|
|
|
||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Championship season 2008-9 preseason Aug 2008Sept 2008 Oct 2008 Nov 2008 Dec 2008 Jan 2009 Feb 2009 Mar 2009 Apr 2009 May
FIXTURES subject to change for Sky TV. The Blackpool match 28th December was been slipped one day and the kick off time moved to 19:45 instead on 3pm for Sky television. Next Matches and away to the Blues FAC3 3rd January 15:00 Monday 29th Blackpool 2 (Taylor-Fletcher(9) Edwards(83)) Wolves 2 (Ebanks-Blake(3) Jarvis(69)) away live on Sky Everyone else played on Sunday and Saints’ domination of Reading and a poor performance by the Blues left us with the chance to enter 2009 still in top position and 9 points clear with a trip up the M6 to managerless Blackpool, with Grayson having jumped ship for Elland Road. And ex-Wolf Rob Edward kindly put his arms all round Chris Iwelumo in the third minute for ref to give a pen which SEB calmly thrashed into the bottom left corner. 3 minutes later Taylor-Fletcher had a good call for one at the other end against Matt Hill. But, only three mins, the same player anticipated a flick-on better than temporary right back Stears and the scores were level. Int the 25th Dave Edwards looked to have a pull, and was replaced by Dave Jones. A couple of corners to us and play was back into our box, and a terrific save from Wayne was needed. Meanwhile possession had changed from 60% in our favour for the first 15 to pretty even. and quite end to end, while the temperature on the pitch had dropped to -2.7C. It seems the ref has joined the campaign for the persecution of Chris Iwelumo when he penalised him for being sandwiched. But, in the 38th a terrific ball sets Matty Jarvis free whose speed takes him past Reid and his shot was just inches wide. But Blackpool finished the half very strongly, with Wayne giving a poor roolout which led Stears to be booked for a foul on Carl Reid who, a minute later also forced his way into the box and gave Wayne a bit of a fright. Matty Jarvis got free again, but there was insufficient curl on the shot. Blackpool got underway immediately with a flick on by Dickinson which Wayne easily saved. 5 minutes gone and “midfielder” Kevin Foley put Matty Jarvis in - the ref missed a handball before Blackpool cleared it for a corner. Neill Collins had a clear header but couldn’t get over the ball and it went over the bar. Jarvis had another chance on 55, but instead of a cross to our three front runners crashed it over. Two minutes later, Stephen Ward came on for Matt Hill as Stears won a free kick for Dave Jones to float into the box. but no one got near it. 62nd minute and another Jarvis chance brilliantly saved by Rachbka. The chance was created by Chris Iwelumo forcing a defensive error. 66th brought Sammy Vokes on who immediately created a chance for Dave Jones who headed wide. But it was Wardy who broke from defence, rode several tackles, released to SEB whose quick pass put Jarvis through. No mistake this time as his cleverly disguised shot “bouncing bombed” over the goalie. Matt’s first goal in over a year made it 2-1. 84th minute, Stephen Ward gave away a silly free kick (in Naylor territory!). From the kick Wayne punched at the ball, missed it, and a a suspiciously offside Blackpool player at the free kick knocked it forward and Rob Edwards stabbed home the equaliser. Had to happen! Minute by Minute Blackpool 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers2 and here’s how WoW reports it Blackpool 2 (Taylor-Fletcher 10, Edwards 84)Wolves 2 (Ebanks-Blake-pen 4, Jarvis 69) December 26th Wolves 1 (Collins 19) Sheffield United (Beattie 22) It’s that man again. Neill Collins with a powerful header from a Kights corner set Wolves up for a good victory but aberrations at the back in spite of Wayne Hennessey pulling off 4 high class saves let poacher James Beattie in for the equaliser barely three minutes later. Strangely, when battling was to be done, Mick stuck with Dave Edwards who had two terrific chances, when perhaps the harder DJ would have been better. For long periods of the game Sheffield’s midfield dominated, putting extra pressure on our back four. Fortunately, too, James Beattie was a bit off form, and was caught offside having netted twice but he swept up the pieces after Wayne’s save from Naughton. Andy Keogh had a good cameo as sub, after below par SEB was taken off. Chris Iwelumo also seemed out of sorts while Kights was preparing for his suspension for Monday’s match against Blackpool. So we created enough to win, stayed top of the table, but the sell out crowd was still rumbling Wolves have reduced the Wolves World service now but still offer a minute-by-minute action commentary - here’s how it looks (on-line here) WOLVES: Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Collins, Ward, Kightly, Henry, Edwards, Jarvis, Iwelumo, Ebanks-Blake. SUBS: Ikeme, Mancienne, Jones, Keogh, Vokes. December 20th Doncaster 0 Wolves 1 (Collins 80) Top for Christmas
