 12 Hayter (Brooker 90)

Substitutes

    * 33 Woods,
    * 03 Friend,
    * 23 Webster,
    * 07 Woods,
    * 09 Brooker,
    * 29 Fairhurst

Wolverhampton

    * 01 Hahnemann
    * 03 Elokobi red card
    * 05 Stearman
    * 11 Ward
    * 16 Berra
    * 46 Doherty
    * 04 Edwards (Jones 28)
    * 12 Hunt
    * 17 Jarvis
    * 20 Milijas yellow card
    * 10 Fletcher (Doyle 69)

Substitutes

    * 13 Hennessey,
    * 39 Batth,
    * 14 Jones,
    * 25 Mujangi Bia,
    * 37 Davis,
    * 29 Doyle,
    * 38 Winnall

Ref: TaylorAtt: 8,616
DONCASTER
WOLVES
Possession

    * Doncaster 53%
    * Wolves 47%

Attempts on target

    * Doncaster 3
    * Wolves 7

Attempts off target

    * Doncaster 4
    * Wolves 8

Corners

    * Doncaster 4
    * Wolves 9

Fouls

    * Doncaster 12
    * Wolves 7

Full Time
90:00+4:07 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00+3:23 The ball is sent over by Joseph Mills.
90:00+1:41 Corner taken by Stephen Hunt, clearance by George Friend.
90:00+1:29 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Neil Sullivan makes a save.
89:53 Free kick awarded for a foul by James Coppinger on Stephen Ward. Christophe Berra restarts play with the free kick.
89:53 Substitution James Hayter goes off and Steve Brooker comes on.
87:47 Free kick awarded for a foul by Christophe Berra on James Hayter. Mark Wilson takes the free kick.
86:19 John Oster produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the target.
84:08 The offside flag is raised against Kevin Doyle. Indirect free kick taken by Neil Sullivan.
82:45 John Oster takes a outswinging corner.
78:15 Foul by Billy Sharp on Richard Stearman, free kick awarded. Stephen Ward takes the free kick.
76:33 George Elokobi gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Coppinger. Adam Lockwood takes the free kick.
76:33 Sent off George Elokobi shown a red card for professional foul.
75:14 Booking The referee books Neil Sullivan for dissent.
72:51 Effort on goal by Matthew Jarvis from just inside the penalty area goes over the target.
71:33 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, Close range header by George Elokobi goes over the bar.
70:54 Stephen Ward is caught offside. Neil Sullivan takes the free kick.
70:19 Matthew Jarvis decides to take the corner short.
69:39 Corner taken by Stephen Hunt, Neil Sullivan makes a save.
69:06 Stephen Ward takes the inswinging corner, Stephen Ward takes a shot. Save by Neil Sullivan.
68:33 Substitution Steven Fletcher leaves the field to be replaced by Kevin Doyle.
67:45 Centre by James Coppinger, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
66:54 Matthew Jarvis sends in a cross, Shot by Stephen Ward. Save by Neil Sullivan.
63:45 Substitution James Chambers leaves the field to be replaced by George Friend.
60:11 The offside flag is raised against Stephen Ward. Free kick taken by Adam Lockwood.
59:17 Stephen Ward produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.
Correction - 57:58 Penalty awarded for a foul by Sam Hird on Matthew Jarvis. Assist on the goal came from Matthew Jarvis.
57:58 Unfair challenge on Stephen Ward by Sam Hird results in a Penalty. Assist on the goal came from Stephen Ward.
57:58 GOAL - Stephen Hunt:Doncaster 2 - 2 Wolverhampton Penalty scored by Stephen Hunt. Doncaster 2-2 Wolverhampton.
56:17 Stephen Hunt delivers the ball, save by Neil Sullivan.
52:34 Matthew Jarvis takes the inswinging corner, John Oster makes a clearance.
51:26 Effort on goal by David Jones from long range goes harmlessly over the target.
49:39 Foul by John Oster on Steven Fletcher, free kick awarded. Nenad Milijas produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick, save by Neil Sullivan.
49:39 Booking John Oster is cautioned.
48:35 Nenad Milijas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Billy Sharp. James O'Connor takes the free kick.
46:40 George Elokobi fouled by Billy Sharp, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
45:34 Shot from long distance by James Coppinger goes wide of the left-hand post.
45:01 The second half has started.
Half Time
45:00+0:57 The match has reached half-time.
44:12 Stephen Hunt takes a shot. Save made by Neil Sullivan.
42:48 GOAL - James Hayter:Doncaster 2 - 1 Wolverhampton James Hayter scores a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Doncaster 2-1 Wolverhampton.
41:59 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Billy Sharp. George Elokobi takes the direct free kick.
40:15 GOAL - Billy Sharp:Doncaster 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Billy Sharp gets on the score sheet with a goal from just outside the box to the bottom left corner of the goal.

