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Sunday 26 September Wolves Aston Villa ko 2.05pm Live on Sky

Wolves 1 (Jarvis 61)  Aston Villa 2 (Downing 24, Heskey 88)
Another week with referees costing us points.  Mark Halsey got a reasonable reception from the crowd.  His first real decision came after 5 when Dave Edwards was put through and Warnock cleared the ball but Halsey gave a goal kick when we had strong pressure.  One more attack and Villa started taking over - for the rest of the half.  A well deserved yellow for Warnock for taking Edwards out.  Villa went 1 up with right back Kevin Foley not even aware Downing was behind him. As the secong half got under way Villa looked as though they had come out to win the match but we broke and Doyler was cynically hacked down by Warnock.  Halsey let him get away with it, as he did with a nailed on penalty later on.  He even booked Craddock after crowd pressure from the Villans. Mick must get fed up with scoring refs nil points.  And, of course, it was Warnock who supplied the cross for Heskey to get the winner.

Disappointing to say the least, but a nice surprise for Matt Murray announcing his retirement with unexpected guests Lee Naylor, Rob Edwards, Joleon Lescott and Robbie Keane (to the chorus of "sign him up")
and bad news after the match as Adlene Guedioura was found to have a broken leg after a tough but fair tackle from Sidwell

Aston Villa snatched an undeserved win thanks to Emile Heskey's 88th minute header as Wolves, for the third Premier League fixture in succession, succumbed to a late goal.  To rub salt into the wounds, the cross for Heskey's strike came from Stephen Warnock who was perhaps a little fortunate to be on the field at that stage.  There were two changes to the team that started at Tottenham with Christophe Berra returning from suspension in place of Richard Stearman and Dave Edwards for Michael Mancienne in midfield.  Villa kicked-off attacking the North Bank end in front of watching England manager Fabio Capello.  Twice in the opening minutes Edwards and Kevin Doyle combined to create chances. Edwards intercepted a stray Villa pass and pushed the ball through to Doyle whose shot was blocked by Carlos Cuellar.   Then it was a case of role reversal as the striker slipped a lovely ball through to his team-mate who was tackled by Warnock as he fired at goal. Appeals for a corner were rejected.   In the 12th minute Heskey chased a long though ball and was about to shoot from the edge of the box when Kevin Foley slid in with a timely tackle. The loose ball was rolling towards the inrushing Stewart Downing but Dave Jones had spotted the danger and he completed the clearance.   Warnock was booked for a crude challenge on Edwards - Brad Friedel clung on to Jones's free-kick.   Marc Albrighton shot straight at Marcus Hahnemann and then, from a Downing corner, the keeper half stopped a James Collins header and Doyle was fouled by Ashley Young as he cleared from in front of the line.  But there was no escape in Villa's next attack as Downing slotted the ball home at the far post after Albrighton had sent a driven centre through the six-yard box.   Wolves battled hard to get back on level terms and twice in the 35th minute Friedel rescued his team with first class saves. Stephen Ward's log throw found its way to Steven Fletcher whose hooked shot was blocked by the keeper. Jones raced onto the rebound and fired goalwards but again Friedel blocked.   Ward limped off shortly afterwards to be replaced by George Elokobi.  Just on half-time Albrighton fouled Jones near the right hand corner of the Villa area. Jones took the free-kick kick himself but the ball was headed clear.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Villa 1

Warnock appeared to be extremely fortunate to stay on the field after a 48th minute tackle on Doyle. It looked a yellow card offence but the referee just gave the defender a stern lecture. Friedel punched clear Elokobi's free-kick.  Nigel Reo-Coker's long range drive sailed straight into Hahnemann's midriff and then the keeper did well to hold on to a deflected effort from Jones.   Jody Craddock was yellow carded for hauling back Ashley Young on the halfway line but the home fans were soon cheering as their side drew level with the game having just passed the hour mark.   Matt Jarvis crossed from the right and as Edwards lunged for the ball without getting a touch, it curled inside the far post past a bemused Friedel.   Hahnemann pulled off a fine fingertip save to deny Ashley Young who had cut in from the left and worked a shooting position for himself before Mick McCarthy made two substitutions with Stearman coming on for Foley and then Adlene Guedioura for Edwards.  Guedioura almost did the trick within three minutes of his introduction with a low angled shot that Friedel only claimed at the second attempt.   But it was Villa that claimed the points as Heskey rose high to score with a textbook header from Warnock's cross.  In stoppage time, as Wolves threw everything at the visitors goal, Steve Sidwell was booked for a lunging tackle on Guedioura that saw the Algerian carried off on a stretcher.

Wolves: Hahnemann, Foley (Stearman 76), Ward (Elokobi 38), Edwards (Guedioura 81), Berra, Craddock, Jarvis, Henry (capt), Fletcher, Doyle, Jones.  Unused subs: Elokobi, Stearman, Ebanks-Blake, Hennessey, Bent, Milijaš, Guedioura.  Booking: Craddock (59 - foul).

Villa: Friedel, L. Young, Warnock, Downing, A. Young, Albrighton (Agbonlahor 67), Heskey, Petrov (capt) (Sidwell 86), Reo-Coker, Cuellar, Collins.  Unused subs: Ireland, Davies, Guzan, Bannan, Lichaj.  Bookings: Warnock (18 - foul), Sidwell (90 - foul).

Referee: M. Halsey.  Attendance: 27,511.

