Championship 2007-8 Aug 2007 Sept 2007 Oct 2007  Nov 2007 Dec 2007  Jan 2008 Feb 2008 Mar 2008 Apr 2008 May 2008 preseason07

Baggies match moved to Sunday

Next - home to Colchester  Wednesday at 19:45

Wolves 1 (Elliott 31) Colchester United 0

The 4-5000 fans who stayed away or got too stuck in traffic probably made the right choice.  A very poor performance with the players unwilling to shoot, apart from Freddy, and a terrible midfield combination of Gibson Potter and Henry.  Three holding midfielders didn’t actually hold the midfield and it’s just as well Colchester were so poor otherwise all three points could easily have been theirs - they hit the woodwork twice.  Gibson certainly proved he couldn’t play wide right - so why we didn’t see Matty Jarvis given a chance to make his mark.  The team only looked like an attacking force when Andy Keogh came on, although Freddy’s two individual efforts - and hard work - were worth seeing.  Stephen Ward had a great match, while Elliott Ward had one of his best games yet.  Wayne had to make two strong saves but took them relatively comfortably.

Here’s how WoW reported it...

Deep into injury time, only the woodwork prevented Colchester's Kem Izzet from cancelling out Stephen Elliott's first-half opener and giving the visitors what would have been a richly deserved point.   Wolves were never at their best and clearly missed the midfield presence of Seyi Olofinjana and the pace of Michael Kightly.The duo, along with Jay Bothroyd, were all injured in the derby clash with West Bromwich and they were replaced by Darren Potter, Elliott and Freddy Eastwood.  Colchester kicked-off attacking the North Bank end but possession immediately fell to Wolves and inside the first minute Darron Gibson's low cross skidded through the visitors' box.  United responded with a 25-yard free-kick from Mark Yeates. He got plenty of power behind his effort but Wayne Hennessey dived to his right and confidently claimed the ball.  Gibson's corner skimmed the head of Jody Craddock and then Eastwood hit a first time volley high into the Jack Harris Stand as Wolves continued to press.  But Colchester, and Yeates in particular, were unlucky in the 11th minute when the midfielder's drive from 20-yards struck the base of a post and bounced to safety.  The U's were growing in confidence and Kevin Lisbie tested Hennessey with a shot from just inside the area before Karl Henry fouled Lisbie to the right of the box. Yeates' free-kick flashed across the face of Hennessey's goal and went narrowly wide of the far post.  After a virtually chanceless period of play Wolves moved into a 31st minute lead. Gibson fired over a cross from the left and Eastwood's powerful header had 'goal' written all over it.  Dean Gerken in the Colchester goal pulled off an amazing reflex save but the unfortunate keeper had no chance as Elliott nodded the loose ball into the empty net.  Bela Balogh was injured in the incident and he was replaced by Matthew Connolly.  Eastwood saw his angled shot saved by Gerken but there was little else to trouble either keeper at the end of a rather tepid half of football.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Colchester 0

Colchester won a free-kick seconds after play resumed when Potter tripped Kevin Watson 25-yards out. John Jackson's kick clipped the defensive wall and drifted out for the first of two corners within as many minutes. Both were taken by Jackson and both were cleared without too much concern.  Eastwood and Stephen Ward were crowded out as they tried to get in shots and Potter was too high with a long-distance effort.  On the hour mark Eastwood hit a tremendous shot from 25-yards that beat Durken but smacked against the inside of the post before cannoning to safety.  Neill Collins blocked from Karl Duguid and, from Jackson's corner the ball was headed out to newly arrived substitute Kevin McLeod who fired high over the bar.  Andy Keogh replaced Elliott with 20 minutes remaining and within moments of his introduction Eastwood spread a pass out to Stephen Ward to the left of the Colchester area. Ward beat his marker before firing a yard wide of the far post.  Danger beckoned when Yeates threaded a pass through to Jackson but the Colchester man slipped and fell over as he was about to shoot at goal with just Hennessey to beat.  Veteran striker Teddy Sheringham received a warm welcome from the Molineux crowd as he ran on to replace Lisbie.  Keogh headed wide at the near post following a corner from Gibson but it was hearts in mouths time as the game entered the last of the three minutes of added time. Sheringham nodded a cross down to Izzet whose shot beat Hennessey but hit the inside of the post and bounced back into the arms of the grateful keeper.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, D. Ward, Henry, Craddock (capt) (Gray 87), N. Collins, Potter, Eastwood, Elliott (Keogh 69), Gibson, S. Ward. Unused subs: Little, Jarvis, Stack.