London Wolves’ sponsored player again headed the matchwinner. Neill Collins was only called in at the last minute but towered in defence and again got that all important winning goal. Tough match against Wolves' fan Sean O'Driscoll's bottom of the table Doncaster Doncaster Rovers 0 Wolves 1 (Collins 80) Wolves were made to fight all the way by gallant Doncaster before a late goal from Neil Collins secured the three points and stretched the lead at the top of the table. The goalscorer was named as a substitute on the teamsheet but a migraine attack ruled Michael Mancienne out shortly before the start and Collins deputised in an otherwise unchanged starting line-up. Rovers kicked-off attacking the end of the Keepmoat Stadium that housed 3,200 travelling supporters. Dave Edwards was an early casualty when he took a clearance flush in the face but he was able to resume once his nose bleed had been stemmed. Two Brian Stock corners for the home team, and a Michael Kightly flag-kick for Wolves, were all cleared in a chanceless opening 15 minutes before Wayne Hennessey took a snapshot from Richie Wellens who ran on to a low cross from John Spicer. Wolves were awarded a free-kick three-yards outside the home box after Adam Lockwood's challenge on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake but Kightly's kick was deflected behind. Kightly ran over to take the corner from which Collins' glancing header was cleared by Lockwood. In the 26th minute Rovers went close to taking a shock lead. Wellens played Paul Hefferman through and it took an athletic save from Hennessey, who touched a rising drive onto the bar, to maintain parity. On the half-hour mark Jos Van Niewstadt's header following Stock's corner flashed across the face of goal and just wide of the far post. Kightly's determined run to the edge of the home box saw his shot blocked at the expense of a corner by Lockwood. Kightly floated the ball over and in a few seconds of mayhem Wolves went close to breaking the deadlock on four occasions. First Andy Keogh fired against the bar and then, when the striker picked up the rebound, his second effort came back off the post. Then it was the turn of Richard Stearman who looked on for his first goal for the club until Neil Sullivan pulled off a fine diving save. The ball went as far as Stephen Ward but his low drive was cleared of the line by Sam Hird. Shortly before the break Wellens was shown the yellow card after his attempt to halt Stearman's surging run was deemed illegal. Half-Time: Rovers 0 Wolves 0 Mick McCarthy made two changes at the start of the new half with Chris Iwlumo replacing Keogh and Matt Jarvis coming on for Matt Hill. Ward dropped back into defence. There was an early chance for the home team when a Stock corner dropped to Wellens on the edge of the Wolves area but his first time shot went into the side netting. Home crowd appeals for a penalty after Hennessey and Lewis Guy met whilst contending for a long through ball were ignored, before two Wolves men went into the book in a five minute spell. Kightly was cautioned for a foul on James Chambers and, as it was his fifth booking of the campaign, the midfielder will be suspended for the away game at Blackpool. Then Collins appeared to clear the ball as he thwarted Guy, but he too saw yellow. Midway through the half Sam Vokes was sent on in place of Ebanks-Blake. Kevin Foley weaved a path into the home area in the 72nd minute but his shot lacked power and Sullivan saved at the near post. But, in the 80th minute, Collins made the breakthrough when he powerfully headed home after Kightly had floated a free-kick into the box following Tomi Adeobi's foul on Ward. In the final minutes Wolves went close to increasing their lead. Iwelumo was high and wide with an angled shot after he took a return pass from Jarvis before Kightly steered a 25-yard shot into Sullivan's arms. Vokes fired inches over the bar and Karl Henry chested the ball down before firing towards goal from fully 35-yards out. But his effort was collected by the Rovers keeper. Deep into the five minutes of added time, Foley's shot was blocked and Vokes missed with his follow up drive. Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan, O'Connor, Chambers, Lockwood (Taylor 83), Hird, Stock (capt), Van Niewstadt, Wellens, Guy (Elliott 77), Spicer, Hefferman (Ameobi 77). Unused subs: Roberts, Nelthorpe. Booking: Wellens (43 - foul). Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Hill (Jarvis 45), Henry (capt), Stearman, Collins, Kightly, Edwards, Ebanks-Blake (Vokes 68), Keogh (Iwelumo 45), Ward.Unused subs: Shackell, Ikeme.Bookings: Kightly (56 - foul), Collins (61 - foul). Referee: K.K. Wright. Attendance: 13,669 (3,216 away supporters). Stats Doncaster Rovers Wolverhampton Goals : 0 1 Possession : 50% 50% Shots On Target : 2 2 Shots Off Target : 6 7 Corners : 5 4 Fouls : 12 14 Most Fouls : Wellens (3) Iwelumo (3) Yellow Cards : 0 2 Red Cards : 0 0 Scorers : Collins 81 DONCASTER: Sullivan, O'Connor, Chambers, Lockwood, Hird, Stock, Van Niewstadt, Wellens, Guy, Spicer, Heffernan. SUBS: Taylor, Elliott, Roberts, Ameobi, Nelthorpe. WOLVES: Hennessey; Foley, Collins, Stearman, Hill, Kightly, Henry, Edwards, Ward, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake. SUBS: Ikeme, Shackell, Jarvis, Vokes, Iwelumo. Minute by minute:
0: The teams are out. A late change for Wolves with Mancienne out prior to kick off and Collins in his place. 3: Early stoppage as Edwards takes a whack in the face from close range with the ball. Back on after treatment. 4: Wolvs first purposeful attack as Keogh gets in down the inside left channel. Ball eventually drops for Kightly just inside the box on the right and his whipped-in cross is only just too strong for Edwards breaking from midfield. 9: A lively spell at both ends as Wolves clear one corner and force one of their own at the other end. That is quickly cleared for Doncaster to launch an attack with Guy winning another flag kick off Henry. Stock's delivery is headed out by Hill and the return cleared by Ward. 13: Kightly breaks down the right for Wolves but the ball takes a bobble and his cross is behind the goal. 15: Chance for Rovers. Spicer makes ground down the right before finding Wellens whose first time effort is gathered by Hennessey. 18: Free kick is directed into the penalty area and headed clear by Stearman. Wellens' half volley is well over the bar. 21: Wolves win a free kick on the right hand side and Kightly sends in a teasing delivery which flicks off a Doncaster head and out for a corner. Kightly's flag kick is also dangerous but Doncaster manage to clear. Wolves keep up the pressure with Stearman crossing but Collins's difficult downward header is easy for Sullivan. 26: Doncaster a lick of paint away from taking the lead. Wellens sends Heffernan away on goal and the striker holds off Stearman before letting fly with a powerful shot which Hennessey touches on to the crossbar and out for a corner. Referee Wright blows for an infringement from the corner and the threat has passed for now. 30: Doncaster close again. Stock sends in a corner which is met by Van Niewstadt at the near post. The defender's header flashes across goal and only inches wide of Hennessey's far post. 36: Ward drives into the penalty area and goes down under a challenge. No penalty says the referee. 38: Kightly takes the bull by the horns amid what has been a scrappy first half for Wolves so far. Exchanges one-two with Foley and then drives across the area with his left foot shot deflected out for a corner. 39: Incredible scenes from the corner as Wolves are denied FOUR times. Keogh flights one against the bar, smacks the rebound against the post, Stearman's shot is then saved by Sullivan and Ward's follow-up is blocked.
HALF TIME: Doncaster 0-0 Wolves
45: Double switch for Wolves at half time with Jarvis and Iwelumo on for Hill and Keogh. Ward drops back to left back. 46: First chance of the half for Doncaster as a corner is hit straight at unmarked Wellens on the edge of the box. The midfielder's volley is just wide although the Doncaster players claim Hennessey got a touch. 52: Wolves now produce a spot of pressure and Kightly puts a decent cross in but there's no attacker on the end of it. 53: Penalty appeal for Doncaster. Hennessey comes for a long through ball but it appears to hold up and he appears to make contact with Guy. Nothing given again by Wright. 56: Kightly booked for a challenge. That's his fifth of the season and means he sits out the Blackpool game on December 29. 58: One or two decisions from the referee are raising the cockles of both sides and it's Jarvis who is furious after being impeded as he tries to cut inside. No free kick given. Kightly meanwhile is then back in the action but the ball is whipped off his toe by Wellens as he shapes to shoot. 61: Controversy as Collins and Guy clash for a high ball. Collins appears to win the ball but the assistant flags. Referee Wright has to take action and books Collins. He was arguably the last man although Ward was covering. 67: Iwelumo wins a flick to a long throw from Ward but there's no one coming in behind to capitalise. 68: Wolves make their final change with Vokes coming on for Ebanks-Blake. 72: Foley makes tracks from the right back berth and cuts inside but his left foot shot is comfortable for Sullivan. 77: Double switch for Doncaster as Elliott and Ameobi come on for Guy and Heffernan.