Goals :                 1 2
Possession : 48% 52%
Shots On Target : 12 9
Shots Off Target : 2 1
Corners :  5 4
Fouls :               15 19
Most Fouls : Craddock (3) Warnock (5)
Yellow Cards : 1 2
Red Cards : 0 0
 
Scorers :  Jarvis 61  Downing 25  Heskey 88

 AS it happened - Full Time
90:00+6:04 The referee blows for the end of the match.
90:00+4:44 Unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by James Collins results in a free kick. David Jones crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, Stewart Downing makes a clearance.
90:00+1:44 The free kick is swung in left-footed by David Jones.
90:00+1:44 Booking Steve Sidwell is booked.
90:00+1:38 Foul by Steve Sidwell on Adlene Guedioura, free kick awarded.
89:49 Kevin Doyle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Luke Young. Brad Friedel takes the direct free kick.
87:18 Assist by Stephen Warnock.
87:18 GOAL - Emile Heskey:Wolverhampton 1 - 2 Aston Villa Emile Heskey finds the back of the net with a headed goal from deep inside the penalty box. Wolverhampton 1-2 Aston Villa.
87:13 Stephen Warnock delivers the ball,
86:33 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
85:07 Substitution Steve Sidwell replaces Stiliyan Petrov.
84:27 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Richard Stearman by Stiliyan Petrov. Free kick crossed by Karl Henry, James Collins manages to make a clearance.
83:38 Adlene Guedioura takes a shot. Save made by Brad Friedel.
82:25 Unfair challenge on Christophe Berra by Emile Heskey results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
82:01 Christophe Berra challenges Carlos Cuellar unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brad Friedel restarts play with the free kick.
80:32 Substitution Adlene Guedioura replaces David Edwards.
79:32 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by Carlos Cuellar.
76:22 Stiliyan Petrov takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann.
73:32 Free kick awarded for a foul by Christophe Berra on Emile Heskey. Free kick crossed right-footed by Ashley Young from left channel.
72:26 Direct free kick taken by James Collins.
72:26 Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Richard Stearman coming on for Kevin Foley.
72:26 Foul by Kevin Doyle on James Collins, free kick awarded.
72:02 Unfair challenge on Jody Craddock by Carlos Cuellar results in a free kick. Marcus Hahnemann restarts play with the free kick.
71:28 Corner from left by-line taken by Ashley Young.
Correction - 70:25 Kevin Doyle challenges Ashley Young unfairly and gives away a free kick. The ball is sent over by Stewart Downing, Emile Heskey takes a shot. Jody Craddock gets a block in.
70:25 Ashley Young fouled by Kevin Doyle, the ref awards a free kick. A cross is delivered by Stewart Downing, Emile Heskey has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.
69:35 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Ashley Young.
69:26 Ashley Young takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann.
68:27 The referee blows for offside against Emile Heskey. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick.
67:16 The assistant referee flags for offside against Emile Heskey. Christophe Berra takes the free kick.
66:11 Substitution (Aston Villa) makes a substitution, with Gabriel Agbonlahor coming on for Marc Albrighton.
65:37 The ball is sent over by Ashley Young.
64:25 Stephen Warnock fouled by Matthew Jarvis, the ref awards a free kick. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.
60:42 Assist by Steven Fletcher.
60:42 GOAL - Matthew Jarvis:Wolverhampton 1 - 1 Aston Villa Matthew Jarvis gets on the score sheet with a goal from a long way out to the bottom right corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 1-1 Aston Villa.
58:17 Free kick taken by Stephen Warnock.
58:17 Booking The referee cautions Jody Craddock for unsporting behaviour.
58:02 Jody Craddock challenges Ashley Young unfairly and gives away a free kick.
55:57 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Warnock on Steven Fletcher. Kevin Foley takes the free kick.
55:14 David Jones takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
55:04 The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis.
54:44 David Jones takes a shot. James Collins gets a block in.
53:57 Ashley Young is caught offside. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
53:01 Shot by Steven Fletcher. Blocked by Stephen Warnock.
52:13 Luke Young is penalised for a handball. Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis, James Collins makes a clearance.
51:40 Ashley Young takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann.
48:39 Effort from 12 yards by Christophe Berra. Brad Friedel makes a save.
47:49 Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Stephen Warnock results in a free kick. George Elokobi takes the free kick.
46:54 Unfair challenge on Ashley Young by Jody Craddock results in a free kick. Stewart Downing delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing, clearance by Christophe Berra.
46:07 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nigel Reo-Coker by David Jones. Luke Young restarts play with the free kick.
45:01 The referee gets the second half started.
Half Time
45:00+2:07 The first half comes to an end.
45:00+1:46 Unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by Stephen Warnock results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Kevin Foley.
44:46 Unfair challenge on David Jones by Marc Albrighton results in a free kick. The free kick is swung in left-footed by David Jones, Stewart Downing manages to make a clearance.
43:58 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis.
43:51 Centre by Kevin Foley, clearance by Emile Heskey.
43:17 Inswinging corner taken by David Jones from the right by-line, clearance by James Collins.
42:52 Nigel Reo-Coker concedes a free kick for a foul on David Jones. Free kick taken by David Jones.
42:38 The ball is delivered by Emile Heskey, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
41:55 Ashley Young challenges Karl Henry unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
41:13 Karl Henry takes a shot. Emile Heskey gets a block in.
40:47 Jody Craddock takes a shot. Clearance made by Carlos Cuellar.
39:21 Marc Albrighton takes a shot. Save made by Marcus Hahnemann.
38:39 Stewart Downing takes a short corner.
37:43 Substitution George Elokobi on for Stephen Ward.
36:55 Christophe Berra challenges Ashley Young unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed by Stewart Downing, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
35:06 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by David Jones.
34:52 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
34:30 Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
33:26 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nigel Reo-Coker on David Jones. Marcus Hahnemann takes the direct free kick.
32:21 Effort from the edge of the box by Ashley Young goes wide of the left-hand upright.
30:20 Foul by Jody Craddock on Ashley Young, free kick awarded. Ashley Young takes the free kick.
27:03 Free kick awarded for a foul by Emile Heskey on Jody Craddock. Direct free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
25:12 Ashley Young fouled by Karl Henry, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by James Collins.
24:05 The assist for the goal came from Marc Albrighton.
24:05 GOAL - Stewart Downing:Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Aston Villa Stewart Downing fires in a goal from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Wolverhampton 0-1 Aston Villa.
24:01 The ball is crossed by Marc Albrighton,
23:24 Free kick awarded for a foul by Stephen Warnock on Kevin Doyle. Kevin Foley takes the direct free kick.
21:48 Kevin Doyle has shot on goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
21:26 Ashley Young gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Marcus Hahnemann. Marcus Hahnemann takes the direct free kick.
20:18 Stewart Downing takes the inswinging corner, James Collins takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann.
19:01 Marc Albrighton takes a shot. Save by Marcus Hahnemann.
17:37 David Jones crosses the ball in from the free kick, save by Brad Friedel.
17:37 Booking The referee shows Stephen Warnock a yellow card.
17:31 David Edwards fouled by Stephen Warnock, the ref awards a free kick.
16:19 Nigel Reo-Coker challenges David Jones unfairly and gives away a free kick. Christophe Berra restarts play with the free kick.
14:38 Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Fletcher on Luke Young. Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
9:49 James Collins concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Fletcher. Christophe Berra takes the free kick.
8:43 Unfair challenge on Marc Albrighton by Karl Henry results in a free kick. Stiliyan Petrov restarts play with the free kick.
8:23 The ball is swung over by Karl Henry.
7:48 Inswinging corner taken by Matthew Jarvis, Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance.
5:51 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nigel Reo-Coker on Christophe Berra. Direct free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
5:14 Effort on goal by David Edwards from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target.
4:10 Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Blocked by Carlos Cuellar.
2:42 Unfair challenge on Carlos Cuellar by David Jones results in a free kick. Carlos Cuellar takes the free kick.
0:00 The match gets underway.