Doncaster 1-1 Wolverhampton.
39:37 Nenad Milijas takes a shot. Save by Neil Sullivan.
38:53 Adam Lockwood fouled by Stephen Ward, the ref awards a free kick. James O'Connor takes the free kick.
37:12 GOAL - Nenad Milijas:Doncaster 0 - 1 Wolverhampton Nenad Milijas finds the net with a goal from long range to the top right corner of the goal. Doncaster 0-1

Wolverhampton.
36:22 Joseph Mills takes a shot. Save made by Marcus Hahnemann.
34:37 James Coppinger challenges Nenad Milijas unfairly and gives away a free kick. Nenad Milijas takes the direct free kick.
32:35 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nenad Milijas on James Coppinger. Direct free kick taken by Adam Lockwood.
32:35 Booking Booking for Nenad Milijas.
30:47 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by James Coppinger from the left by-line, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
29:51 The offside flag is raised against Billy Sharp. Indirect free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
29:12 Christophe Berra fouled by Billy Sharp, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
28:33 Mark Wilson concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Ward. Nenad Milijas restarts play with the free kick.
27:16 Substitution David Jones comes on in place of David Edwards.
22:32 The referee blows for offside against Steven Fletcher. Neil Sullivan takes the free kick.
20:06 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Header by Christophe Berra from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the

goal.
19:40 Foul by Mark Wilson on David Edwards, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
19:24 Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball, clearance by James O'Connor.
18:34 The ball is sent over by John Oster.
14:19 Close range shot by Stephen Ward clears the bar.
13:25 Foul by Stephen Ward on Adam Lockwood, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Mark Wilson.
12:50 James Hayter concedes a free kick for a foul on Nenad Milijas. Christophe Berra restarts play with the free kick.
11:24 Foul by Billy Sharp on Christophe Berra, free kick awarded. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick.
9:46 Stephen Hunt takes the outswinging corner, Christophe Berra gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Adam Lockwood. Neil Sullivan restarts play with the free

kick.
9:02 Sam Hird produces a volleyed right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
8:38 Short corner worked by James Coppinger.
7:21 Corner taken right-footed by John Oster from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Richard Stearman.
5:53 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Stephen Hunt, James Hayter manages to make a clearance.
5:37 Richard Stearman takes a shot. Neil Sullivan makes a save.
4:44 A cross is delivered by James Chambers.
Correction - 3:16 Stephen Hunt sends in a cross.
3:16 Stephen Hunt delivers the ball.
1:56 Effort from the edge of the penalty box by Billy Sharp goes wide of the right-hand upright.
0:26 Effort from inside the area by Stephen Ward misses to the right of the target.
0:00 The match begins.

Wednesday 5th January Wolves  (Bosingwa-og 5)  Chelski 0 ko 7:45pm

Well. we played better at their place giving keeper Cech his busiest match ever (he said). This time we only managed 3 shots, but withstood a siege nearly as strong as ManU put on after Kenny Miller had scored. After the impotence at West Ham this was a very welcome 3 points – taking us above Villa and out of the relegation zone.

Just a week after their heroics at Anfield, Mick McCarthy's braves were at it again as they beat reigning Premier League champions Chelsea thanks to an early own goal from Jose Bosingwa.  There were three changes to the starting line up with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Stephen Ward and Nenad Milijaš dropping down to the bench to be replaced by Steven Fletcher,  Dave Edwards and Kevin Doyle.  Chelsea kicked-off attacking the North Bank end but it was Wolves that enjoyed a dream start as they moved into a fifth minute lead. Stephen Hunt's cross was headed out but only as far as Ronald Zubar who unleashed a terrific 30-yard drive that forced a diving save from Petr Cech.   Hunt took the corner conceded and his inswinging kick struck Bosingwa, who was stationed just in front of the line, and bounced into the net.  Richard Stearman had to clear a dangerous low cross from Salomon Kalou for the first of three successive Chelsea corners all of which provided anxious moments for the home defence. From the third Zubar broke clear and he raced well into the Chelsea half before he was eventually dispossessed.  John Terry's foul on Doyle resulted in a free-kick 30-yards out and in a central position but Hunt's lofted ball into the box was easily headed clear.  George Elokobi did well to head clear an Ashley Cole cross as Kalou ran in looking like a certain scorer as Chelsea began to pile on the pressure.  In the 28th minute Zubar won the ball off Cole and set off towards goal before slipping the ball to Doyle whose shot was easily gathered by Cech.  The visitors were a whisker away from pulling level when another cross from Cole was met by Kalou and the ball was about to cross the line until Wayne Hennessey deflected it away with his foot leaving Stearman to complete the clearance.  When a Frank Lampard corner was headed up into the air Hennessey punched out as far as Terry who volleyed high over the bar.   Shortly afterwards Zubar needed treatment after a clash of heads.  Hunt was harshly penalised after winning the ball by the Chelsea corner flag. Terry pushed the midfielder on the back of the neck as he held onto the ball and both were then spoken to by the referee.  Hunt was penalised after Kalou went down but Hennessey had little difficulty in claiming Didier Drogba's free-kick.  The Chelsea pressure was relentless but as Doyle attempted to break clear in stoppage time he was pulled back by Branislav Ivanovic who was shown the yellow card.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Chelsea 0