80: GOAL: 0-1 COLLINS. Wolves win a free kick on the left. Kightly whips in a superb delivery which is met by Collins for his first goal of the season. Concern immediately for Doncaster defender Lockwood who stays down after the melee but thankfully the defender is soon back on his feet. 83: Doncaster make their final substitution as Taylor comes on for Lockwood. 87: Iwelumo has a chance of a second after a neat one-two inside the area with Jarvis. But his left foot half volley is a difficult chance and flies wide of the target. 88: The points aren't there yet as Doncaster win a free kick on the right. Stock sends in a quality delivery met by Taylor but his header is over. 88: Kightly picks up a pass from Edwards but his effort from distance is comfortable for Sullivan. 90: Referee's assistant signals five minutes of injury time to follow. Vokes breaks for Wolves and fires a powerful shot just over from distance. 90+3: Free kick for Doncaster sent into the area. Headed clear and Wellens' shot from the edge of the box is deflected through to Hennessey. Play immediately switches and Henry's long-range shot is clutched by Sullivan. 90+4: Great run from Foley who bursts in from the right and beats two defenders before his shot is blocked. Jarvis picks up the rebound but his shot is high and wide.
Wolves 2 (Hassell-OG 18, Foley 86) Barnsley 0
Wolves world has pictures of Kevin Foley as well as Mick's view on "King Kev" and reported http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10307,00.html Wolves were made to work hard for their victory over Barnsley and it took a late goal from Man of the Match Kevin Foley to confirm that another three points were destined for the Molineux bank account after Bobby Hassell had conceded an own-goal. The home starting 11 was unchanged but Carl Ikeme was named as a substitute following his three game absence through injury. Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and in the opening minutes they forced Barnsley back with the Yorkshire side happy to lump the ball out for a throw-in whenever danger loomed. Stephen Foster was lucky to escape a yellow card for a blatant trip on Dave Edwards and then keeper Heinz Muller had to paw away a driven centre from Foley. It was from another Foley cross that Wolves took an 18th minute lead. Michael Kightly put the full back through on the overlap and from the centre that followed Hassell, under pressure from Andy Keogh, turned the ball into his own net. Before the game restarted Jemal Campbell-Ryce was yellow carded for a foul on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in the build up to the goal. Foley, who was enjoying a fine game, almost got onto the scoresheet himself when he ran onto an Ebanks-Blake lay off and unleashed a shot from 20-yards that flew inches wide. A Stephen Ward cross was deflected away from the heads of both Andy Keogh and Ebanks-Blake for an unproductive Kightly corner, and Wayne Hennessey made a comfortable save from Campbell-Ryce's angled drive. Then Jamie Cureton was far too high with a long distance effort. Jon Macken was a lot closer when he let fly from just outside the box before Barnsley made a switch when Rob Kozluk came on from the limping Dennis Souza Guedes. In the final minute of the half Marciano Van Homoet cleared the ball from in front of his own line after Edwards had knocked Ebanks-Blake's cross into the path of Keogh whose shot was heading for the bottom corner. Half-Time: Wolves 1 Barnsley 0 Five minutes after the break, Ebanks-Blake held the ball up well and released Ward on the left for a cross that flashed through the box and out for a goal kick. Then Kightly dispossessed Campbell-Ryce and sprinted to the by-line before delivering a cross that eluded players from both sides. Cureton's diving header drew a fine save from Hennessey although the striker's 57th minute effort wouldn't have counted anyway as the offside flag had been raised. A crisp Wolves move almost led to a second goal seconds later. Kightly and Ebanks-Blake combined to put Edwards in but the alert Muller snatched the ball of the midfielder's toes. Shortly afterwards Kightly's free-kick from the left hit the head of a defender taking the ball just out of the reach of the inrushing Richard Stearman. From the corner, taken by Kightly, the ball was half cleared to Ward who fired narrowly wide. Hugo Colace went into the book for a foul on Karl Henry before Sam Vokes replaced Keogh as the game reached the three-quarter stage. Four minutes later Kightly took the ball down the right before playing it to Vokes who took a touch before shooting. But Muller was there to pull off a fine save. Barnsley substitute Maceo Rigters was only just wide with a header from Campbell-Ryce's cross although Hennessey looked to have the ball covered as he dived across his goal. Ward did well to create a chance for Kightly whose shot hit a defender and went behind. To the obvious annoyance of the supporters behind the goal in the Stan Cullis Stand, the referee gave a goal kick. But four minutes from time Foley erased any fears of a late Barnsley equaliser when he took a pass from Kightly and ran through the middle before touching the ball to Vokes and running on to the return ball. The defender got in a shot that Muller got a hand to, but was unable to keep out. The goal was a just reward for Foley who didn't put a foot wrong in a commanding performance in defence.
Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Hill, Henry (capt), Stearman, Mancienne, Kightly (Jarvis 85), Edwards (Jones 78), Ebanks-Blake, Keogh (Vokes 66), Ward. Unused subs: Collins, Ikeme.
Barnsley: Muller, Leon (Rigters 73), De Silva, Van Homoet, Colace, Campbell-Ryce, Souza (Kozluk 42), Macken, Cureton, Hassell, Foster (capt). Unused subs: El Haimour, Mostto, Odejayi. Bookings: Campbell-Ryce (18 - foul), Colace (63 - foul).
Referee: G. Salisbury. Attendance: 22,399. Tuesday December Wolves 3 (Ebanks-Blake 2-pen, 59, Edwards 40) Derby County 0 Queens Park Rangers 1 (Rowlands 62) Wolves 0
Of course, it was all down to Hoops STH who came in our end - thanks DHodgey! Or was it the curse of Sky? Or was it the curse of Mick's manager of the month award? You Can't Win Them All (WoW) Mick McCarthy admits it's impossible to win every game after Wolves lost only their fourth of the season at QPR tonight Whilst disappointed to see his team fall thanks to a spectacular second half goal from Martin Rowlands, the boss took a pragmatic approach and insists there'll be no dwelling on the defeat ahead of successive home games with Derby and Barnsley "It's impossible in this league to win every game," said Mick. "There's only a hair's breadth between all of us. "We've been doing well because our strikers have been scoring goals and this was a rare profligate game for them. "A team draws a game and loses a game and I get asked all the clichés about bouncing back for the next game. "I heard it all last week and I think it was coming from Birmingham and Sheffield United that maybe they weren't worried about us or were the better team."Well Birmingham have gone out and won their home game but Sheffield United have lost. "I hate all the clichéd nonsense but to be honest I can't remember when it was easy to come to QPR. "They're never going to let you come here and just go out and play your football and they've now got a classy manager and some very good players. "They matched us for 60 minutes of the game and had the better of parts of it before we came back well for the last half hour. "I could blame our defending but (Patrick) Agyemang has had a good game and Heidar Helguson is a good player as is Lee Cook on loan from Fulham. "They are no mugs by any stretch of the imagination and it was a wonder strike that's won them the game, moments after we had produced our best chance." Mick brushed aside suggestions Wolves were suffering as a result of their lofty position in the table and insists all focus will now turn to Derby on Tuesday. "We're top of the league at the moment - I'm not saying we're the best team but we're top and that inspires people to play against you even more," he added. "There's an added incentive to beat us and we've got to live with that and make sure we cope with it. "But that's our first defeat in nine. "For the last 35 minutes we've played well and Matt Jarvis has come on and made a difference but when we went one down we couldn't get one back." Queens Park Rangers 1 (Rowlands 62) Wolves 0 Wolves saw their lead at the top of the Championship table cut to three points following a narrow defeat at Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham's victory over Watford earlier in the day. Mick McCarthy made just one change to his starting line-up at Loftus Road with Dave Edwards coming in for Michael Gray. With just over a minute gone there was a good chance for the home team after Hogan Ephraim crossed from the right. Richard Stearman's clearance went only as far as Heidar Helguson who blazed a shot over the bar from just inside the area. Home keeper Radek Cerny just beat Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to Chis Iwelumo's flick on before Wayne Hennessey blocked superbly to thwart Patrick Agyemang who was clean through after Michael Mancienne had failed to cut out Ephraim's through ball. Hennessey's save led to the first of three consecutive QPR corners. Wolves' first flag-kick came in the tenth minute but the referee spotted an infringement as Michael Kightly planted the ball into the heart of the home area. Edwards almost made the breakthrough after Ebanks-Blake had laid the ball back to him but the Welsh midfielder's shot drifted narrowly wide with Cerny a spectator. Dexter Blackstock then wasted a good chance for Rangers when he fired over the bar from the edge of