Colchester: Gerken, Granville, Jackson, Watson (McLeod 63), Duguid (capt), Platt, Izzet, Yeates, Virgo, Lisbie (Sheringham 73), Balogh (Connolly 33).  Unused subs: Guy, Cousins.

Referee: E. Ilderton.  Attendance: 20,966.

Sunday 25th November High Noon at the Hawthorns - Baggies 0 Wolves 0

Mick opted for 4-5-1 to combat WBA’s expected line up but Mowbray had planned something different.  WBA were strong early but Wolves finished the first half on top after Mick had first tried Seyi in behind lone striker Jay Bothroyd then puches Kites up front with him.  Wayne Hennessey though was the hero saving a Zoltan Gera penalty 6 minutes from the end having already made a terrific save from Teixeira.  “We came as equals and left as equals” said Mick. WBA lost Miller to cruciate ligaments, while Kites limped off and left the ground on crutches and is probably doubtful for Wednesday.

Here’s how WoW saw it.

West Bromwich Albion 0 Wolves 0

A late penalty save by Wayne Hennessey meant that Wolves took a fully deserved point from their derby clash with West Bromwich at The Hawthorns.  
Although the game finished without a goal, there was plenty of action at both ends. It was the first time that the Baggies had failed to score at home since April.  Mick McCarthy made just one change to his starting line up with Darron Gibson coming in for Freddy Eastwood as the Wolves boss opted for a 4-5-1 formation.  Wolves kicked-off attacking the Smethwick end and Darren Ward had to clear an early cross from Chris Brunt. For the visitors Gibson was well wide with a shot from distance.  In the seventh minute Gibson's challenge on Brunt led to a free-kick to the right of the Wolves' area. Brunt lifted the ball into the heart of the box and Hennessey had to turn behind Neill Collins' attempted clearance. Brunt's corner came to nothing.  Seyi Olofinjana sent Michael Kightly away down the right but his cross sailed through the area to
the far side and Jay Bothroyd's attempted return went behind.  Ishmael Miller failed to take advantage of a lucky bounce by screwing a shot wide after Darren Ward's clearance had cannoned off Robert Koren and ran into the striker's path.  Then Filipe Teixera blazed a shot high over the bar from just 10-yards out after he ran in onto Brunt's low cross. In the 22nd minute Wolves were inches away from taking the lead when Jody Craddock headed against the outside of the post following a Bothroyd corner.  Darren Ward came to the rescue when he halted Miller's run into the Wolves area at the expense of a corner and then a Jonathan Greening shot from 25-yards struck Craddock and flew wide of the post with Hennessey stranded.  Albion were enjoying their best spell of the game and there was another moment of danger when Miller held off two challenges before firing into the arms of Hennessey.  After absorbing the home pressure Wolves broke clear though Olofinjana who threaded a pass to Kightly on the right. The Nigerian continued his run and was in position to get in a diving header from Kightly's centre but his effort was wide of the mark.  Teixeira was too high with a 20-yard effort before Paul Robinson had to head the ball over his own crossbar as Bothroyd homed in on Stephen Ward's cross. Ward was unlucky in the 42nd minute after a Bothroyd corner had been half cleared to him. His low shot looked destined for the net until it hit Leon Barnett and went behind for another corner.  Just before the break Greening was penalised for hands just outside the home box and Gibson was a yard wide after Karl Henry had touched the ball to him.