A few seconds after the restart Michael Essien fired high over and then Hennessey had to dive to smother an angled effort from Cole who had worked his way into the box. Doyle won a corner off Bosingwa but Cech got in a good punch to clear Hunt's flag kick before Kalou missed a great chance for Chelsea when he shot wide of the far post after being played clean through by Lampard.  Florent Malouda headed straight into Hennessey's arms after a cross from Bosingwa, and Stearman made a perfectly timed tackle on Malouda in Chelsea's next attack.  In the 65th minute Drogba held off Stearman's challenge and hit a shot on the turn that smacked against the outside of the near post. Before play restarted Nicolas Anelka was sent on in place of Kalou.  After Malouda had tripped Matt Jarvis just outside the Chelsea box, Wolves made two changes with Ward and Ebanks-Blake replacing Doyle and Fletcher before Hunt's free-kick clipped the top of the angle as it flew over.  A minute later Malouda found himself with the goal at his mercy but his shot was two-yards wide of the far post.  Hunt beat the offside trap and raced into the Chelsea box but he was robbed by a great tackle from Essien as he was about to cross the ball.  Ebanks-Blake suddenly pulled up with what turned out to be a hamstring injury and he limped off to be replaced by Milijaš after just 13 minutes on the field.   As the game drifted into the four minutes of added time, Anelka broke clear and looked on for the equaliser but Hennessey was out of his area like a shot to make a great  tackle on the French striker.  The final whistle was greeted by a tremendous cheer as Wolves moved out of the bottom three following a defensive display of the highest quality from the Molineux men  against the reigning champions.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Elokobi, Edwards, Berra, Stearman, Foley (capt), Hunt, Doyle (Ward 70), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 70) (Milijaš 83) , Jarvis.  Unused subs: Hahnemann, Jones, Batth, Doherty.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Essien, Ramires (Sturridge 72), Lampard, Drogba, Malouda (Kakuta 79), Bosingwa, Kalou (Anelka 66), Terry (capt).  Unused subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Bruma, McEachran.  Booking: Ivanovic (45 - foul).

Referee: M. Halsey.  Attendance: 26,432.

Wolves rose out of the drop zone with a deserved win to add more pressure on to defending champions Chelsea.  The hosts opened the scoring on six minutes when defender Jose Boswinga directed the ball into his own net from Stephen Hunt's inswinging corner.  Chelsea improved, with Salomon Kalou denied by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and Didier Drogba hitting the upright.  Florent Malouda shot wide for the Blues but they ran out of ideas as Wolves wasted chances to score again.  And so the stuttering form shows no sign of improving for the west Londoners, who have won only one of their last nine league games - their worst run for 14 years.  When the two sides met at Stamford Bridge in October, Chelsea won 2-0 to move five points clear at the top of the table. Less than three months on, and Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti sees his men struggling in fifth place and in danger of missing out on Champions League football next season.  Wolves manager Mick McCarthy's team on the other hand secured their fourth victory in seven games and, although they sit dangerously one place above the relegation zone, their battling qualities and form suggest they could stay up. Ancelotti had said ahead of this match he felt lucky he still had the Chelsea job but the Italian would have been left reappraising his fortune after only five minutes at Molineux when his side conceded the sloppy opener.  The warning signs had been there as Peter Cech had already had to palm away a stinging shot from Ronald Zubar but immediately afterwards the Blues goalkeeper could   only watch in horror as defender Boswinga shinned the ball into his own net from Hunt's corner.  Chelsea struggled to contend with the pressing nature of Wolves' 4-4-2 formation, as well as the slippery surface, and were grateful to see Kevin Doyle shoot tamely at Cech following a surging run towards the box by the impressive Zubar.  The visitors though gradually found more time on the ball with Brazilian midfielder Ramires pulling the strings and they came agonisingly close to an equaliser on the half-hour.  Malouda burst through the left side of the defence for the first time and crossed for Kalou, who toe-poked towards goal only for Hennessey's outstretched leg to deny him.   Wolves remained relatively comfortable as their battling defence only had to deal with a wild John Terry volley flying over the bar and a couple of dangerous crosses from Malouda.  Chelsea began the second half in more determined fashion and soon after Malouda directed a weak shot at Hennessey, they wasted a glorious chance to get on the  scoresheet.  It was Lampard, looking fresh from a three-month lay-off, who opened up the increasingly edgy defence with a delicate back-heel through to Kalou but the Ivorian could only slot the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.  Drogba, so often a match-winner for the Blues, looked a forlorn figure but came the closest to turning the match around, hitting the post after taking advantage of a rare slip  in concentration from his opponents.  While McCarthy prowled the touchline barking orders, his opposite number watched on motionless and expressionless and, with 25 minutes to go, decided to throw on  Nicolas Anelka for Kalou.  The chances did eventually arrive for the visitors, with Malouda wasteful when clean through and then substitute Daniel Sturridge volleyed high and wide to add to their manager's frustrations.  But with Richard Stearman guiding his resolute defence, it was the home side who came through as Drogba ended the game by wasting a good chance from a free-kick on the edge of the box.  Manchester City, Liverpool, Bolton and Manchester United come next for Wolves in the Premier League but McCarthy's men will fear no one after beating Chelsea for the first time in 18 years, while Ancelotti has much to ponder as his players continue to splutter.

