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FIXTURES  subject to change for Sky TV. Next Norwich at home (3rd Feb)

Wolves 3 (Ebanks-Blake 23, Keogh 67, Vokes 90)  Watford 1 (Mariappa 81)

Not a day for the anxious at Molineux, as Watford played well for about 70 minutes, then perhaps they tired.  Wolves had plenty of the action, but only a solitary goal from Sylvan to show for it.  Stears headed towards goal from Kyel Reid's excellent corner in front of the South Bank but he was blocked and the ball just dropped.  SEB swivelled and blasted from one yard.  It was Sylvan's 50th career goal and his 17th this season to join Kevin Doyle in top position for the Golden Boot.   Wayne had a busy first half, perhaps a little fortunate to be granted a free kick just one minute later after he'd dropped the ball and Watford's McAnuff netted but the ref decided he'd fouled Wayne.  With two minutes to go to half time though he  to pull off a terrific double save to preserve the lead.  He blocked a shot and then as Watford came back pulled off a full stretch acrobatic save to tip the ball over the bar.  Clearly man of the first half.   But SEB took the award for the match after some robust battling in the second, including challenging and winning the ball in the centre circle and laying off a breakaway for Kights down the right wing.  Kights ran to the box and put a perfect cross into Andy Keogh's path for him to chest the ball down and calmly put it past Loach.   In truth the crowd were expecting Andy to be substituted as he'd made another weak contribution to the game - as bad as at Reading.   This goal at last - finally catching up with Neill Collins - inspired him and it was he who won the ball from two Watford players taking on Dave Edwards, passed it to Karl Henry who slotted it wide to sub Matty Jarvis.  For once the two markers didn't get close to him and a perfect cross was nodded home by the other sub Sam Vokes.  I think Andy will start again on Tuesday - Mick's faith finally paid off.   Kyel Reid had some terrific tricks in his portfolio - flicking the ball up and heading it past the full back and running round him to launch an attack.  He and the ever reliable Stephen Ward seem to have a great understanding immediately.   Stears was immense in defence but once again was denied his opening Wolves goal by a great save.  Mick pulled a surprise by replacing the suspended Neill Collins by Jody - you used to be s**te but now you're alright" Craddock, and we had two choruses for walking in a Jody wonderland.  ALOB's Jez will be delighted.  Jody had a really good game and looked as though he hadn't been away.   Dave Jones had real difficulty getting control of the midfield, but still looked more overall attack minded than Nigel Quashie had done at the Madjeski.  Kights was on song, and Kevin Foley seemed to have regained his match fitness - it was he who lost the ball before Neill's og on Tuesday.  Watford's manager didn't think they'd done badly - they certainly didn't seem bottom three - and a breakaway plus our defence turning into statues on 81 gave us a very worrying time as Stears and Wayne stood and watched the ball go out, completely ignoring Mariappa who sprang in and scored.  But Wolves did see the need to do something and the long awaited (about 26 minutes too long) arrival of Sam Vokes put the pressure back on.

Ref and male lino were awful; female lino good on offside and we also had a female 4th official.

So. Sylvan's 50th goal and we're on 62 points, with 60 goals scored.

Mick needed 6 points from this and the Budgies next Tuesday, but was boosted by the Blues and Reading both drawing away.  Unfortunately Mickey Gray and Darren Potter on loan at the Owls couldn't do us a real favour. Dave Jones, meanwhile, has kept Cardiff storming on - and Jay Bothroyd scored again.  

While, in the Premiership Mark Davies made a very impressive debut for Bolton Wanderers in their 3-2 victory over Spurs - good enough to be singled out for praise by Alan Hansen, Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer on MOTD.

WoW reported

Wolves ended a five game winless run in the Championship with a deserved 3-1 victory over Watford. And with Reading only managing a draw at Queens Park Rangers, the gap between first and second opened up to four points.

Kyel Reid returned on the left for Matt Jarvis, Dave Jones took a central midfield position in place of Nigel Quashie who was dropped after reporting late for the game, and Jody Craddock played his first match since August as a replacement for the suspended Neill Collins.  Watford kicked-off attacking the North Bank end and it was the Hornets keeper Scott Loach that was first forced into action as he raced from his area to boot clear Michael Kightly's through ball as Andy Keogh closed in.  Richard Stearman needed treatment after an accidental clash of heads but he was soon back in the thick of things with a good tackle on Will Hoskins who would otherwise have been clear. Jones, with a beautifully flighted crossfield ball, picked out Reid who, after exchanging passes with Stephen Ward, crossed for Jones to power in a header that drew a full length save from Loach.  Kightly was harshly penalised for a tackle on Jobi McAnuff 30-yards out from the Wolves goal. Kightly looked to have won the ball cleanly but justice was done when McAnuff's free-kick went straight into the arms of Wayne Hennessey.  A superb pass from Karl Henry paved the way to Wolves taking the lead in the 23rd minute when he picked out Kightly's run on the right. The winger laid the ball back for Kevin Foley whose teasing cross was deflected behind. Reid's corner found Stearman at the back post and his header into the heart of the six-yard box was met by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who quickly turned and rifled a shot into the roof of the net. Within a minute it looked as if McAnuff had equalised when he forced Tommy Smith's cross into the net but he was penalised for a foul on the keeper.  Henry was booked for pulling back Ross Jenkins and Hennessey was forced to dive low to save from Tamas Priskin after McAnuff had created the opportunity. Ebanks-Blake, Jones and Keogh were all crowded out as they tried to get a shot in, and when Keogh connected with a Kightly corner, Gavin Hoyte cleared off the line From another Kightly corner, in the 36^th minute, Stearman looked on to score his first goal for the club but Loach pulled off a great reflex save to keep out the defender's header.  Three minutes later Keogh headed narrowly over the bar after yet another Kightly corner as Wolves continued to pile on the pressure.  But, after Hoyte had been shown the yellow card for tripping Ward, Hennessey had to be at his best as the visitors twice went close to levelling in stoppage time. First the keeper blocked a low shot from Hoskins, then he made an athletic save to turn over a 25-yard drive from Jack Cork.