Half-Time: Albion 0 Wolves 0

Kightly joined Bothroyd up front at the start of the new half as Wolves moved to a 4-4-2 formation.  Robinson appeared to tug at Kightly's shirt as the pair ran down the middle chasing Stephen Ward's through ball but it was the Wolves man who was penalised as the duo ran into the area.  Hennessey made a superb fingertip save to deny Teixeira in the 55th minute. The Portuguese midfielder turned Darren Ward and curled a shot that Hennessey touched onto the post - the ball rebounding to safety on the far side.  After the referee had applied the advantage rule, Olofinjana was booked for attempting to pull back Greening and, after had Kightly limped off to be replaced by Eastwood, Teixeira was yellow carded for a high challenge on Darren Ward on the edge of the Wolves area. The incident sparked a brief melee involving several players but order was soon restored.  Stephen Elliott replaced the limping Bothroyd in the 63rd minute and Albion swapped Craig Beattie for Brunt moments later.  A free-kick from Gibson was half cleared to Elliott whose fierce drive was blocked by Robinson and when play switched to the other end Teixeira's dummy allowed Greening's pass to run through to Beattie but Hennessey had spotted the danger and he saved at the striker's feet.  Eastwood beat the offside trap to the right of the Albion goal but Dean Kiely blocked his shot at the near post before diving onto the loose ball.  Robinson headed wide following a Greenwood corner and then Olofinjana missed a golden opportunity as he connected with Gibson's cross but his sidefooted shot went into the side netting.  Five minutes from time it looked as if all of Wolves' efforts were to lead to nothing when West Bromwich were awarded a penalty after Collins had pulled back Beattie who was running away from goal.  But, to the delight of the travelling supporters behind him, Hennessey guessed correctly by diving to his right to turn away Zoltan Gera's spot kick.

Albion: Kiely, Hoefkens, Robinson, Barnett, Koren, Greening (capt), Gera, Miller (Bednar 83), Teixeira (MacDonald 77), Cesar, Brunt (Beattie 69).  Unused subs: Steele, Pele.  Booking: Teixeira (62 - foul).

Wolves:Hennessey, Foley, D. Ward, Craddock (capt), N. Collins, Kightly (Eastwood 61), Olofinjana, Henry, Bothroyd (Elliott 63), Gibson, S. Ward.  Unused subs: Potter, Stack, Gray.  Booking: Olofinjana (58 - foul).

Referee: C. Foy.  Attendance: 27,493.

Saturday 10th November Wolves 1 (N. Collins 13) Barnsley 0

Again a first half of dominating football, but the frustration of not being able to put the ball in the net, led to London Wolves sponsored player Neill Collins becoming 4th top scorer - only one behind Kites and Freddy in the League! But with two goals that is something to worry about. Mick chose to sound off at the fans after they became restless during a last quarter which saw us lucky to escape a draw or worse. It seems the linesman and ref both missed a handball in the box very late on, but the lino was very popular when she flagged Ferenczi offside after he’d netted. So, as the attendance creeps up around the 23000 mark does this mean the boo-boys of the Hoddle era have returned? Wolves were unlucky to come up against a really in form goalie and woodwork ....hitting the post twice. Robbie Dennison thought it was a very good overall performance naming the defence as the “man” of the match.

Wolves 1 (N. Collins 13) Barnsley 0 - here’s how WoW saw it

After dominating for most of the game against Barnsley, Wolves only had a Neill Collins' headed goal to show for their efforts. There were some nervy moments as the match neared its conclusion as the Yorkshire side went in search of a point that at one time had looked an unlikely target. The only change to Mick McCarthy's team saw Jay Bothroyd returning to the starting line-up in place of Andy Keogh who was named as a substitute. Barnsley kicked-off attacking the North Band end but Wolves were soon in possession and they won the game's first corner after just 25 seconds when Stephen Ward's shot bounced behind off a defender. Bothroyd's corner curled behind before coming back into play but the striker was soon in action at the other end when he headed clear Barnsley's first flag-kick which was taken by Brian Howard. Jamal Campbell-Ryce fouled Michael Kightly 25-yards out from the Barnsley goal but Karl Henry's free-kick bounced through into the arms of Tykes' keeper Heinz Muller. The bravery of Kevin Foley led to Wolves deservedly moving ahead in the 13th minute. The full-back was left rubbing his head after a high challenge with Dominik Werling that resulted in a Wolves corner. Kightly fired over the flag-kick and Neill Collins ran in to bury a powerful header into Muller's net. Barnsley penalty appeals for hands when Jon Macken's shot bounced off Darren Ward were rejected and Wolves were soon back on the attack with Stephen Ward holding his head after shooting over from 15-yards after Kightly had pulled the ball back from the by-line. After a Kightly corner was cleared, Henry fed a pass back to the winger who was fouled by Macken just outside the visitors area. The free-kick, taken by Bothroyd, produced an amazing incident with the same post twice coming to the rescue of Muller in a matter of seconds. Freddy Eastwood's header smacked against the woodwork and when the ball bounced to Neill Collins his right footed drive came back off virtually the same piece of the post. It was all Wolves and Eastwood was no more than a foot wide of the far post with a shot on the turn after he had taken a pass from Bothroyd. Stephen Ward wasn't far away with a drive that flew over the angle after he had cut in from the left, and then, along with Eastwood, he set up a chance for Bothroyd whose shot was blocked by Dennis Souza. Muller made a fine diving save to keep out Darren Ward's shot following yet another Bothroyd corner, and Foley made a great interception as Istvan Ferenczi threatened after a Barnsley break from defence. Just before the interval Eastwood hammered a long-range shot over the bar.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Barnsley 0