stats


Wednesday, 5 January 2011

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

    * Bosingwa (og) 5


Wolverhampton

    * 13 Hennessey
    * 03 Elokobi
    * 05 Stearman
    * 16 Berra
    * 23 Zubar
    * 32 Foley
    * 04 Edwards
    * 12 Hunt
    * 17 Jarvis
    * 10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 69) (Milijas 82)
    * 29 Doyle (Ward 70)

Substitutes

    * 01 Hahnemann,
    * 11 Ward,
    * 39 Batth,
    * 46 Doherty,
    * 14 Jones,
    * 20 Milijas,
    * 09 Ebanks-Blake

Chelsea

    * 01 Cech
    * 02 Ivanovic yellow card
    * 03 A Cole
    * 17 Bosingwa
    * 26 Terry
    * 05 Essien
    * 07 Ramires (Sturridge 72)
    * 08 Lampard
    * 15 Malouda (Kakuta 79)
    * 11 Drogba
    * 21 Kalou (Anelka 66)

Substitutes

    * 22 Turnbull,
    * 19 Ferreira,
    * 43 Bruma,
    * 46 McEachran,
    * 23 Sturridge,
    * 39 Anelka,
    * 44 Kakuta

Ref: HalseyAtt: 26,432
WOLVES
CHELSEA
Possession

    * Wolves 46%
    * Chelsea 54%

Attempts on target

    * Wolves 2
    * Chelsea 7

Attempts off target

    * Wolves 1
    * Chelsea 9

Corners

    * Wolves 4
    * Chelsea 8

Fouls

    * Wolves 15
    * Chelsea 12

Full Time
90:00+4:06 The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
90:00+2:35 Stephen Ward fouled by John Terry, the ref awards a free kick. Nenad Milijas takes the free kick.
90:00+0:40 Foul by Stephen Hunt on Daniel Sturridge, free kick awarded. Didier Drogba produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
88:01 Michael Essien concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Hunt. George Elokobi restarts play with the free kick.
85:27 Didier Drogba concedes a free kick for a foul on Richard Stearman. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
84:46 Gael Kakuta takes a outswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post.
84:15 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Frank Lampard, Christophe Berra manages to make a clearance.
83:28 David Edwards challenges Michael Essien unfairly and gives away a free kick. Branislav Ivanovic restarts play with the free kick.
Correction - 81:59 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Frank Lampard from the left by-line, Didier Drogba produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box that clears the crossbar.
Correction - 81:59 Substitution Nenad Milijas replaces Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
81:59 Frank Lampard takes the inswinging corner, Header from close range by Didier Drogba clears the bar.
81:59 Substitution Nenad Milijas joins the action as a substitute, replacing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
79:45 Free kick awarded for a foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on Branislav Ivanovic. Direct free kick taken by Petr Cech.
78:38 Centre by Matthew Jarvis, Stephen Ward challenges John Terry unfairly and gives away a free kick. Petr Cech restarts play with the free kick.
78:38 Substitution Gael Kakuta replaces Florent Malouda.
76:23 Matthew Jarvis takes a inswinging corner.
73:52 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Branislav Ivanovic by Stephen Ward. Jose Bosingwa takes the free kick.
73:22 Daniel Sturridge has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.
72:54 Unfair challenge on Michael Essien by Stephen Ward results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Michael Essien.
71:47 Stephen Hunt challenges Nicolas Anelka unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Branislav Ivanovic.
71:47 Substitution Ramires goes off and Daniel Sturridge comes on.
Correction - 71:11 Ramires fouled by David Edwards, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Branislav Ivanovic.
71:11 David Edwards gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ramires. John Terry takes the free kick.
70:33 Florent Malouda produces a left-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
Correction - 68:48 Richard Stearman fouled by Ramires, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed by Stephen Hunt, Ramires makes a clearance. Florent Malouda gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Stephen Hunt,
Correction - 68:48 Substitution Stephen Ward joins the action as a substitute, replacing Kevin Doyle.
Correction - 68:48 Substitution Steven Fletcher leaves the field to be replaced by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
68:48 Richard Stearman fouled by Ramires, the ref awards a free kick. Stephen Hunt delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing, Ramires makes a clearance.
Unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis by Florent Malouda results in a free kick. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Stephen Hunt,