Half-Time: Wolves 1 Watford 0

The opening 15 minutes of the second-half were largely chanceless. Mike Williamson went into the book after pulling back Reid and Watford sent on Lee Williamson in place of Hoyte.  In the 61^st minute Keogh chested down Foley's cross to Ebanks-Blake who hit a powerful shot that was safely gathered by Loach.  But six minutes later Ebanks-Blake began the move that led to Wolves' second goal. He held off a challenge in the centre circle and played the ball out to Kightly who surged down the right before hitting a low cross that Keogh controlled before finding the net with a well struck shot.  Both sides made changes in the next few minutes - Gregor Rasiak replaced Priskin for Watford whilst Mick McCarthy went for a change on the left with Jarvis taking the place of Reid.  Ward was booked for a challenge on Hoskins who shortly afterwards forced a good save from Hennessey after hitting a low shot.  But the home supporters received a shock in the 81^st minute as Watford pulled a goal back. Adrian Mariappa converted from close range after Rasiak had nodded McAnuff's centre back across the face of goal.  Sam Vokes went on in place of Ebanks-Blake whose tremendous all round effort was to earn his the Man of the Match award.  Any doubts that Wanderers would hold out for the win were extinguished in the final minute as Vokes powered home a header after a lovely cross from Jarvis on the left.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Henry (capt), Stearman, Craddock, Kightly (Edwards 89), Jones, Ebanks-Blake (Vokes 84), Keogh, Reid (Jarvis 70). Unused subs: Higgs, Iwelumo  Bookings: Henry (26 - holding), Ward (76 - foul).

Watford: Loach, Hoyte (L. Williamson 58), Cork, Priskin (Rasiak 67), McAnuff, Doyley, Smith (capt), Hoskins, Mariappa, M. Williamson, Jenkins. Unused subs: Lee, Demerit, Harley. Bookings: Hoyte (41 - foul), M. Williamson (52 - holding).

Referee: N. Miller. Attendance: 23,571.

90:00 (+ 3:28)Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Lloyd Doyley(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
90:00 (+ 0:02)Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), headed goal by Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton) (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Wolverhampton 3-1 Watford. Assist (cross) by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) from left wing.
88:28Defending throw-in by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).Wolverhampton substitution: Michael Kightly replaced by David Edwards (tactical).
83:36Attacking throw-in by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton).Wolverhampton substitution: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replaced by Sam Vokes (tactical).
82:51Grzegorz Rasiak(Watford) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
82:15Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Lee Williamson(Watford) to near post, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton).
81:05Goal by Adrian Mariappa(Watford) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Wolverhampton 2-1 Watford. Assist (pass) by Grzegorz Rasiak(Watford) from centre of penalty area.
79:48Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) to near post, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton).
79:24Shot by Will Hoskins(Watford) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
76:54Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Will Hoskins(Watford). Jobi McAnuff(Watford) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Lee Williamson(Watford) from right channel, clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).
74:52Foul by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) on Tommy Smith(Watford). Free kick crossed right-footed by Lee Williamson(Watford) from right channel, clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).
73:06Will Hoskins(Watford) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
72:13Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
70:35Foul by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) on Will Hoskins(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Lee Williamson(Watford) from right channel, resulting in open play.
69:27Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). Wolverhampton substitution: Kyel Reid replaced by Matthew Jarvis (tactical).
67:34Watford substitution: Tamas Priskin replaced by Grzegorz Rasiak (tactical).
67:10Cross by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton), goal by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Wolverhampton 2-0 Watford. Assist (cross) by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) from right wing.
66:19Foul by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton) on Tommy Smith(Watford). Free kick taken right-footed by Lee Williamson(Watford) from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton).
61:14Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) to near post, clearance by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton).
60:34Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) volleyed right-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
57:57Attacking throw-in by Tommy Smith(Watford).Watford substitution: Gavin Hoyte replaced by Lee Williamson (tactical).
56:27Cross by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play.
54:05Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) to near post, save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
52:34Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Gavin Hoyte(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
52:08Foul by Mike Williamson(Watford) on Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton). Mike Williamson(Watford) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) from left wing, clearance by Jack Cork(Watford).
50:40Shot by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
45:54Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) to near post, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton).
45:00 (+ 1:39)Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) to centre, clearance by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton).
45:00 (+ 1:34)Shot by Will Hoskins(Watford) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (tipped round post) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
44:53Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Adrian Mariappa(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
44:12Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Jobi McAnuff(Watford). Free kick crossed right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) from right wing, resulting in open play. Adrian Mariappa(Watford) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
41:34Foul by Gavin Hoyte(Watford) on Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). Gavin Hoyte(Watford) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) from left wing, save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
38:51Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) to centre, header by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
37:46Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) to centre, foul by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) on Adrian Mariappa(Watford). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
36:58Shot by Tamas Priskin(Watford) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
36:19Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton) to centre, clearance by Adrian Mariappa(Watford).
36:14Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) to centre, header by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Mike Williamson(Watford).
34:39Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in open play.
34:06Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton) to centre, clearance by Ross Jenkins(Watford).
33:53Cross by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play.
33:14Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) to near post, shot by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Adrian Mariappa(Watford).
31:52Shot by Tamas Priskin(Watford) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
31:09Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Scott Loach(Watford) from own half, resulting in open play.
29:30Cross by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
27:47Cross by Jobi McAnuff(Watford), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
25:47Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Ross Jenkins(Watford). Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ross Jenkins(Watford) from right channel, header by Mike Williamson(Watford) from centre of penalty area (18 yards), missed right.
23:03Goal by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) right-footed (top-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Wolverhampton 1-0 Watford. Assist (header) by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area.
21:24Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton) to centre, resulting in open play.
21:19Cross by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton), save (tipped over) by Scott Loach(Watford).
20:01Foul by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) on Jobi McAnuff(Watford). Free kick crossed right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) from left channel, save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
14:17Foul by Mike Williamson(Watford) on Kyel Reid(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) from left wing, clearance by Gavin Hoyte(Watford).
9:43Tamas Priskin(Watford) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
8:55Cross by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton), header by David Jones(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Scott Loach(Watford).
7:35Cross by Gavin Hoyte(Watford), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
6:30Cross by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play.
2:58Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) to centre, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton).
2:51Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Jack Cork(Watford). Free kick crossed right-footed by Jobi McAnuff(Watford) from left channel, clearance by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton).
 