Wolves were still the dominating force following the restart although Wayne Hennessey had to jump through a crowd of players to claim the ball after a Howard corner. From a Kightly corner Muller saved on the line from Neill Collins and the German keeper then recovered to block Eastwood's close range, shot on the turn, follow up. Bothroyd thumped a 25-yard free-kick into the Barnsley wall after he had been fouled by Howard before Muller once again saved his side blocking from Kightly who had been set up by Stephen Ward. Kightly's close range shot was blocked by Muller at point-blank range after another Stephen Ward pass had found him, and then Jody Craddock fired wide from an angle after Eastwood had pumped the ball into the box. Keogh replaced Bothroyd with 20 minutes remaining and just moments after his arrival Barnsley had the ball in the Wolves net when Ferenczi headed past Hennessey following Howard's free-kick from the right. There were audible sighs of relief from the crowd when they spotted the flag raised for offside. Martin Devaney ran in from the left and fired across the face of goal and, as the game entered its final minutes, Hennessey cut out a cross-shot from the Barnsley striker - this time from the other side of goal. In stoppage time Keogh's shot was blocked by a defender and when Eastwood swooped on the loose ball, Muller saved at the expense of a corner.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, D. Ward, Craddock (capt), N. Collins, Kightly (Potter 77), Olofinjana, Henry, Bothroyd (Keogh 71), Eastwood, S. Ward. Unused subs: Little, Jarvis, Stack. Booking: Olofinjana (84 - foul).

Barnsley: Muller, Souza, Devaney, Campbell-Ryce (Ricketts 80), Foster, Nyatanga, Werling (Odejayi 85), Togwell (McCann 82), Ferenczi, Macken, Howard (capt). Unused subs: Mostto, Reid.

Referee: G. Laws. Attendance: 22,231

Tuesday 6th November Southampton 0 Wolves 0 CLICK HERE FOR HIGHLIGHTS

A poor Southampton team held Wolves to another draw. The eventual entry of Jay Bothroyd and Matt Jarvis sparked up the game and Jay really should have scored but didn’t lift the ball over Davis. Similarly the hat trick player from the Molineux 0-6 encounter last season, Marek Saganowksi likewise galvanised the Saints. A poor crowd of 19,000 too. Wolves couldn’t take advantage of a nervous defence but did well to stifle the threats of Nathan Dyer and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Saints loan signing Andrew Davies pretty well stopped most attacks and their keeper Kelvin Davis matched Wayne for good saves. MoM - Jody Craddock. For Mick to work on - the block that seems to come over our forwards when they get to the 18 yard line. (Freddy’s shot which nearly scored was a lot further out.) Mick said that the pennyhad dropped with Freddy, but we still need him in the opposition box, not our own.