the 18-yard line after Helguson had picked him out with a pinpoint pass. But on 22 minutes Dave Jones was inches away from giving Wolves the lead after Kightly had been fouled by Peter Ramage right on the edge of the home area. Jones tapped the free-kick to Edwards who rolled the ball back for his team-mate to curl a shot that just beat the far post. Hennessey got down low to save Helguson's shot on the turn, then Agyemang was way off target with a 20-yard drive. Four minutes before the break Helguson beat the offside flag and ran in from the left before pushing the ball to Lee Cook who had come on in place of Blackstock. Cook looked a certain scorer but Hennessey was in the right place to beat away his shot. Wolves responded with a long-range effort from Jones that whistled past the post after appearing to take a deflection. The referee ignored appeals for a corner from the visiting players. Half-Time: QPR 0 Wolves 0 Within two minutes of the resumption Hennessey saved with his feet after Helguson had burst into the box and struck a fierce shot. Edwards was wide after Ebanks-Blake had laid the ball off for him and, at the other end, Stearman did well to head away a cross from Cook as Helguson lurked dangerously at the far post. In the 55th minute Damion Stewart's blatant block on Kightly led to a free-kick just outside Cerny's area. Jones' effort looked destined for the bottom corner but the Czech keeper made a fine save as he turned the ball behind. Jones was replaced by Matt Jarvis shortly afterwards and twice in quick succession the winger outstripped Ramage. From Jarvis's second cross Ebanks-Blake got a head to the ball but Cerny just managed to get across to save on the line. Seconds later Martin Rowlands struck what proved to be the match winner when his shot from 25-yards went over Hennessey's outstretched hand. Sam Vokes was sent on for Iwelumo and Mancienne became the first man to see the yellow card after he handled the ball - the referee indicating persistent fouling as the reason for his caution. Jarvis met a low cross from Kightly but his low shot was blocked, then the substitute sent over a cross that Vokes headed goalwards only for Cerny to pluck the ball out of the air. Shortly after Andy Keogh became Wolves' final substitute, when he replaced Ebanks-Blake, Cerny dived to hold on to Vokes' 25-yard drive, and Rowlands was yellow carded after he had tripped Jarvis. It was all Wolves in the closing minutes and Vokes' header was clearly deflected over after a Kevin Foley centre but a goal kick was the referee's verdict. In the final minute, Jarvis had a shot deflected away. But there was to be no late reprieve for Wanderers who failed to score in the League on their travels for the first time in the campaign. QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Blackstock (Cook 27) (Di Carmine 89), Agyemang, Gorkss, Rowlands (capt), Ramage, Ephraim, Helguson (Tommasi 78). Unused subs: Cole, Borrowdale. Booking: Rowlands (83 - foul). Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Henry (capt), Stearman, Mancienne, Kightly, Jones (Jarvis 58), Ebanks-Blake (Keogh 78), Iwelumo (Vokes 72), Edwards. Unused subs: Higgs, Collins. Booking: Mancienne (73 - persistent fouling). Referee: I. Williamson. Attendance: 13,416. QPR Wolverhampton Goals : 1 0 Possession : 46% 54% Shots On Target : 5 4 Shots Off Target : 8 5 Corners : 7 7 Fouls : 14 16 Most Fouls :Tommasi (3) Iwelumo (5) Yellow Cards : 1 1 Red Cards : 0 0 Scorers : Rowlands 63
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart,Mahon, Blackstock, Agyemang, Gorkss, Rowlands, Ramage, Ephraim, Helguson. SUBS: Cole, Cook, Tommasi, Di Carmine, Borrowdale. WOLVES: Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Mancienne, Ward, Kightly, Henry, Jones, Edwards, Ebanks-Blake, Iwelumo. SUBS: Higgs, Collins, Keogh, Vokes. Jarvis. 0: Off and running at Loftus Road. 2: First chance for the hosts. Stearman is only able to get a half clearance on Ephraim's cross and the ball drops to Helguson who takes a touch to control before firing a shot narrowly over the crossbar. 7: First sniff of an opening for Wolves as Iwelumo wins a flick-on. Ebanks-Blake tries to get on the end of it but is just beaten to it by QPR keeper Cerny who comes out to collect. 