68:48 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Stephen Ward coming on for Kevin Doyle.
68:48 Substitution Steven Fletcher goes off and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake comes on.
66:51 The referee penalises Branislav Ivanovic for handball. Wayne Hennessey takes the direct free kick.
65:27 Didier Drogba has an effort at goal from inside the penalty box that bounces off the post.
65:27 Substitution Nicolas Anelka on for Salomon Kalou.
61:41 Salomon Kalou produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the right of the target.
60:32 Kevin Doyle fouled by John Terry, the ref awards a free kick. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick. Corner from the right by-line taken by Stephen Hunt, save by Petr Cech.
57:08 Michael Essien fouled by Christophe Berra, the ref awards a free kick. Ashley Cole restarts play with the free kick.
56:07 Salomon Kalou delivers the ball, Florent Malouda takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
54:36 Steven Fletcher is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Michael Essien takes the indirect free kick.
54:09 Effort on goal by Michael Essien from outside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the bar.
53:33 Ashley Cole fouled by Kevin Foley, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by John Terry.
52:28 Shot by Salomon Kalou from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.
49:48 Matthew Jarvis sends in a cross, clearance by Jose Bosingwa.
49:17 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, save by Petr Cech.
47:54 Ashley Cole takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
47:06 George Elokobi concedes a free kick for a foul on Salomon Kalou. Petr Cech takes the direct free kick.
45:28 Shot from just outside the box by Michael Essien goes over the crossbar.
45:01 The referee starts the second half.
Half Time
45:00+2:03 The ref blows to end the first period.
45:00+0:35 Branislav Ivanovic concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
45:00+0:35 Booking Branislav Ivanovic is shown a yellow card.
41:47 The referee blows for offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.
40:36 The ball is sent over by Florent Malouda.
36:57 Frank Lampard takes a shot. Blocked by George Elokobi. Ashley Cole is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
35:08 Unfair challenge on Salomon Kalou by Kevin Foley results in a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Didier Drogba, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
33:59 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Hunt on Jose Bosingwa. Petr Cech takes the direct free kick.
33:37 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ramires on Stephen Hunt. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
30:00 Corner taken by Frank Lampard. John Terry produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.
28:21 Salomon Kalou takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.
27:30 The ball is crossed by Jose Bosingwa, Christophe Berra manages to make a clearance.
27:12 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Petr Cech.
25:07 Didier Drogba challenges Stephen Hunt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
23:45 Salomon Kalou takes a shot. Stephen Hunt gets a block in. Michael Essien concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Fletcher. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
22:51 Unfair challenge on Didier Drogba by Ronald Zubar results in a free kick. Ashley Cole takes the free kick.
21:50 A cross is delivered by Ashley Cole, George Elokobi makes a clearance. Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Ashley Cole.
20:28 The assistant referee flags for offside against Salomon Kalou. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
19:27 Stephen Hunt challenges Florent Malouda unfairly and gives away a free kick. Petr Cech takes the free kick.
18:29 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by John Terry results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
13:10 Corner taken right-footed by Frank Lampard, clearance made by Matthew Jarvis.
12:21 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Florent Malouda, clearance made by Richard Stearman. Corner from the left by-line taken by Frank Lampard, clearance by George Elokobi.
8:08 Didier Drogba takes a shot. Blocked by Stephen Hunt.
4:19 Ronald Zubar takes a shot. Save made by Petr Cech. Stephen Hunt takes the inswinging corner, assist by Stephen Hunt.
4:19 GOAL - Jose Bosingwa:Wolverhampton 1 - 0 Chelsea Jose Bosingwa puts the ball into his own net. Wolverhampton 1-0 Chelsea.
3:19 Branislav Ivanovic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher. Stephen Hunt takes the direct free kick.
0:00 The game gets underway.