 Tues 29th Tues 29th Reading 1 (Collins OG 1) Wolves 0  League  away (8:00pm kick off)

Nightmare for Neill Collns as he gifted Reading the only goal of the game, and a few choice words with the linesman who he thought had wrongly flagged for a corner at the end, just after calling Wardy for a foul throw, had the ref called in by the lino and a red card for "foul and abusive". He had looped a header off the back of his head over Wayne under pressure. Ref Booth was very soft on some hard tacking by Reading - and Duberry should have been penalised with at least a yellow for going straight through the back of Andy Keogh and hurt his own head. He had already escaped being punished for twice making gestures at the Wolves fans for reminding him of his time at Leeds United and their sordid court cases. All the teams who've taken points off Reading have done it with a fast lone striker (eg Swans with Scotland) or even lowly Saints and played 4-5-1. Mick decides to play Andy Keogh, who again worked hard, made two really good passes, and was probably very relieved ot be flagged offside when he missed a gaping goal. Matty Jarvis made some great trunsm but needs to be told he's a winger and should be passing not firing shots which go miles wild. Kights was a but quiter, but the returning Stephen Ward ran his heart out again. An impressive debut from Nigel Quashie, who managed to be flattened by Stears, who was also very strong. In fact it was Quashie who had the best two shots at goal but Adam Federici in the Royals' goal had nothing really to trouble him. SEB didn't get any real service and had to make his chances for himself but got considerably more space to work in once Keogh (Kee-ogg according the the Royals commentator) was taken off and Chris Iwelumo came on. Chris also only had once chance, Karl Henry still isn't back to his best. Apart from the first and last minute Neill Collins had quite a good match while Wayne pulled off two outstanding saves. Sam Vokes, after scoring last week, and tormenting defenders should have been on from the start but was only given 5 minutes. It's nearly as bad as the Hoddle days in terms of not having a plan B. And that's the away cup win at Blues as the only success since 20th December.
So what did Mick think of it? Did he care? Oh yes - listen (speakers quiet!) click here
WoW reported...

It was a night of misery for Neill Collins at the beginning and end of Wolves' top of the table clash with Reading at The Madejski Stadium. The defender's early own-goal turned out to be the only score of a scrappy game and then he was then sent-off in stoppage time for something he said to the linesman. Nigel Quashie made his debut after his loan signing from West Ham and Stephen Ward returned from injury as Mick McCarthy made seven changes to the team that lost out to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. The game couldn't have got off to a worse start for Wolves with Collins conceding an own goal with just over a minute gone. The defender tried to head Chris Armstrong's cross back to Wayne Hennessey but the ball looped over the keeper and into the net. After the early shock, there followed some midfield jousting with neither Hennessey nor Reading keeper Adam Federici being seriously threatened. There was a frightening high speed collision between Quashie and Richard Stearman as they both went up for a header. Thankfully they were both able to resume after treatment. Stearman was soon in the thick of things clearing a dangerous Jimmy Kebe cross for a corner that was taken by Stephen Hunt and headed over by his brother Noel. Federici just beat Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to Michael Kightly's through ball before another clash of heads, this time between Andy Keogh and Michael Duberry, led to another hold up in play. Whilst Keogh was able to resume after treatment, the Reading defender disappeared into the dressing rooms. Ebanks-Blake won Wolves' first corner in the 25th minute off Noel Hunt, but Kightly's flag-kick was cleared. Then Ebanks-Blake found Matt Jarvis who delivered a low cross that Keogh swung a foot at. The ball brushed the outside of the post as it went out but the linesman's flag was raised for offside. Ward was yellow carded for pulling back Kebe and then Reading sent on Brynjar Gunnarsson for the injured Duberry. In the 31st minute a great piece of work by Jarvis ended with a low cross into the six-yard box that Gunnarsson was happy to boot behind. From Jarvis's first corner Collins' header was deflected over for a second. This time Stearman, at the far post, headed the ball back into the middle where Karl Henry's shot hit a defender and went behind for yet another corner which this time was cleared. Jarvis was wide with a cross-shot from the left and James Harper hit a low shot straight at Hennessey after a cross from Armstrong. Federici had to dive full length to claim a 25-yard bouncing shot from Quashie and, in first-half stoppage time, Hennessey was at his best as he turned Noel Hunt's long range free-kick round the post. The keeper then had to punch clear Stephen Hunt's corner.