Tuesday 21 September CC Wolves 4 (Milijaš-pen 83, Fletcher 92, Doyle 105+2, 120)  Notts County 2 (Hughes 57, Smith 114)

A very uncomfortable win - certainly until Mick brought his first choice striking team off the bench and Fletch and Doyler duly obliged.  Poor defensively, although individually Berra was very strong and Stears made some telling tackles.   Playing mainly 3 at the back the two strikers (SEB and Bent) didn't much service and we couldn't get a grip on the game until nearly the end of extra time.   Villain of the piece was exBaggie jailbird Hughes, who scored a very good opening goal with a header and then celebrated by showing a t-shirt with Boing Boing on it,  Annoyed quite a few Wolves fans, but that was absolutley no excuse for the subsequent violence towards the County supporters.  Wolves made some fairly weak statements on tv and on the website about life bans although Moxey did at least refer to them as morons but no one said who had made the decision not to police the match when such an obvious trouble point was present.   Whichever members of the "Safety Committee" made this decision should be fired. http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/09/22/lee-hughes-shirt-jibe-sparks-violence/

If the players were playing for their places in the starting line up then none of the current first choice should be nervous about their places with performances ranging from "not too good" to "very poor" (Mujanji Bia - although he did help to make the second goal).  Debutant Mouyokolo looked very promising

Wolves 4 (Milijaš-pen 83, Fletcher 92, Doyle 105+2, 120)  Notts County 2 (Hughes 57, Smith 114)

It took extra time and three goals from substitute strikers Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to finally see off the challenge of League One Notts County and see Wolves through to the fourth round of the Carling Cup.  Mick McCarthy made nine changes to his starting line up with only Richard Stearman and Kevin Foley retaining their places from the game with Spurs. There was a debut for Steven Mouyokolo whilst Marcus Bent made his first start.

County kicked-off attacking the North Bank end and Lee Hughes had the ball in Wayne Hennessey's net within three minutes after Ben Davies planted a free-kick into the area but the former Albion man was offside.  Bent ran into the County box and tried to find strike partner Sylvan Ebanks-Blake but the ball was blocked by John Thompson who was injured in the process.  After Nenad Milijaš had headed onto the roof of the net following a Greg Halford long throw, the County skipper limped from the field to be replaced by Mike Edwards.  There was little threat to either goal and when Halford was presented with an opportunity by Bent who played back Stearman's deep cross, the midfielder fired high over the bar from 20-yards.  Jon Harley's through pass from halfway released Hughes in the home area but he dragged his angled shot well wide of the far post.  The woodwork came to County's rescue in the 37th minute when Milijaš's corner bounced off a sea of heads and out to George Elokobi on the far side of goal. His header from the tightest of angles hit the face of the bar before being cleared.  Then Adlene Guedioura went on a jinking run though the heart of the visiting defence beating three men before unleashing a 25-yard drive that flew narrowly wide.  Just before the break a defensive slip by Mouyokolo let Hughes in on goal. He tried to place his shot past Hennessey but the keeper made a fine save turning the ball aside before collecting at the second attempt. 