Saturday 1 January West Ham 2 (Zubar og 53, Sears 79)  Wolves 0

A chance to get out of the zone ruined by Zube's 2 "own goals".  The first, a genuine one,  when Carlton Cole completely missed a shot and it hit Zube's shin to roll in;  the second when he was caught ball-watching and allowed Sears a clear uninterrupted shot.  Cole should have had two but was woeful.   Green was their man of the match - him and the woodwork, while Stears had a great game, including an outstanding goal line clearance, and winning a tackle against Parker who should have been booked for being late when Stears had already won the ball.  This time though nothing to blame the ref for in terms of result.  Back to the bottom after a drab first half and not much better second.  Wolves only managed three shots on target, although Green was tested and 51% possession should have yielded more.  One sort spell in the second half though was the only time we really got players in their box.   Only one question remains - which team goes down with both of us.

Meanwhile Wolves have been linked with Villa's out-of-favour own goal specialist Richard Dunne

Missed chances, a performance from England keeper Robert Green that earned him the Man of the Match award and an unfortunate own goal from Ronald Zubar combined to help make it an unhappy start to the New Year for Wolves and their supporters.  Unsurprisingly, Mick McCarthy named an unchanged team for the visit to Upton Park with West Ham kicking-off attacking the end of the ground that housed the travelling support.  Wayne Hennessey collected a first minute corner from Scott Parker and it was the Hammers midfielder that turned behind a Matt Jarvis cross for Wolves first corner five minutes later.   Stephen Hunt's inswinging corner looked like it was going to drift in until Frederic Piquionne headed behind. From Hunt's second flag kick there was a brief scramble in the six-yard box before Carlton Cole conceded a third corner as he cleared from Christophe Berra.   Play was swinging from end to end and after Piquionne had fired high over the bar from the edge of the D, Robert Green dived at his near post to take a low drive from Stephen Ward.   Hunt's corners were causing problems for the home defence and in the 19th minute his kick bounced around in the heart of the area before Sylvan Ebanks-Blake headed into the arms of Green.   There was a chance for Freddie Sears after Hunt had slipped on the greasy surface but he shot straight at Hennessey from the edge of the box.   Richard Stearman had to race across to boot clear after Junior Stanislas had broken into the left side of the area, but West Ham could have moved into the lead in the 29th minute.   A slip by George Elokobi left Cole with just Hennessey to beat but the tall striker shot wide of the far post as the keeper quickly closed him down.   Hennessey had to race from his area to clear from Parker but he was beaten in the 41st minutes and he had Stearman to thank for a goalline clearance after Sears had run in unopposed to lash he ball goalwards.

Half-Time: West Ham 0 Wolves 0

Green was at his best to thwart Wanderers as they made a strong start to the new half. After a half hit shot from Ebanks-Blake had been cleared, Green made an excellent save to turn away a deflected effort from Nenad Milijaš.  The ball was played out to Jarvis and from his cross Green made another fine save from Berra's header to deny the Scot his first goal for the club.  Then the keeper palmed away a shot from Ward before Milijaš fired over the bar from eight-yards out.  Totally against the run of play, West Ham took a 53rd minute lead thanks to an own goal from Zubar. Cole swung and missed as he tried to connect with Stanislas's centre and the ball struck the French defender rebounding into the net beyond the reach of Hennessey.  Stearman's momentum saw him collide with Parker after he had won the ball quite fairly in a tackle. The crowd and home players were clearly intent on the referee showing a red card but after a brief flare up the official showed the yellow - and even that was harsh.  Hennessey did brilliantly to touch a Matthew Upson header onto the bar before collecting the rebound. The keeper was incandescent with rage when the referee failed to spot Cole dragging down Stearman as Parker's corner was on its way over.   Milijaš was fouled near the left hand corner of the West Ham box and, after Jarvis's free-kick had hit the wall, the ball bounced to the Serb whose teasing cross forced Green to backpeddle and tip it over the bar.   Wolves made a double switch in the 75th minute with David Edwards and Steven Fletcher coming on for Hunt and Elokobi.   The afternoon for Wolves was summed up just a minute later as Ebanks-Blake met Kevin Foley's cross and beat Green only for his header to smack against the crossbar before being cleared.   Piquionne was narrowly wide of the far post with a low drive after he had cut in from the left before Sears gave The Hammers some breathing space as he netted from eight-yards after Tal Ben Haim had delivered a cross from the right. Radoslav Kovac was booked for delaying the restart.   In the closing minutes, Marcus Bent was sent on for Milijaš and Ben Haim cleared a dangerous cross from Fletcher.  It's easy to say that Wolves didn't have any luck in their first game of 2011. But, in truth, the simple fact is that they didn't. 