Southampton 0 Wolves 0

A lively game against Southampton at St Mary's ended in stalemate with neither side able to conjure up a goal although home stopper Kelvin Davis was the busier of the two keepers. Mick McCarthy made just one change to the side that had drawn with Bristol City with Freddy Eastwood taking the place up front of Jay Bothroyd who took a place on the bench. Wolves started brightly and won two early corners. The first came about after a pinpoint crossfield pass from
Seyi Olofinjana picked out Michael Kightly on the right. The winger cut into the Saints area but his cross was headed behind by Wayne Thomas. Kightly's flag-kick was cleared only as far as Stephen Ward and his attempted cross cannoned behind off Phil Ifil. Again Kightly took the kick but this time the home defence cleared its lines. With 19 minutes gone the alarm bells were ringing for Wolves when Wayne Hennessey picked up Darren Ward's firmly struck back pass on the six-yard line. The referee awarded an indirect free-kick and ten of the Wanderers team positioned themselves across the goal line. Grzegorz Rasiak touched the free-kick to Rudi Skacel but the wall quickly closed him down and the ball bounced clear to safety. Neill Collins was then shown the yellow card after he had tripped Jhon Viafara on the Southampton right. Andy Keogh played Stephen Ward in on the overlap and his low cross flew through to the far side of the area where Kightly ran in to smash a first time shot over the bar. Eastwood was wide with a powerful shot from 20-yards after he had beaten two defenders and, when Kevin Foley ventured forward from defence, he drove over the bar with another long distance effort. When Davis dived to take a Keogh volley the ball bounced off the keeper's chest but no Wolves man was close enough forward to take advantage. Kightly ran onto an angled pass from Keogh and delivered a centre that was headed goalwards by Stephen Ward but the ball was deflected behind off a defender for an unproductive corner. Saints threatened when Andrew Davies headed over following a Rasiak corner before Darren Ward managed to get in the way of a Rasiak drive from just outside the visitors box. An evenly contested half ended with two Rasiak corners in the two minutes of added time.

Half-Time: Saints 0 Wolves 0

There was a chance for each side in the five minutes after the resumption. Keogh sprinted in from the left and found Stephen Ward whose shot from the tightest of angles went behind off a defender. Then Hennessey had to react smartly to push out Rasiak's shot from the 18-yard line. The referee blocked Olofinjana's path to a Kightly pass allowing Viafara to grab possession and go on a run that ended with a fierce shot that wasn't too far away. Within a minute Hennessey's goal came under threat again when Jason Euell's close range header following Nathan Dyer's cross was nodded clear from just in front of the line by Jody Craddock. At the other end Kightly shrugged off his marker as he charged into the box but Davis reacted quickly to block. Then came a terrific effort from Olofinjana. Stephen Ward played the ball back into the Nigerian's path and from 22-yards he hit a shot destined for the roof of the net until Davis made a superb fingertip save. The keeper at his best again in the 66th minute when he dived full length to divert Eastwood's long range shot around the post. In a frenetic finish to the game both teams had chances to snatch all three points. Andrew Surman fired narrowly over with an angled shot then, with two minutes remaining, Bothroyd, who had come on Keogh, overpowered Davies and looked a certain scorer only for Davis to pull off another fine save. The loose ball ran out to Darren Potter whose dipping shot from outside the box skimmed the roof of the net. In stoppage time Hennessey blocked from Euell who was clean through, and then the Welsh keeper dived to claim a well struck shot from Christian Dailly.

Saints: Davis, Ifil, Davies, Thomas (capt), Skacel, Dyer (Surman 56), Viafara, Dailly, Euell, Wright-Phillips (Hammill 81), Rasiak (Saganowski 64). Unused subs: Bialkowski, Idiakez.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, D. Ward, Craddock (capt), N. Collins, Kightly (Jarvis 72), Olofinjana, Henry, S. Ward (Potter 77), Keogh (Bothroyd 83), Eastwood. Unused subs: Stack, Little. Booking: N. Collins (22 - foul).
Referee: D. Deadman. Attendance: 19,856.

and this is how www/saintsfc.com saw it

It is a case of one extreme to the other with Saints at the moment.

After scoring in 31 successive games they have now had two successive blanks. On the plus side though they have managed to stem the flow at
the other end and if they can just get the balance right, they will well set for a promotion push. Both Southampton and Wolves have strong aspirations of mounting another top six challenge and here they pretty much cancelled each other out.
There was more perspiration than inspiration though as the two hard-working outfits dug in strongly to frustrate each other - andthe fans.