Half-Time: Wolves 0 County 0

Wolves continued to press after the restart but they still could not break down a resolute County defence. And Craig Short's men almost shocked Molineux as Davies beat the offside trap and sprinted into the left channel of the box. As he shot for goal Mouyokolo dived in with a challenge that took the sting off the ball allowing Hennessey to save. 
But the lesson wasn't learned and in the 57th minute Hughes, never the most popular of figures around Molineux, headed in a cross from Edwards. Hughes was booked for his celebration.  Wolves almost hit back immediately with a low shot from Foley that just beat the far post. Shortly afterwards Geoffrey Mujangi Bia was sent on in place of Mouyokolo. County keeper Rob Burch saved a low effort from Milijaš with his legs before a second change saw Fletcher being sent on for Bent.  Hughes almost grabbed a second after a two on one break with John Spicer but Hennessey saved with his legs at the expense of a corner.  Burch cut out a low cross from Ebanks-Blake who had chased a lost cause to the by-line, and then three Milijaš corners in quick succession came to nothing.  Wolves finally pulled level in the 83rd minute through Milijaš who sent Burch the wrong way from the spot after Liam Chilvers had been red carded for pulling back Christophe Berra.   Two minutes from time Stearman saved the day with a fine clearing header with Jake Jervis positioned right behind him ready to nod in Davies's cross.  

90 minutes: Wolves 1 County 1

Doyle replaced Ebanks-Blake at the start of extra time and after just 20 seconds he had the ball in the net but was flagged offside.  But he had a part to play as Wolves went ahead for the first time two minutes later. Fletcher won a midfield challenge and fed Doyle whose inch perfect return pass gave the Scot a chance that he didn't spurn as he steered a low shot past Burch.  Far from giving up the ghost, County hit back strongly and almost pulled level through Kevin Smith who went on a 40-yard run before hitting a shot that had Hennessey at full stretch as he turned the ball over.   Mujangi Bia missed a glorious chance when he headed a Fletcher cross over from point blank range   But, just as the first period of extra time was due to end, Wolves moved into a 3-1 lead. Doyle showed great control in bringing the ball down before slipping a pass to Fletcher whose shot was blocked by the keeper. The loose ball fell invitingly in front of Doyle who poked it into the empty net.  After the restart Berra was booked for a late challenge on Smith. And County showed they were not done when they pulled a goal back as Smith headed in a Craig Westcarr cross with six minutes remaining.  Hennessey had to save from Stearman who deflected Alan Judge's centre towards goal as Smith homed in, and at the other end Guedioura wasted a good chance when he shot wide from close in after being set up by Doyle.  But it was role reversal in the dying seconds as Guedioura rolled the ball to Doyle who drilled it into the back of the net to complete the evening's entertainment.

Wolves: Hennessey, Halford, Elokobi, Foley (capt), Stearman, Berra, Guedioura, Milijaš, Ebanks-Blake (Doyle 90), Bent (Fletcher 72), Mouyokolo (Mujangi Bia 62).  Unused subs: Hehnemann, Ward, Jones, Mancienne.  Booking: Berra (106 - foul).

County: Burch, Thompson (capt) (Edwards 13), Hughes (Jervis 79), Bishop, Davies, Pearce, Chilvers, Westcarr, Judge, Spicer (Smith 90), Harley.  Unused subs: Hawley, Hubbins, Nelson, Whiteley.  Bookings: Hughes (57 - goal celebration), Jervis (89 - foul).  Sending-Off: Chilver (83 - professional foul).

Referee: J.J. Linington.  Attendance: 11,516.
  Wolverhampton Notts County
Goals : 4 2
Possession : 47% 53%
Shots On Target : 7 10
Shots Off Target : 9 6
Corners : 10 3
Fouls : 16 10
Most Fouls : Mujangi Bia (3) Chilvers (2)
Yellow Cards : 1 2
 
Red Cards : Chilvers 82
 
Scorers :
Milijas 83 (pen)Hughes 57
Fletcher 92
Doyle 105 + 2Smith 114
Doyle 119

 

Saturday 18 September Spurs 3 Wolves 1  (Fletcher) ko 3pm

Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Van der Vaart-pen 77, Pavlyuchenko 87, Hutton 90) Wolves 1 (Fletcher 45)

The chicken on the beachball takes the points with a great deal of help from the chickensh*t referee.  Mike Jones never does us any favours but doesn't award a stonewall penalty or tow oor three , doesn't penalise Ledley King for umpteen pushes in Kevin Doyle's back and gets in the way to give Spurs a penalty.  A great welcome to Karl Henry when he runs out.
Stears makes a fantastic claim for a starting position - until the last minute.  "One nil to the dirty Wolves" is the new chant as well as "We're not allowed to tackle any more"  Expect to see George Elokobi back in his starting position as Wardy gives it away with a dumb penalty, in spite of some great crosses from Ward after the pen.  Marcus was outstanding with three world class saves, while, apart form the pass to Foley to corss for Flectcher's goal Dave Jones again is our worst player

For the second successive Saturday late goals meant that unlucky Wolves left London as losers after forfeiting interval leads. This time it was Tottenham Hotspur who took the spoils with three goals in the final 15 minutes after Stephen Fletcher had put Wanderers ahead on the stroke of half-time.  There were three changes in the starting line-up with Richard Stearman coming in for the suspended Christophe Berra, and Fletcher and David Jones for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Jelle van Damme who both were named as substitutes.  Spurs kicked-off attacking the end of White Hart Lane that housed the visiting supporters.   Stearman had to clear an early cross from Younes Kaboul and then Stephen Ward reacted with disbelief when he was penalised for a challenge on the defender. Tottenham's new signing, Rafael van der Vaart, pumped the free-kick into the box but the pressure was relieved by a flag for offside.  Wolves had strong penalty appeals rejected after Matt Jarvis jinked his way into the box and went down under a challenge from William Gallas.  Jody Craddock blocked a dangerous shot from Robbie Keane before Kevin Foley was shown the yellow card for a challenge on Gareth Bale.  Kaboul fouled Kevin Doyle to the left of the Spurs box but Jarvis's free-kick was headed clear, and Marcus Hahnemann was forced into action as he blocked Bale's low cross.  The loose ball fell to Keane who took a touch before a combination of Michael Mancienne and Ward won the ball at the expense of a corner.   Hahnemann made a fine save to keep out a drive from Van der Vaart and the keeper was at it again in the 33rd minute as he touched over Peter Crouch's header after the striker had connected with Bale's centre.   The Wolves keeper made a more routine save from a Bale free-kick after Stearman had tripped Crouch some 30-yards out and it was Bale that provided the cross for Keane to head wide from a good position in front of goal.  Tom Huddlestone was booked for hands after a Jarvis cross had struck him five-yards outside the Spurs area. Jones took the free-kick but the ball was cleared by the home defence.  Hahnemann had to cut out a driven cross
from Kaboul at his near post before Wolves moved into a 45th minute lead.  Foley hit a low cross from the right and Fletcher ran in to clip the ball past Carlo Cudicini from eight-yards out.