West Ham: Green, Ben Haim, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Parker, Cole, Kovac, Upson (capt), Sears, Stanislas (Noble 70), Piquionne.  Unused subs: Boffin, Reid, Barrera, Boa Morte, Hines, Obinna.  Booking: Kovac (80 - time wasting).

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Elokobi (Edwards 75), Jarvis, Berra, Stearman, Foley (capt), Milijaš (Bent 87), Ebanks-Blake, Ward, Hunt (Fletcher 75).  Unused subs: Hahnemann, Jones, Mujangi-Bia, Batth.  Booking: Stearman (55 - foul).

Referee: L. Probert.  Attendance: 33,500.

and the Beeb said:

West Ham manager Avram Grant:
"It has been a very good Christmas, a good week for us. This is a massive win.  I felt before this run that we were very efficient. Now we are getting the wins we deserve so we're very happy.  There is a long way to go but I can tell you the spirit was always good, I am sure we will continue like we are."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:
"We are two points from safety and as far as I am aware we are not getting relegated in the morning.   We are scrapping away and we played well enough today, we should have equalised to be honest.   We have to just keep playing the way we have in the last two games without giving goals away."

West Ham

    * 01 Green
    * 03 Ben-Haim
    * 04 Gabbidon
    * 05 Tomkins
    * 15 Upson
    * 08 Parker
    * 14 Kovacyellow card
    * 25 Stanislas (Noble 69)
    * 09 Cole
    * 19 Sears
    * 30 Piquionne

Substitutes

    * 31 Boffin,
    * 02 Reid,
    * 12 Barrera,
    * 13 Boa Morte,
    * 16 Noble,
    * 26 Hines,
    * 33 Obinna

Wolverhampton

    * 13 Hennessey
    * 03 Elokobi (Fletcher 76)
    * 05 Stearmanyellow card
    * 11 Ward
    * 16 Berra
    * 23 Zubar
    * 32 Foley
    * 12 Hunt (Edwards 76)
    * 17 Jarvis
    * 20 Milijas (Bent 87)
    * 09 Ebanks-Blake

Substitutes

    * 01 Hahnemann,
    * 39 Batth,
    * 04 Edwards,
    * 14 Jones,
    * 25 Mujangi Bia,
    * 10 Fletcher,
    * 19 Bent