Half-Time: Reading 1 Wolves 0

Two minutes after the resumption Jarvis found himself in space to the left of Federici's goal but his shot flew wide of the far post. Then Stephen Hunt was wide with a first time volley after Kebe picked out his unmarked team-mate in the Wolves' box. Quashie carved out a chance for himself with a run to the edge of the Reading area but his shot lacked the power to trouble Federici. Hennessey made another fine save - this time from Noel Hunt's glancing header following Harper's corner. With the half approaching its midway point, Chris Iwelumo was sent on in place of Keogh. There was a chance for Jarvis when Iwelumo flicked a pass to him but the winger's shot was blocked. The ball bounced into the path of Kightly but his driven cross was cut out by Federici. As the final whistle approached Collins saw red after conceding a corner. He tried to keep the ball in but it was clearly over the line and when the linesman indicated a corner the Scottish defender reacted angrily aiming some comments at the official. The lineman immediately flagged and after consultation with the referee Collins was sent off.

Reading: Federici, Armstrong, Cisse, Doyle (Lita 82), S. Hunt, N. Hunt (Long 81), Kebe, Harper (capt), Pearce, Duberry (Gunnarsson30), Kelly. Unused subs: Matejovsky, Kelly. Booking: Gunnarsson (90 - foul).

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Henry (capt), Stearman, Collins, Kightly, Quashie (Edwards 86), Ebanks-Blake, Keogh (Iwelumo 63), Jarvis (Vokes 85). Unused subs: Higgs, Hill. Booking: Ward (29 - foul). Sending-Off: Collins (90 - foul and abusive language).

Referee: R. J. Booth. Attendance: 23,009.



Livid And Pleased Posted on: Tue 27 Jan 2009

Mick McCarthy admitted he was both "livid" and "pleased" after a dramatic night at Reading which saw Wolves make a disastrous start and then hit back strongly in pushing for an equaliser. That leveller unfortunately never came, leaving Wolves on the end of a 1-0 defeat following Neill Collins' own goal as early as the second minute. But Mick was pleased with the way his team responded to such an early setback, and believes it augurs well for the battles ahead after Wolves' lead at the top of the Championship was cut to two points. "I'm livid with the way we conceded a goal so early on but pleased with how we came back," said Mick. "Of course the goal is the defining moment and you can't take that out of the game but we've played well after that. "The players have come back after conceding and got about things really well and worked hard but that doesn't matter because we've got beat. "It's strange that the two sides on top of the table who have scored so many goals should meet and it's decided by an 'og' in the second minute. "We took the game to them and arguably been the better team but it all sounds very hollow when you've lost. "At the same time, it's going to be a scrap to the bitter end and if it is then I'm delighted to have those lads in the dressing room because they were right at it." Mick had always insisted that tonight's result wouldn't end the promotion race one way or another, and in defeat was sticking to that opinion. "It's all concertina-d up again but had we won it and been eight points clear it still wouldn't have been over. "There are 17 games to go and it's going to be a scrap to the bitter end. "It's a significant result because they've closed the gap but I never thought for a minute we were going to run away with it and be five, six, seven points clear all the way through. "I'm not trying to see things through rose-coloured spectacles, I'm being honest. "I think we played well and perhaps deserved something out of it but it doesn't
matter because we've got beat. "I'm positive because of the way we've played but dejected because of the result." Mick admitted he was unhappy with the late decision to send off Neill Collins apparently for dissent towards the assistant referee as Reading wound down the clock in the corner. "There was a lot of frustration going on in that corner keeping the ball and I think Neill's said something that's hurt the linesman's feelings and then he's alerted the referee to it," Mick added. "I'm not too sure about a tackle shortly afterwards but he hurt the linesman's feelings and so Neill will be suspended."

Mick was also asked about reports earlier in the day suggesting Wolves had made a bid for Hearts defender Christophe Berra which had been rejected. "I'm not going to confirm or deny anything but there has been contact with Hearts," he said. "But as to any bid I'm not sure because I don't think anyone can now get in touch with anyone at Hearts!" And the boss was more focused on looking ahead to forthcoming home games with Watford and Norwich. "I'm disappointed but we've now got two home games coming up so let's see if we can get a win there," he added.

* Subject to official confirmation of the sending off being for foul and abusive language, Neill will be banned immediately for those next two games against Watford and Norwich.