Half-Time: Spurs 0 Wolves 1

Jermaine Jenas provided the first moment of danger after the break but an excellently timed tackle from Craddock diverted the ball away as the midfielder was about to shoot.  Then Tottenham substitute Alan Hutton drilled a cross-shot across the face of goal with the ball flying a yard wide of the far post.  Jarvis, who had taken a knock, was replaced by Van Damme in the 54th minute shortly before Van der Vaart drove a shot narrowly wide.   Keane headed wide after a Bale cross and then Mick McCarthy made a second change with Dave Edwards taking the place of Fletcher.   Foley had to receive treatment after a block tackle with Jenas, before Van der Vaart went into the book for a late challenge on Van Damme.  Mancienne took the ball off Keane as he raced into the Wolves area and was about to shoot just before the former Molineux star was replaced by Roman Pavlyuchenko.  Cudicini was lucky that the ball fell to a team-mate as he fluffed a punch in attempting to clear Van Damme's long throw, but Spurs drew level on 77 minutes after Ward had tripped Hutton in the box. Van der Vaart took the spot kick sending Hahnemann the wrong way.  Within a minute Hahnemann didn't have to move his feet as he took Huddlestone's shot on the turn, and at the other end Edwards just failed to get his head to Ward's probing centre. Van Damme was booked as he attempted to block Cudicini's clearance.  Jones wasn't far away with a curling free-kick from 22-yards that went past the defensive wall but narrowly wide, as Wolves pressed hard to regain the lead.  But the Molineux men were dealt a mortal blow in the 87th minute as Huddlestone's short cross appeared to bounce off Craddock before falling to Pavlyuchenko who made no mistake.  The Russian was booked for removing his shirt as he celebrated and Hahnemann also saw yellow for dissent.   In stoppage time Hutton got a foot to Stearman's attempted clearance and the ball ballooned into the net to give the final scoreline of 3-1 a somewhat flattering look in Tottenham's favour.

Spurs: Cudicini, Bale, Kaboul (Hutton 45), Huddlestone, Jenas, Keane (Pavlyuchenko 67), Van der Vaart (Lennon 86), Gallas, Crouch, King (capt), Assou-Ekotto.  Unused subs: Pletikosa, Palacios, Bassong, Kranjcar.  Bookings: Van der Vaart (66 - foul), Pavlyuchenko (87 - removing shirt),

Wolves: Hahnemann, Foley, Ward, Mancienne (Bent 90), Stearman, Craddock, Jarvis (Van Damme 54), Henry (capt), Fletcher (Edwards 58), Doyle, Jones. Unused subs: Hennessey, Elokobi, Ebanks-Blake, Guedioura.  Bookings: Foley (19 - foul), Van Damme (84 - foul), Hahnemann (87 - dissent).

Referee: M. Jones.  Attendance: 35,940.

  Tottenham Wolverhampton
Goals : 3 1
Possession : 50% 50%
Shots On Target : 11 2
Shots Off Target : 9 3
Corners : 5 5
Fouls : 7 11
Most Fouls : Gallas (3) Jones (2)
Yellow Cards : 3 3
Red Cards : 0 0
 
Scorers :
Van der Vaart 77 (pen)                          Fletcher 45
Pavlyuchenko 87
Hutton 90 + 1