Mick McCarthy freely admitted he would have taken a point before the game while Saints were determined not to make the same error as they did on Saturday. If it is one of those days when it is not clicking in front of goal then it is vital not to concede. It becomes a case of taking the point, regrouping and going again. Although they might well have nicked it at the death, Saints could also have lost it as the game finally opened up in the closing stages. With three minutes on the clock, Jay Bothroyd muscled his way in on goal only to be denied by a great block at close range by Kelvin Davis. Almost immediately Jason Euell skipped through the inside left channel but Wayne Hennessey was an equally formidable barrier. He then saved well from Christian Dailly's long range drivebefore possibly the best chance of all arrived deep in stoppage time. Andrew Surman found himself in space to the right of goal but withthe ball on his less favoured right foot. He tried to make certain by pulling the ball back towards Euell only for it to be kicked clear by former Christchurch defender Jody Craddock. There were precious few clear openings all night as Saints struggled to break down a well-drilled and highly industrious Midlands side. To their credit, Burley's men matched the opposition's work-rate but they could not quite manage to pick their way through. For both sides, it was a case of shooting from distance or relying on set-pieces - the best of which fell to Saints on 20 minutes. Christian Dailly was the unlikely man breaking through on goal only to be robbed by a backpass which the keeper picked up. That meant an indirect free-kick seven yards out. Wolves put every player on the line and Rudi Skacel could not find a way though the massed ranks. It was a moment which pretty well summed up Southampton's night of frustration as well as the opposition's discipline and determination. It was also the only real incident of note from a bitty first 45 minutes made up of half-chances and deflections from brave blocks. That defensive strength was the major plus point for Saints as they ground out a clean sheet with Kelvin Davis making fine stops from 20-yard shots by Olofinjana and Eastwood. New signing Andrew Davies looked much more at home in his preferred role in the centre of defence where he showed good signs of forging a powerful partnership with Wayne Thomas. With Phil Ifil and Rudi Skacel shoring up the flanks, the Southampton back line had a resolute look about it - with Davis in fine form on the rare occasions it was breached. In front of them, Saints tried a multitude of combinations but Wolves were just as commanding in their defensive efforts. Until the two sets of combatants tired towards the end, the only real opening came on 50 minutes when the ball squirted to Grzegorz Rasiak whose 16-yard shot was beaten out by Hennessey to his left. It was the third goalless draw in the last eight meetings between these sides - the other five were all won by Saints with an aggregate goal tally of 16-1. That included the 6-0 victory at Molineux last season which never looked close to being repeated here. And what Saints fans would have given for just one of those six goals to have been saved for this match!

Saints: Davis, Ifil, Thomas, Davies, Skacel, Dyer (Surman 56), Viafara, Dailly, Euell, Wright-Phillips (Hammill 80), Rasiak (Saganowski 63). Subs: Idiakez, Bialkowski.
Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, D Ward, Craddock, Collins, Kightly (Jarvis 71), Henry, Olofinjana, S Ward (Potter 77), Eastwood, Keogh (Bothroyd 81). Subs: Little, Stack.
Referee: Darren Deadman (Cambs) Attendance: 19,856

Saturday November 3rd Wolves 1 (Bothroyd 22) Bristol City 1

Wolves dominated a first half punctuated by annoying refereeing with “backing in” seeming to be a frequent offence - in virtually every tackle. Possession, chances, untiring running and a complete lack of striking selfishness or ability to shoot when in the box. Too many very promising openings were spoiled by players hanging on to the ball and not being backed up for the immediate pass. Jay’s great strike - waiting outside the box for the chance of a clearance was the exception. But that and a save from a Kightly chop were about all Basso had to contend with. Kites again ran his socks off and won most of his encounters with the returning Michael McIndoe who “left Wolves to improve his Scotland prospects”. Michael Gray, one of the reasons McIndoe left, eventually got on as part of his return to fitness. Seyi and Karl Henry were terrific in midfield while the back four actually looked pretty solid. Until the 27th minute that was - we’d just gone ahead and looked comfotable - could even have had a second, when an innocuous free kick in front of the away supporters gentley looped over the defence and Fontaine was left totally unmarked as a vague attempt at offside was made. Craddock and Ward tightened up after that. At the end though, Mick’s post match interview clearly showed his frustration at not taking all 3 points, but did point out that only Jody and Neill Collins seemed to want to attack the ball in the box. Stephen Ward put in another good shift, but wasn’t given any ball when he moved into the centre after Kites went off. Wayne had to make a couple of spectacular saves, but pretty simple ones towards the end.