90:00 (+ 4:09) Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
90:00 (+ 3:42) Foul by Brynjar Gunnarsson(Reading) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Brynjar Gunnarsson(Reading) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
90:00 (+ 1:42) Neill Collins(Wolverhampton) dismissed for foul and abusive language. Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by James Harper(Reading).
88:07 Cross by Julian Kelly(Reading), clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).
87:57 Cross by Jimmy Kebe(Reading), clearance by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton).
87:11 Foul by Leroy Lita(Reading) on David Edwards(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from right channel, resulting in open play.
86:52 Cross by Julian Kelly(Reading), comfortable save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
86:32 Cross by Julian Kelly(Reading), clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).
85:13 Wolverhampton substitution: Nigel Quashie replaced by David Edwards (injury).
83:46 Wolverhampton substitution: Matthew Jarvis replaced by Sam Vokes (tactical).
83:17 Cross by Julian Kelly(Reading), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
82:27 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to centre, clearance by Nigel Quashie(Wolverhampton).
81:17 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Adam Federici(Reading). Reading substitution: Kevin Doyle replaced by Leroy Lita (tactical). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
79:51 Reading substitution: Noel Hunt replaced by Shane Long (injury).
79:10 Cross by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton), save (caught) by Adam Federici(Reading).
77:10 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Nigel Quashie(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by James Harper(Reading).
76:36 Shot by Kevin Doyle(Reading) drilled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed right.
76:01 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Julian Kelly(Reading). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kalifa Cisse(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
75:24 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Brynjar Gunnarsson(Reading). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
73:58 Foul by Alex Pearce(Reading) on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from right wing, clearance by Brynjar Gunnarsson(Reading).
73:07 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Alex Pearce(Reading). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
72:05 Foul by Brynjar Gunnarsson(Reading) on Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
70:52 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on James Harper(Reading). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
69:27 Cross by Julian Kelly(Reading), comfortable save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
65:47 Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
64:58 Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
63:27 Foul by Noel Hunt(Reading) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
62:01 Wolverhampton substitution: Andrew Keogh replaced by Chris Iwelumo (tactical). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by James Harper(Reading).
58:54 Foul by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) on Noel Hunt(Reading). Free kick crossed left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) from left wing, clearance by Neill Collins(Wolverhampton).
57:29 Shot by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar.
57:15 Foul by Alex Pearce(Reading) on Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed.
57:02 Foul by Stephen Hunt(Reading) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed.
55:35 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), clearance by Alex Pearce(Reading).
51:16 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by James Harper(Reading) to near post, header by Noel Hunt(Reading) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
50:40 Cross by Noel Hunt(Reading), blocked by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton).
50:32 Deflected shot by Nigel Quashie(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Adam Federici(Reading).
49:32 Foul by James Harper(Reading) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) from left channel, resultingin open play.
48:18 Cross by Jimmy Kebe(Reading), shot by Stephen Hunt(Reading) volleyed left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
47:05 Shot by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) mishit right-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
46:45 Foul by Noel Hunt(Reading) on Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Neill Collins(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
45:32 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play.
45:00 (+ 1:18) Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to centre, save (punched) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
45:00 (+ 1:02) Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on James Harper(Reading). Free kick taken right-footed by Noel Hunt(Reading) curled from right channel (30 yards), save (tipped round post) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
43:47 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play.
43:02 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to near post, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton).
40:47 Shot by Nigel Quashie(Wolverhampton) curled right-footed from left channel (35 yards), save (caught) by Adam Federici(Reading).
40:09 Cross by Noel Hunt(Reading), clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).
39:39 Foul by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) on Kalifa Cisse(Reading). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
38:49 Shot by James Harper(Reading) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (parried) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
36:51 Shot by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
36:11 Foul by James Harper(Reading) on Nigel Quashie(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right channel, resulting in open play.
35:02 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to near post, clearance by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton).
34:54 Cross by Noel Hunt(Reading), blocked by Neill Collins(Wolverhampton).
31:42 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in open play.
31:24 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to far post, clearance by Stephen Hunt(Reading).
31:19 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to far post, header by Neill Collins(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), blocked by Kalifa Cisse(Reading).
30:35 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), clearance by Brynjar Gunnarsson(Reading).
29:53 Reading substitution: Michael Duberry replaced by Brynjar Gunnarsson (injury).
29:39 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Jimmy Kebe(Reading). Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) from right channel, resulting in ball out of play.
28:25 Kevin Doyle(Reading) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed.
27:37 Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Adam Federici(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
26:39 Foul by Noel Hunt(Reading) on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) from right wing, clearance by James Harper(Reading).
24:45 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) to centre, clearance by Stephen Hunt(Reading).
24:28 Foul by Michael Duberry(Reading) on Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from right channel, clearance by Jimmy Kebe(Reading).
18:42 Foul by Alex Pearce(Reading) on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed.
18:30 Foul by Noel Hunt(Reading) on Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
18:19 Cross by Stephen Hunt(Reading), header by Kalifa Cisse(Reading) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
17:01 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Stephen Hunt(Reading) to near post, header by Noel Hunt(Reading) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar.
16:31 Cross by Jimmy Kebe(Reading), clearance by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton).
13:30 Foul by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) on Stephen Hunt(Reading). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Julian Kelly(Reading) from own half, resulting in open play.
9:02 Foul by Noel Hunt(Reading) on Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
1:58 Headed own goal by Neill Collins(Wolverhampton) (high centre of goal) from own half (12 yards).Reading 1-0 Wolverhampton.
0:49 Cross by Stephen Hunt(Reading), clearance by Neill Collins(Wolverhampton).