8: Big let-off for Wolves as a Hennessey save keeps the scores level. Mancienne slips as he tries to cut out Ephraim's through pass which leaves Agyemang clean through on goal. The QPR striker steadies himself for the chance but Hennessey is out to narrow the angle and makes an instinctive block. 9: Pressure for QPR now with a couple of corners, but Mancienne makes amends by heading the first clear and then Helguson heads wide. 12: Wolves' turn to go close. Iwelumo and Ebanks-Blake do some useful foraging inside the area and the latter lays the ball off for Edwards who picks his spot with a left foot curler but sees the effort flash inches wide. 14: Wolves win a free kick on the left which is swung in by Kightly. Cerny gets a punch on it and from a difficult chance Stearman loops the ball high and onto the roof of the net. 15: More problems for Wolves caused by Agyemang as he outwits both Ward and Mancienne down the right to go clear. His attempted pullback into the area is snaffled by Henry and the danger passes. 20: Helguson is being allowed to pull the strings from his position in behind the front two and another precise through ball sends Blackstock away. The ball takes a bobble just as Blackstock tries to shoot and as a result his effort is sliced wide of the target. 22: Wolves win a free kick right on the edge of the area as Ramage brings down Kightly. The resulting free kick is agonisingly wide. Jones taps it to Edwards who controls for Jones to whip in a left footed curler which just drifts slightly too far wide of the far post. 27: Slight moment of panic for Wolves as Hennessey comes for a free kick and appears to bump into Stearman enroute. Referee Williamson however has seen an infringement perhaps by Blackstock and awards Wolves a free kick. It's Blackstock's last action of the game as - presumably injured - he makes way for Cook. 34: More QPR pressure as Wolves are hemmed in around their own box. From the last of those Aygemang picks the ball up on the left and goes past Ward before centring for Helguson. The Rangers' striker sends in a left foot shot through a sea of bodies but Hennessey manages to gather at the second attempt. 38: Agyemang now goes past Foley on the left to cut inside before planting a shot wide of the target. 41: Another good chance for the home side. Helguson beats the offside trap down the left and squares for Cook who takes a touch before letting fly with a stinging left foot shot which Hennessey beats away. 42: But Wolves are also producing chances of their own and Jones flashes a long range shot just wide. Several Wolves players suggest the ball took a deflection but after looking for guidance from his assistant referee Williamson awards a goal kick. HALF TIME: QPR 0-0 Wolves 46: Back underway. 48: Another Hennessey save, this time from Helguson who got in behind the Wolves defence but saw his effort blocked by the Wolves keeper. 50: First chance of the half for Wolves but Edwards fires over from Ebanks-Blake's layoff. At the other end it needs a fine Stearman clearance to prevent Cook's cross reaching Helguson. 52: Helguson heavily involved again but heads wide from a deep free kick. 56: Wolves go mighty close at the other end after Kightly wins a free kick following being body-checked by Stewart. Jones tries his luck with a free kick which is destined for the bottom corner but for a fine save from Cerny who claws it behind. 58: First change for Wolves as Jones makes way for Jarvis, the winger enjoying his first taste of action for almost ten weeks following a hamstring injury. 62: Jarvis's first chance to stretch his legs almost creates an opening as he outpaces the full back and sends in a cross. Ebanks-Blake almost gets the ball under control. 62: It's Jarvis again causing havoc as he skips inside two defenders and puts a cross onto Ebanks-Blake's head. The striker is unable to get a clean connection on the ball and Cerny saves. 63: GOAL: ROWLANDS 1-0. And as action switches straight to the other end it's the hosts who take the lead with a spectacular goal. Rowlands picks the ball up 30 yards out and lets fly with a swirling drive which beats Hennessey. 68: Jarvis embarks on another dangerous run but the referee's assistant adjudges the ball had crossed the line before he got his cross in. 72: Another Wolves change with Vokes on for Iwelumo. 73: Mancienne goes into the book, the first of the day, for persistent fouling. From Rowlands' free kick Helguson wins the header at the back post but it's straight at Hennessey. 