Ref: ProbertAtt: 33,500
WEST HAM
WOLVES
Possession

    * West Ham 49%
    * Wolves 51%

Attempts on target

    * West Ham 6
    * Wolves 10

Attempts off target

    * West Ham 5
    * Wolves 5

Corners

    * West Ham 5
    * Wolves 10

Fouls

    * West Ham 7
    * Wolves 14

Full Time
90:00+4:14 The referee blows for the end of the match.
89:35 Steven Fletcher handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Robert Green takes the direct free kick.
86:47 David Edwards concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Parker. Robert Green takes the direct free kick.
Correction - 86:02 Scott Parker handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Kevin Foley takes the free kick.
Correction - 86:02 Substitution Marcus Bent joins the action as a substitute, replacing Nenad Milijas.
86:02 The referee penalises Scott Parker for handball. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick.
86:02 Substitution Marcus Bent on for Nenad Milijas.
Correction - 85:00 James Tomkins challenges Steven Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Nenad Milijas.
85:00 James Tomkins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher. Nenad Milijas has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.
84:19 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis to the near post, Scott Parker makes a clearance.
82:57 Scott Parker fouled by Nenad Milijas, the ref awards a free kick. Mark Noble delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing.
82:33 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Mark Noble, Ronald Zubar manages to make a clearance.
80:54 The referee blows for offside against Frederic Piquionne. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
80:33 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matthew Upson by Steven Fletcher. Robert Green takes the free kick.
79:42 Booking Radoslav Kovac goes into the book.
78:43 Assist on the goal came from Tal Ben-Haim.
78:43 GOAL - Freddie Sears:West Ham 2 - 0 Wolverhampton Freddie Sears gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the box to the bottom left corner of the goal. West Ham 2-0 Wolverhampton.
78:03 Matthew Upson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher. Free kick taken by Nenad Milijas.
77:36 Frederic Piquionne produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the right of the target.
76:07 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot.
75:03 Free kick awarded for a foul by Matthew Jarvis on Radoslav Kovac. Free kick taken by Tal Ben-Haim.
75:03 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Steven Fletcher coming on for George Elokobi.
75:03 Substitution David Edwards replaces Stephen Hunt.
71:49 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line played to the near post.
71:36 Matthew Jarvis takes a shot. Ronald Zubar gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Frederic Piquionne. Scott Parker takes the free kick. Robert Green makes a save.
70:47 Radoslav Kovac concedes a free kick for a foul on Nenad Milijas. Matthew Jarvis takes the direct free kick.
68:57 Substitution Junior Stanislas leaves the field to be replaced by Mark Noble.
67:09 The official flags Carlton Cole offside. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
65:15 Carlton Cole challenges Christophe Berra unfairly and gives away a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.
64:44 Shot from just outside the area by Matthew Jarvis goes over the bar.
63:54 Nenad Milijas produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes harmlessly over the target.
63:23 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line.
61:52 Nenad Milijas gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Carlton Cole. Tal Ben-Haim takes the free kick.
60:12 Corner taken by Scott Parker from the right by-line, Matthew Upson takes a shot. Fantastic save by Wayne Hennessey.
57:45 Stephen Hunt gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tal Ben-Haim. Direct free kick taken by Robert Green.
55:25 Unfair challenge on Scott Parker by Richard Stearman results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Tal Ben-Haim.
55:25 Booking Richard Stearman goes into the book.
53:59 Frederic Piquionne challenges Ronald Zubar unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Richard Stearman.
52:51 Carlton Cole takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
50:48 Frederic Piquionne provided the assist for the goal.
50:48 GOAL - Ronald Zubar:West Ham 1 - 0 Wolverhampton Ronald Zubar puts the ball into his own goal from 6 yards. West Ham 1-0 Wolverhampton.
48:57 Effort from 20 yards by Stephen Ward. Save by Robert Green. Close range headed effort by Nenad Milijas misses to the right of the target.
47:08 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Matthew Upson gets a block in. Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Tal Ben-Haim manages to make a clearance. Christophe Berra takes a shot. Save made by Robert Green.
46:34 Unfair challenge on Tal Ben-Haim by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake results in a free kick. Robert Green restarts play with the free kick.
45:58 The assistant referee flags for offside against Carlton Cole. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
Half Time
45:00+2:26 The half-time whistle blows.
45:00+1:08 Handball by Carlton Cole. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
45:00+0:10 Effort on goal by Nenad Milijas from long range goes harmlessly over the target.
43:48 Effort on goal by Carlton Cole from just inside the area clears the bar.
42:49 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Frederic Piquionne by Christophe Berra. Radoslav Kovac takes the free kick.
40:29 Freddie Sears takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
40:08 Freddie Sears takes a shot. Clearance by Richard Stearman.
38:58 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, save by Robert Green.
34:35 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Scott Parker from the right by-line, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake manages to make a clearance.
31:48 Free kick awarded for a foul by George Elokobi on Tal Ben-Haim. Direct free kick taken by Robert Green.
30:31 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on James Tomkins, free kick awarded. Robert Green takes the free kick.
28:56 Effort from deep inside the area by Carlton Cole misses to the left of the target.
23:11 Shot from just outside the area by Daniel Gabbidon goes over the bar.
22:25 Freddie Sears takes a shot. Comfortable save by Wayne Hennessey.
21:13 The referee blows for offside. Wayne Hennessey restarts play with the free kick.
18:24 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stephen Hunt, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Robert Green makes a comfortable save.
16:36 The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.
15:51 Foul by Christophe Berra on Carlton Cole, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Junior Stanislas.
14:51 Carlton Cole challenges Christophe Berra unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
13:36 Stephen Ward takes a shot. Save by Robert Green.
13:13 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake fouled by Matthew Upson, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Stephen Hunt.
12:06 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis, Robert Green makes a comfortable save.
10:50 Short corner worked by Scott Parker.
9:38 Frederic Piquionne produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
7:13 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis, Stephen Ward takes a shot. Save by Robert Green.
Correction - 5:53 Stephen Hunt takes a inswinging corner to the near post, Frederic Piquionne makes a clearance. Corner taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt from the right by-line, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Blocked by Carlton Cole.
5:53 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt played to the near post, Frederic Piquionne makes a clearance. Inswinging corner taken by Stephen Hunt, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake takes a shot. Blocked by Carlton Cole.
3:04 Ronald Zubar challenges Scott Parker unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Scott Parker.
0:31 Corner taken right-footed by Scott Parker from the left by-line, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.
0:00 The match has kicked off.

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