 

Sat 24th FAC4 Wolves 1 (Vokes 63)  Middlesborough  2 (Alves 44, Emnes 83)

A strong first 30 minutes by Wolves but Boro dominated the next 30.  The philosophy of "score more then the opposition" onl works when the strikers are getting their shots in, but Boro GK barely had anything to do.  As often happens at Moli lots of great fluid possession but we only had 6 shots on target all match.  A few near misses too, but Boro's Thompson and Alves had a lot of freeedom.  A very encouraging debut though for Loan Hammer Kyel Reid who says he wants DJ's free kick job.  Dave Edwards again performed well at right back, going missing a few times puling the centre halves out of position but making a fantastic goal line clearance after Wayne had been beaten by Johnson, and then made one for the best crosses we've seen all season for Sammy Vokes to get his first goal at Molinuex.  Sammy had looked good all match, and the new pairing of him with Chris Iwelumo looked promising but Chris gradually dropped out of the game until he took and knock early in the second half to be replaced by a much more active Andy Keogh. Unfortunately, too, Sam blocked Chris' goal bound shot on 35. Andy did a bit more successful chasing back and helped to reignite the Moli crowd. Neill Collins again had chances to score, and performed very well as right centre half with Stears suspended and Jason Shackell had a really good game, apart from a 5 minute spell of "gives-awaysie", with Matt Hill solid at right back. Wayne was quite heavily employed  pulling off great saves, especially from Afonso Alves.    Karl suffered a bit and it was he who was fouled to set up Boro's winner.   Seeing "Rob Styles" on the officals list is the newer equivalent of seeing Uriah Rennie, as in "at some point he's going to make a decision which will cost us the game".  Sure enough he let two strong fouls on first SEB then Karl Henry go for them to break away and score.  2-1 to the referee. 

WoW reported with a picture gallery
Wolves showed they could mix it with Premier League opposition and can feel somewhat unlucky to have suffered a late defeat at the hands of Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough.   Kyel Reid made his debut for Wanderers in a team had five changes from the one that took a point from Bristol City a week earlier. Dave Edwards played at right-back, Jason Shackell came in for the suspended Richard Stearman, and Sam Vokes led the attack alongside Chris Iwelumo.   Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and with the game just over a minute old Andrew Taylor ran into the back of Matt Jarvis near the right hand corner flag.  Whilst it was clumsy challenge rather than malicious one, it was clearly a foul with the Boro man coming off worst. He rolled around in agony and he received lengthy treatment before hobbling to the sideline.  When the free-kick was eventually taken, by Reid, Shackell's glancing header flew across the face of goal and narrowly wide of the far post.  In the sixth minute Jarvis drove a low cross into the Boro area and Reid ran in to hit a shot that had 'goal' written all over it until the ball hit David Wheater and bounced clear.  A minute later Taylor, who had returned to the field but was clearly struggling, was replaced by Tony McMahon.  Afonso Alves used a little Brazilian trickery as he jinked past two challenges and ran into the home area before hitting a rising drive that drew a diving save from Wayne Hennessey.  Hennessey then made a tremendous save with his legs after Alves's through ball put Adam Johnson clean through.  Dave Jones's persistence saw him regaining possession and making room for a shot that took a heavy deflection before going behind for a corner.  Then followed two bookings in a two minute spell - Gary O'Neil for a late challenge on Reid and Dave Jones for a foul on Johnson.  Stewart Downing was way off target with a spectacular far post scissors kick after a Johnson cross, then Reid's free-kick at the other end led to a scramble in the Boro goalmouth that ended with Neill Collins prodding the ball just wide.  Johnson volleyed wide following a Downing centre and Iwelumo's shot struck Vokes before being cleared as Wolves responded.  A fantastic goal-line clearance from Edwards rescued Wolves in the 37th minute. Johnson beat the offside trap as he ran onto Downing's through ball and skipped round Hennessy. He had the goal at his mercy but Edwards ran back to hook the ball off the line.  Hennessey then had to tip a Johnson cross onto the roof of the net as the ball suddenly dipped but the keeper was beaten in the 44th minute by Alves who lobbed the ball into the corner of the net after he had been put clear by Tuncay Sanli.  In stoppage time Hennessey plucked a 20-yard volley from Downing out of the air.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Middlesbrough 1

Five minutes after the restart Vokes hit a shot from 20-yards that swerved a couple of feet wide of the post with Boro keeper Brad Jones a
spectator.  Then Alves looked on for a second goal until Hennessey got his fingertips to an angled shot that was arrowing towards the far
corner of the net.  Andy Keogh came on for Iwelumo, who had limped off with an ankle injury, before O'Neil could take the resultant flag-kick.
When the midfielder did take the corner, Keogh's first action was to head clear.  Wolves drew level in the 63rd minute after having put the
visiting defence under some heavy pressure. Edwards lifted over a cross from the right and Vokes rose to power a header past Jones for his
first Molineux strike.  Both sides made changes in the minutes that followed with Michael Kightly going on for Reid and Marvin Emnes for Alves. A smart bit of work from Kightly almost led to a second Wolves goal. Kightly, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday, cleverly beat McMahon and delivered a teasing cross that Jones just managed to smother before Keogh could make contact.  Hennessey did well to pounce on a shot on the turn from Johnson before Jarvis missed a great chance when he shot wide after Brad Jones had deflected Keogh's cross into his path. Seconds later Jarvis was replaced by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.  In the 83rd minute Boro grabbed what turned out to be the winner. In the build up to the goal both Ebanks-Blake and Karl Henry had claims for a foul ignored before Emnes broke into the Wolves box on the left and struck a shot that hit the far post and bounced into the net.  Brad Jones then had to punch out a shot from his namesake David but Boro held out to move into the last 16 of the competition.