Boss Mick McCarthy  tonight admitted Wolves were the "architects of their own downfall" after suffering a second successive dose of capital punishment by conceding three late goals against Tottenham.  The Molineux  Men had got themselves within sight of a third successive victory over the Champions League qualifiers Spurs, after hanging on comfortably to Steven Fletcher's goal on the stroke of half time.   But Alan Hutton was brought down for a penalty converted by Rafael Van Der Vaart on 76 minutes, and Roman Pavlyuchenko then coolly despatched a second goal 87 minutes from time.   A fortuitous deflected effort from Hutton in injury time was immaterial as Wolves lost a lead in London for the second successive weekend having been beaten at Fulham seven days earlier.   The disappointed boss had no complaints with the refereeing performance aside from feeling Wolves should have had a first half penalty when Matt Jarvis appeared to be fouled.    "I am disappointed because we've contrived to give the game away to be honest," said Mick.    "Tottenham are a very good side and are in the Champions League and Marcus had to make two world class saves in the first half.    "But we scored one and I think we should have had a penalty in the first half for the challenge on Jarvo.    "I don't think I'm wearing rose-tinted glasses on that one, I think it was a stonewall penalty.   "But we didn't get it and that's the way it is.   "Overall it was another good performance but we were certainly the architects of our own downfall by allowing them to open us up and then get the penalty.   "And it being a good performance is little consolation when you get beat 3-1.    "Everyone will look at that result and think that's just the expected result but it doesn't tell the story of the game.   "On two occasions in London now back-to-back we've given away a lead and it's been down to us and not the opposition carving us open."   Mick revealed that all discussions about the mistakes which cost Wolves had already taken place in the dressing room and that he would not be publically critisicing his players.    "I am concerned by the first two goals, of course I am," he said.    "With the first one I know exactly what the mistakes were and it's already been said in-house but I'm not going to say anything publically.   "We made a mistake and then compounded it with
another mistake and it ends up as a penalty and gets them back in the game.  "For the second goal apparently the referee may have got in the way of one of our passes up the field which allowed them to break which doesn't help us.   "My players were fabulous for most of the game but if you make mistakes against Champions League teams you get punished and that's what happened.   "They get a bit of a break with a deflection and it falls to Pavlyuchenko who does what he does and puts the ball in the back of the net."   The boss revealed that winger Matt Jarvis was taken off with tight groins early in the second half with Steven Fletcher following soon after having also taken a knock.   "Jarvo had tight groins and needed to come off," he said.   "He's been terrific for us and is always a threat with his pace.   "I was in the process of getting Fletcher off because he'd taken a bang having scored the goal which in reality should have given us something out of the game.   "But Jarvo's groins were starting to tighten and he was starting to struggle so I wasn't going to risk him because I need him for the next games."   And the boss was keen to try and dwell on the positives of the afternoon, including once again taking the lead away from home not to mention the impressive support from the club's travelling army.  "I think it's a real plus that we've taken the lead away from home on two occasions," he said.  "You can either have half full or half empty and mine's half full.   I think it's fabulous we can come to Spurs and take a half time lead and I'm very disappointed we've lost but they are a Champions League side.  "The supporters? They were fabulous today.   "One of the Spurs fans shouted at me that he couldn't hear me when they'd gone 2-1 up but I'd not heard them for 70 minutes.  "Our fans always travel well and they were terrific again."

Saturday 11 September Fulham 2 Wolves 1 (Van Damme) ko 3pm

Woeful second half, especially after Doyler was taken off. The substitutions were quite awful. Jones - is he still playing for a contract? - made just one tackle and gave Murphy the freedom of the park. Get shot, he's worse than he was a season ago. Half time team talk was obviously "you're winning this easily, take your time".
Last minute free kick at our end - wall went AWOL even though Berra had carefully limped the length of the pitch to give them time to sort out the wall.
Even later FK on the half way line - Jones the FK expert is nowhere near the ball and Karl thumped it to the the GK
Ref Dowd obviously had a bonus on yellow cards for the away team.
ratings
Ref 4 started badly and got worse, but having booked too many WW players might have send more off.
Linos 6
Hahn 6 - ok, some good takes with poor kicking and release
Foley 7 - Impressive; got lost in last 20 mins
Craddock 7 - Strong
Berra 6 - did well until later on then stupid tackles and nudges = Dowd could have had him off earlier
Ward 5 - Average to quite poor at times
Mancienne 6 - Average - ok when we were on top; formation had him confused
Henry 8 - Commanding; needs to talk more with the refs
Jarvis 6 - A few probing runs bit only in the game for 15 minutes but looked exciting in flashes.
Van Damme 8 - Very effective in the air, great finish. And side to side
Doyle 7 - Good assist; forcing Fulham back into their area, in 2H. When he came off they moved 30 yards up the pitch
SEB 6 - Not much service; touch could be better
Fletcher 6 - a bit off the pace but some nice touches
Jones - 2 woeful gave Murphy the freedom of the borough
Guediuora 5 - should have been on for van Damme.
Mick 4 - first half set up worked better than we could expect; second half was very poor and subs very strange.
Not sure I want to see this again on Footy first

REPORT

A stoppage time goal from Fulham's Mousa Dembele condemned Wolves to their first defeat of the season after a scrappy contest at Craven Cottage that saw six of Mick McCarthy's men shown the yellow card and Christophe Berra a red for conceding a free-kick that led to the winning goal.

The Molineux boss made just one change to the team that started against Newcastle in their last game, with Michael Mancienne coming in for Dave Jones in midfield. Wolves kicked-off defending the end of Craven Cottage that housed the travelling supporters. And it was the Cottagers that applied the early pressure with Simon Davies's third minute corner going across the face of goal and out on the far side with no-one getting a touch. The first real threat came when Davies ran into the box and was about to pull the trigger when Jody Craddock got in a timely challenge with Stephen Ward completing the clearance. Appeals for a penalty were ignored. Wolves shook the home crowd by taking a 10th minute lead through Jelle Van Damme who met Kevin Doyle's centre at the far post to despatch a shot into the opposite side of the goal (pictured). Marcus Hahnemann punched clear a corner from Davies as Fulham looked to hit back. The ball fell to Dembele who was fouled by Karl Henry but Bobby Zamora's free-kick sailed high over the bar. Mancienne became the first of what became a catalogue of bookings for a harmless challenge on Clint Dempsey, and then the home side lost the services of Zamora who fell after a perfectly legal challenge from Henry. The striker appeared to land his foot awkwardly and it was obvious that his injury was serious as he was carried off on a stretcher with former Albion man Zoltan Gera taking his place. A low shot from Brede Hangeland was deflected behind for a corner which was taken by Davies and again punched clear by Hahnemann. John Pantsil homed in on the ball but his 22-yard drive was way too high. Danny Murphy fired over with another free-kick before Fulham were lucky to survive a dismissal when Pantsil hauled back Doyle. The defender looked to be the last man but the referee only gave a yellow card. Ward lifted the free-kick into the box but after a brief scramble it was cleared.

Half-Time: Fulham 0 Wolves 1

Both sides made changes during the break with Chris Baird replacing Pantsil for the Cottagers and Stephen Fletcher coming on for goalscorer Van Damme.