Wolves 1 (Bothroyd 22) Bristol City< 1 (Fontaine 27)

After taking a deserved lead midway through the first-half, Wolves were soon pegged back by high-flying Bristol City and, in the end, had to be satisfied with a share of the spoils from a competitive contest played out in front of the biggest Molineux crowd of the season.

Andy Keogh returned to the starting line-up in place of Freddy Eastwood who was named as a substitute. An early challenge on Kevin Foley resulted on a Wolves' free-kick from the right but when Jay Bothroyd planted the ball into the middle, it was headed clear. Bothroyd figured again after Michael Kightly had played the ball back to him but the striker was high and wide with a shot on the turn from 20-yards out. Louis Carey blocked after Stephen Ward had broken through into the City box and then Liam Fontaine intercepted a Bothroyd pass to Ward in the heart of the City area as Wolves continued to press. A rare misplaced pass from Foley almost led to City breaking through but Jody Craddock got in a perfectly timed tackle on Michael McIndoe who had been played in by Lee Trundle. But the attacking play was still coming mostly from Wolves and they deservedly moved ahead in the 22nd minute following a Kightly corner.Adriano Basso fisted clear off the head of Darren Ward and Marvin Elliott hooked the loose ball away. But it only went to the edge of the box where Bothroyd was waiting to deliver a low shot past the Brazilian keeper. Within a minute Stephen Ward was inches away from making it two - his header from Kightly's cross beating Basso but landing on the roof of the City net. Fontaine went into the book after catching Kightly with a late challenge with Basso diving to save Bothroyd's driven 25-yard free-kick. But, against the run of play, City pulled level in the 27th minute. A disputed free- kick following Neill Collins' challenge on Ivan Sproule, was taken by McIndoe and his ball into the middle was headed home by the unmarked Fontain. There was a chance for Stephen Ward moments later but his shot was blocked at close range by Bradley Orr after Basso had 'lost' a cross from Kightly. Keogh from well inside his own half, ran deep into City territory before picking out Stephen Ward who drilled a low shot narrowly wide from just outside the area. Darren Ward then saw his shot deflected wide for a corner after a Kightly centre. And the half ended with Kightly's free-kick being cleared after he had been fouled by Lee Johnson on the Wolves right.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Bristol City 1

Darren Byfield went close within two minutes of the resumption when he beat Darren Ward before hammering a shot into the side netting. Then a Kightly free-kick sailed straight through to Basso after Bothroyd had been fouled by Carey 30-yards out and in a central position. On 53 minutes, Wayne Hennessey plucked the ball out of the air after diving to his left when Elliott let fly with a volley from all of 35-yards. Sproule was booked after he had lost possession to Kightly and then fouled the winger before, from a City corner, Keogh took advantage of a mistake by Orr and sprinted down the left channel. The visiting defence was struggling to get back but Keogh's intended pass for Bothroyd, who would have been clean through, was cut out by Jamie McAllister. A spate of bookings followed - Keogh and Elliott for a midfield confrontation, Kightly for dissent after he had fouled McIndoe and Carey for a bodycheck on Kightly. Matt Jarvis was sent on in place of Bothroyd with a little under a quarter of the match remaining, with Stephen Ward moving inside to partner Keogh in attack. Basso comfortably dealt with a Kightly chip but the keeper had to be at his best in tipping over a Darren Ward header following Kightly's corner. City substitute David Noble fired over the bar from a good position and when Seyi Olofinjana's shot was blocked, Jarvis drove the rebound straight to Basso. In stoppage time Johnson's header was uncomfortably close to giving the Robins a winner as the ball flew wide after Johnson had pumped a free-kick into the home area.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, N. Collins, Olofinjana, D. Ward, Craddock (capt), Kightly (Potter 81), Henry, Keogh, Bothroyd (Jarvis 69), S. Ward (Eastwood 84). Unused subs: Little, Stack. Bookings: Keogh (62 - foul), Kightly (64 - dissent).

City: Basso, Orr, McAllister, Carey (capt), McIndoe, Trundle (McCombe 88), Elliott, Sproule (Murray 69), Johnson, Fontaine, Byfield (Noble 78). Unused subs: Skuse, Henderson. Bookings: Fontaine (25 - foul), Sproule (57 - foul), Byfield (62 - ungentlemanly conduct), Carey (65 - foul).

Referee: K. Friend. Attendance: 26,094.

back to top