Wolves: Hennessey, Edwards, Hill, Henry (capt), Shackell, Collins, Jarvis (Ebanks-Blake 82), D. Jones, Vokes, Iwelumo (Keogh 52), Reid
(Kightly 65).  Unused subs: J. Craddock, Friend, Ikeme, Foley.  Booking: D. Jones (26 - foul).

Boro: B. Jones, Taylor (McMahon 7), O'Neil, Riggott, Alves (Emnes 70), Shawky (Hoyte 45), Sanli, Downing (capt), Bates, Johnson, Wheater.
Unused subs: Porritt, Bennett, Turnbull, T. Craddock.   Booking: O'Neil (24 - foul)

Referee: R. Styles. Attendance: 18,013.

Live From Molineux
WOLVES: Hennessey, Edwards, Collins, Shackell, Hill, Jarvis, Henry, Jones, Reid, Vokes, Iwelumo. SUBS: Ikeme, Foley, J. Craddock, Kightly,

Ebanks-Blake, Friend, Keogh.
MIDDLESBROUGH: Jones, Taylor, O'Neil, Riggott, Alves, Shawky, Tuncay, Downing, Bates, Johnson, Wheater. SUBS: Turnbull, Hoyte, Emnes,

McMahon, Porritt, Bennett, T. Craddock.

0: Off and running and the Jack Harris Stand are in fine voice.
2: Wolves are also in lively mood at the start launching the first attack. Jarvis goes down undera clumsy challenge from Taylor on the right to
win a free kick. Taylor ends up coming off worse and needs lengthy treatment.
3: Reid whips in the free kick and Shackell meets it witha near post header which flashes inches wide of the far post.
5: Shawky tries his luck with a shot from distance for Boro but it's well wide.
7: Wolves close again as Jarvis makes headway down the right and pulls a clever low ball back into the area. Reid arrives to meet it with a
thunderous shot but it bounces straight back off Wheater. Reid requires treatment after the incident but is quickly back on his feet.
8: Taylor can't continue after his earlier foul and makes way for McMahon.
12: Alves wriggles his way past Collins on the edge of the area and holds off Henry before getting in a shot which Hennessey gathers cleanly
to his right.
19: Boro fashion a chance out of nothing as a neat through ball sends Johnson away down the right. The winger opens his body to shoot with
his left foot but Hennessey blocks with his own feet!
21: Alves and Collins tangle just outside theWolves area and the Boro striker and indeed his manager are expecting a free kick. Referee Styles doesn't oblige.
23: The ball breaks for Jones who wriggles his way inside and regains the ball having lost it. Manages to get a shot in which is deflected wide.
Corner headed clear by Riggott and an Edwards shot is deflected out to the wing. Reid beats O'Neil for pace and is brought down, the Boro
player receiving the first yellow card of the game. Reid swings in a great free kick but Tuncay heads clear.
24: Jones quickly joins O'Neil in the book for a foul on Johnson.
26: Middlesbrough keep up the pressure and Johnson swings over a cross which Downing meets with an acrobatic scissors kick which is well over.
28: Wolves win a free kick in a good position and again the delivery from Reid from the right is top drawer. Causes a bit of a scramble and
Collins stabs the ball goalwards. Ball goes just past the post and appears to have taken a deflection but goal kick is given.
32: All four wingers on show have been heavily involved so far and it's Boro's turn in their latest attack. Downing swings a cross in from the
right and Johnson flashes a first time volley narrowly wide.
34: Another chance for Wolves after Jarvis's ball goes into the box. Vokes goes up for the header and the ball drops to Iwelumo whose drive cannons back off his team-mate. Jarvis returns the ball into the area and Vokes goes up with the keeper who appears to get the last touch but a goal kick is given.
37: Great goal-saving challenge from Edwards. Johnson is found clean through and in space by Downing and rounds keeper Hennessey before firing in a shot which is superbly cleared off the line by Edwards.
41: The visitors go close again but this time it probably wasn't meant. Johnson's cross appears to be drifting under the bar forcing Hennessey to tip over. Boro keep up the pressure following the corner and O'Neil's volley flashes wide.
44: GOAL: ALVES 0-1. Boro go in front with a well-worked goal. Tuncay's reverse pass finds Alves in space and he delicately chips the ball over the onrushing Hennessey and into the corner.
45+2: Boro are well on song now and Downing flashes in a powerful shot which Hennessey takes well.
45+3: The half ends with the dangerous Johnson again finding space and sending in a cross which flies wide of the far post.