Just four minutes into the half Fulham pulled level. Stephen Kelly's cross broke off Berra to and as Ward and Gera challenged for the ball it squirmed free to Dembele whose shot took a deflection on its way past Hahnemann. Gera wasn't far away with an overhead kick after a Davies corner and then Dembele's drive from 30-yards was comfortably taken by Hahnemann. The Wolves keeper then had to challenge Davies, who had beaten the offside trap. The ball was cleared but home appeals for a penalty were rejected by referee Phil Dowd. Ward was booked for a foul on Dembele before an enterprising run down the left by Jarvis was halted by Aaron Hughes. From Jarvis's free-kick Doyle got in a powerful header that bounced clear off a defender. Seconds later Doyle was replaced by Jones. Mark Schwarzer was in the right place to cling on to a Fletcher header following a deep ball into the Fulham box. Then Davies got his legs tangled as he attempted to convert a low cross from Dembele before, at the other end, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake blasted a shot into the side netting. Schwarzer tipped over a Jarvis cross and from the corner, taken by the winger, Henry's overhead bounced clear off a defender. Jarvis, Berra, Henry, Ebanks-Blake and Jones were all booked in a 16 minute spell. The referee seemed to react to the home supporters by producing a card for virtually every challenge. Right on full time Berra pulled back Eddie Johnson and after Gera had tapped the ball to Davies, Dembele ran in to drive the winning goal through the wall.Murphy and Hangeland were booked in the dying seconds of what was a frustrating afternoon for Wolves.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Pantsil (Baird 45), Hangeland, Murphy (capt), Hughes, Etuhu, Dempsey (Johnson 83), Zamora (Gera 30) , Davies, Dembele. Unused subs: Etheridge, Helge Riise, Greening, Halliche. Bookings: Pantsil (42 - foul), Murphy (90 - foul), Hangeland (90 - foul).

Wolves: Hahnemann, Foley, Ward, Mancienne, Berra, Craddock, Jarvis, Henry (capt), Ebanks-Blake (Guedioura 85), Doyle (Jones 61), Van Damme (Fletcher 45). Unused subs: Hennessey, Elokobi, Stearman, Bent. Bookings: Ward (59 - foul), Jarvis (70 - foul), Berra (77 - foul), Henry (77 - dissent), Ebanks-Blake (85 - foul), Jones (86 - foul). Sending-Off: Berra (89 - foul - second bookable offence).

Referee: P. Dowd. Attendance: 25,280.

FULHAM
WOLVES
Possession
* Fulham 51%
* Wolves 49%
Attempts on target
* Fulham 6
* Wolves 2
Attempts off target
* Fulham 7
* Wolves 2
Corners
* Fulham 6
* Wolves 6
Fouls
* Fulham 9
* Wolves 17