74: Wolves trying to rouse themselves for an equaliser and Kightly's inviting cross is headed clear by a QPR defender. Jarvis picks up the loose all but his shot is blocked. 75: Vokes goes close as Jarvis finds him with a cross but the substitute's header is turned behind by Cerny. 78: Switch for QPR with Tommasi coming on for Helguson. Wolves also make a change with Keogh on for Ebanks-Blake. 80: Keogh does well in an aerial challenge and the ball drops for Vokes who catches a half volley powerfully but sees it gobbled up by Cerny. 83: Rowlands goes into the book for a trip on Jarvis. 84: Another Wolves attack as Foley's cross is met by Vokes. The ball flies wide from his header but the Wolves players are screaming for a corner as it appears to take a deflection. Their appeals fall on deaf ears and a goal kick is given. 88: It's frantic attacking now from Wolves but they just don't seem to be able to create a clear-cut opening. 89: Final change for QPR as Di Carmine comes on for Cook, himself a substitute earlier in the game. 90+1: Jarvis goes down inside the area but it appears to be a slip and the referee waves play-on. 90+3: Wolves decide to take a short corner which comes to nothing and as QPR break substitute Samuel Di Carmine is only inches away from second goal. FULL TIME: QPR 1-0 Wolves back to top |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
So London Wolves’ sponsored player again headed the matchwinner. Neill Collins was only called in at the last minute but towered in defence and again got that all important winning goal (pic being congratulated by Capt Karl Henry)
A "not great" match as Mick said on Sky's Goals on Sunday But still top, the first to 50 goals and we’ll be top for Christmas. Barnsley had three or four good chances which kept Wayne on his toes - especially with an early wobble, but were really nowhere in it for the first 35 minutes during which time Man-of-the-Match Kevin Foley had forced an own goal from his cross with Andy Keogh lurking behind Chappel. It looked with ten minutes to go in the first half that Wolves had been switched off and Barnsley started to gain confidence - which carried on way into the second half. Mancienne and Stears were again great in defence, as was Foley, while Matt Hill looked really solid, backed up by centre-forward/left back/left-winger number 11 Stephen Ward. After about an hour, though, Kights' ignition button was pressed and he had a great period creating chances for himself, Sam Vokes and finally the pass for Kevin's run trough into the box to score. So a nervous second half, and the fans were left wondering why Matty Jarvis was only given 5 minutes, and one touch of the ball - an immaculate cross from the Steve Bull wing which created panic in the Barnsley defence guarding the North Bank goal. Some delightful touches from Andy Keogh as well as quite a few missed challenges. SEB was strong as usual, as was Karl Henry, although occasionally wayward. Dave Edwards again had a good match, making some excellent runs, but not as strong at controlling midfield as Dave Jones is. The latter replaced Dave E with 12 to go, but couldn't get into the game. Meanwhile Sky's evening match saw Preston help us widen the gap with a Parkin goal beating the blues, although Ref T Kettle gifted Reading a win against the Budgies. Our ref - Salisbury - had a good match overall, but missed a few challenges and was a rather lenient on cards.
QPR controlled the match throughout; New manager Sousa has had a terrific effect on them and warned Wolves beforehand that he had some surprises ready. The goal had been moved about 2 metres further away from the Wolves fans, and the shorter pitch was and inhibitor as Chris Iwelumo and SEB didn't get a look in and there was always a sweeper nearer goal. Dave Jones had a great free kick saved, and SEB a soft header from a terrific Matt J center - only Matt Jarvis took the game to them on the floor. Cerny only had the one save to make in the first half, but made two excellent saves in the second. Wayne also made excellent saves otherwise it could have been embarrassing. Michael Mancienne spent most of last season in blue & white, and couldn't get going to his usual very high standard. Kights and Foley mucked up the last chance with another stupid short corner right at the end.