Final Result 2:1
Full Time
90:00+4:33 The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00+3:19 Karl Henry takes the free kick.
90:00+3:19 Booking The referee cautions Brede Hangeland for unsporting behaviour.
90:00+3:14 Free kick awarded for a foul by Brede Hangeland on Steven Fletcher.
90:00+2:24 Eddie Johnson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Michael Mancienne. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick.
Correction - 90:00+1:29 Kevin Foley takes the free kick.
90:00+1:29 Free kick taken by Kevin Foley.
90:00+1:29 Booking The referee shows Danny Murphy a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
Correction - 90:00+1:25 Karl Henry fouled by Danny Murphy, the ref awards a free kick.
90:00+1:25 Free kick awarded for a foul by Danny Murphy on Karl Henry.
90:00+0:11 Assist by Simon Davies.
90:00+0:11 GOAL - Moussa Dembele:Fulham 2 - 1 Wolverhampton Moussa Dembele grabs a goal from outside the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Fulham 2-1 Wolverhampton.
89:02 Moussa Dembele takes the free kick.
89:02 Sent off Red card for Christophe Berra.
88:47 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Eddie Johnson by Christophe Berra.
87:30 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Aaron Hughes.
86:47 The assistant referee flags for offside against Eddie Johnson. Indirect free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
85:05 Chris Baird takes the direct free kick.
85:05 Booking David Jones is cautioned.
84:58 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Zoltan Gera by David Jones.
83:53 Substitution Adlene Guedioura is brought on as a substitute for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
83:53 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake fouled by Brede Hangeland, the ref awards a free kick. Kevin Foley takes the free kick.
82:20 Substitution Clinton Dempsey leaves the field to be replaced by Eddie Johnson.
79:05 Unfair challenge on Clinton Dempsey by Jody Craddock results in a free kick. Clinton Dempsey restarts play with the free kick.
77:03 Booking Booking for Karl Henry for unsporting behaviour.
76:37 Free kick taken by Brede Hangeland.
76:37 Booking Christophe Berra goes into the book.
76:19 Foul by Christophe Berra on Clinton Dempsey, free kick awarded.
75:15 Matthew Jarvis produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the right of the target.
73:44 Dickson Etuhu challenges Sylvan Ebanks-Blake unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Christophe Berra.
72:38 Foul by Jody Craddock on Clinton Dempsey, free kick awarded. Danny Murphy takes the direct free kick.
71:37 Matthew Jarvis takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, Mark Schwarzer makes a save.
71:06 Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line to the near post, Brede Hangeland makes a clearance.
70:20 The offside flag is raised against Clinton Dempsey. Marcus Hahnemann takes the free kick.
69:45 Aaron Hughes takes the direct free kick.
69:45 Booking Matthew Jarvis receives a caution.
69:39 Matthew Jarvis challenges Zoltan Gera unfairly and gives away a free kick.
69:07 Corner taken by Matthew Jarvis from the left by-line, Clinton Dempsey manages to make a clearance.
65:42 The offside flag is raised against Moussa Dembele. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
64:51 Chris Baird fouled by Steven Fletcher, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Aaron Hughes.
63:19 Moussa Dembele has an effort at goal from outside the box missing to the wide left of the goal.
61:45 Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.
61:06 Shot by Simon Davies from deep inside the penalty area misses wide to the left of the target.
60:04 Substitution Kevin Doyle goes off and David Jones comes on.
59:01 Aaron Hughes concedes a free kick for a foul on Matthew Jarvis. The ball is crossed by Matthew Jarvis, Kevin Doyle takes a shot. Clearance made by Chris Baird.
58:10 Aaron Hughes restarts play with the free kick.
58:10 Booking Stephen Ward is given a yellow card.
58:04 Stephen Ward challenges Moussa Dembele unfairly and gives away a free kick.
55:08 The assistant referee flags for offside against Clinton Dempsey. Jody Craddock restarts play with the free kick.
54:41 Moussa Dembele takes a shot. Marcus Hahnemann makes a save.
50:48 Corner taken right-footed by Simon Davies, Close range strike by Zoltan Gera goes over the bar.
50:18 Corner taken by Simon Davies, clearance by Christophe Berra.
48:02 GOAL - Moussa Dembele:Fulham 1 - 1 Wolverhampton Moussa Dembele grabs a goal from the edge of the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Fulham 1-1 Wolverhampton.
47:42 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is ruled offside. Direct free kick taken by Danny Murphy.
45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
45:01 Substitution Steven Fletcher on for Jelle Van Damme.
45:01 Substitution Chris Baird is brought on as a substitute for John Pantsil.
Half Time
45:00+5:50 The first half comes to an end.
45:00+5:14 Matthew Jarvis takes the inswinging corner, clearance made by Zoltan Gera.
45:00+4:37 Clinton Dempsey gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Christophe Berra. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
45:00+3:02 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
42:03 Corner taken short by Matthew Jarvis, The ball is swung over by Stephen Ward, Mark Schwarzer makes a save.
41:06 Free kick taken by Karl Henry.
41:06 Booking John Pantsil booked for unsporting behaviour.
40:59 John Pantsil challenges Kevin Doyle unfairly and gives away a free kick.
39:25 Unfair challenge on Aaron Hughes by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by John Pantsil.
38:42 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake challenges Brede Hangeland unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brede Hangeland restarts play with the free kick.
36:10 Jelle Van Damme challenges Zoltan Gera unfairly and gives away a free kick. Danny Murphy fires a strike on goal direct from the free kick.
33:02 Brede Hangeland takes a shot. Blocked by Michael Mancienne. Inswinging corner taken by Simon Davies from the left by-line, Effort on goal by John Pantsil from just outside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the target.
32:15 Unfair challenge on Clinton Dempsey by Karl Henry results in a free kick. Danny Murphy crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel.
Correction - 29:21 Substitution Zoltan Gera replaces Bobby Zamora.
29:21 Substitution Zoltan Gera replaces Bobby Zamora.
23:32 Christophe Berra challenges Bobby Zamora unfairly and gives away a free kick. Aaron Hughes restarts play with the free kick.
22:27 Free kick taken by Aaron Hughes.
22:27 Booking Michael Mancienne goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.
22:12 Danny Murphy fouled by Michael Mancienne, the ref awards a free kick.
19:01 Stephen Ward challenges Simon Davies unfairly and gives away a free kick. Aaron Hughes takes the free kick.
16:42 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Brede Hangeland.
15:36 Simon Davies decides to take the corner short.
14:24 Moussa Dembele takes a shot. Blocked by Jody Craddock.
12:23 Karl Henry concedes a free kick for a foul on Moussa Dembele. Bobby Zamora produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.
12:06 Simon Davies takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line to the near post, save by Marcus Hahnemann.
9:18 Assist on the goal came from Kevin Doyle.
9:18 GOAL - Jelle Van Damme:Fulham 0 - 1 Wolverhampton Jelle Van Damme finds the net with a goal from close in to the bottom right corner of the goal. Fulham 0-1 Wolverhampton.
7:09 Moussa Dembele takes a shot. Bobby Zamora gets a block in.
5:50 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jelle Van Damme by Danny Murphy. Christophe Berra takes the free kick.
Correction - 4:56 Clinton Dempsey produces a right-footed shot from outside the penalty box and misses wide left of the target.
4:56 Clinton Dempsey has an effort at goal from outside the penalty area which goes wide right of the goal.
2:14 Simon Davies takes a corner.
0:45 The assistant referee flags for offside against Bobby Zamora. Free kick taken by Marcus Hahnemann.
0:16 Unfair challenge on Clinton Dempsey by Jody Craddock results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Danny Murphy.
0:00 The game gets underway.

Live data provided by The Press Association.

Premier League table

Saturday, 11 September 2010 17:46 UK
Position Team P GD PTS
Full Premier League table
1 Chelsea 4 16 12
2 Arsenal 4 10 10
3 Man Utd 4 6 8
4 Blackpool 4 0 7
5 Fulham 4 1 6
6 Villa 3 -2 6
7 Man City 4 2 5
8 Birm 3 1 5
9 Wolves 4 0 5
10 Sland 4 0 5
11 Totten 4 0 5
12 Bolton 4 -1 5
13 Ncastle 4 1 4
14 Blackbn 4 -1 4
15 Liverpoo 3 -2 4
16 WBA 4 -6 4
17 Wigan 4 -9 4
18 Everton 4 -2 2
19 Stoke 3 -4 0
20 WHam 4 -10 0
 

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