HALF TIME: Wolves 0-1 Middlesbrough

46: Back up and running. Another change for Boro as Hoyte comes on for Shawky.
50: Iwelumo receives treatment after going in for a challenge shortly after the break but then it's Wolves who are first to show as Vokes's powerful drive flies just wide.
52: Iwelumo unable to continue and is replaced by Keogh. Alves is in the mix again for Middlesbrough and his fierce drive is pushed wide by Hennessey.
60: All gone a bit quiet at Molineux on and off the pitch. Wolves yet to regain the sort of momentum built up during the game's first half hour.
61: Right on cue a run from Reid lifts the crowd but at the end of a brief spell of pressure Jones's long range header drifts harmlessly through to keeper Jones.
63: GOAL: VOKES 1-1. Wolves equalise, and it's thank to an attack of the Welsh boys. Edwards crosses from the right and Vokes climbs highest to plant a header in the bottom corner. It's Vokes's first goal on home soil!
65: Change for Wolves as the impressive Reid - enjoying his first senior action for a month - makes way for Kightly.
70: Final switch for Boro as Alves is off and Emnes on.
75: Kightly makes his first major impact as a neat bit of control outfoxes McMahon and his dangerous cross is taken well by Jones just in front of Keogh.
76: Chance for Boro. Cross comes in which Henry gets a touch on but can't clear and Johnson fires in a shotat the far post. The ball sticks with Hennessey though who makes a good save.
77: Jarvis nearly getsaway for Wolves but Wheater steps across toprevent him making tracks.
81: Great chance for Wolves. Keogh down the right andproduces some excellent work with a low cross which keeper parries out. Jarvismotors in and his shot on the difficult save is just wide.Jarvis's last action as Ebanks-Blake comeson.
83: GOAL: EMNES 1-2 Goal for Boro and a very controversial one. Appeals for two fouls as Wolves attack but nothing given. Downing breaks and feeds Emnes on the inside left whose clinical shot finds the net off the post.
84: Wolves aim for an immediate response as Jones's shot is turned around the post by Jones. Talk about keeping up with the Jones's...
89: Is there another goal in this one? Downing has a pop for Boro but it's wide.
90:Three minutes of injury time to follow.

FULL TIME: Wolves 1-2 Middlesbrough

Sat 17th Jan Bristol City 2 (Adebola 58, Maynard 87) Wolves 2 (Collins 45, Jarvis 54)

Referee Haywood cost us 2 points (or another Keogh miss) - Andy went down in the box when caught from behind on the edge of the box in the 30th minute and didn’t even give a free kick, then let Adebola push Neill Collins out of the way to break clear and score their first goal when we were 2-0 up.  Andy was clear in their box with a simple deflection to kill the game to 3-1 but missed the easy chance.  Fortunately the Swans beat Reading 2-0 and Blues had a fortunate 1-1 versus Cardiff.

Plenty of chances for both sides in the first half although Wolves looked very strong but it was a flukey miss by Ivan Basso under minimal pressure from Neill Collins from Kights cross which allowed Neill to turn and head it over the line.  The defender might have got there if Neill hadn’t been in the way so it’s Neill’s 4th not Kights’ 8th goal of the season.

WoW said

Wolves wasted a glorious opportunity of stretching their lead at the top of the Championship table to seven points by squandering a two goal lead at Bristol City in a game played in atrocious conditions.  Nicky Maynard's equaliser just before the end meant that Wanderers had to be satisfied with a five point advantage over nearest rivals Reading who had slipped to defeat at Swansea earlier in the day. There were four changes to the Wolves starting line-up with Kevin Foley, Matt Hill, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Matt Jarvis coming in for Dave Edwards, Stephen Ward, Sam Vokes and George Friend respectively. Andy Keogh retained his place in attack.

In the opening minutes a Lee Johnson free-kick into the Wolves box was easily cleared and home keeper Adriano Basso plucked a Jarvis cross out of the air. Jarvis was fouled wide on the left and he had trouble taking the resultant free-kick with the blustery wind taking the ball away as he ran up to kick it. When he eventually got the ball across it went wide of the far post just in front of in inrushing Richard Stearman. Johnson's header was way too high after he had connected with Maynard's short cross and Peter Styvar's drive from 20-yards went straight to Wayne Hennessey.  Chances for either side were of a premium and the first corner didn't arrive until the 28th minute - Jamie McAllister's kick going straight through and out for a goal-kick on the far side. City went forward again and after Cole Skuse's shot had bounced behind off Neill Collins, Hennessey had to punch clear Johnson's corner.  The Wolves supporters behind Basso's goal howled for a penalty when Keogh went down under a challenge from Marvin Elliott but the referee waved play on.  Keogh then laid the ball into the path of former City defender Hill but Basso dived forwards to claim.  Stearman was booked for a reckless challenge on Maynard. It was the defender's fifth booking of the season and he will be ruled out of the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough.   The weather had an assist as Wolves took a 45th minute lead. Dave Jones's corner wasn't properly cleared by the home defence and when Michael Kightly pumped the ball back into the box, Basso was a victim of the conditions.  The ball held up in the wind and went over the keeper's head as he advanced. He got a touch with his fingertips and it looked like Kightly's goal until Collins ran in to nod over the line.  In stoppage time Maynard was wide with a diving header after Johnson had supplied the cross.

Half-Time: City 0 Wolves 1

Dele Adebola was a replacement for Styvar at the start of the new half as driving rain worsened the conditions.  Kightly went on a 30-yard run but his low shot didn't carry enough power to beat Basso and Maynard fired wide when play swung to the opposite end.   Ivan Sproule went into the book after he had clattered into Hill and when he tripped Jarvis just a minute later, he was lucky to escape with just a rebuke from the referee.  On 54 minutes Jarvis grabbed a second for the Molineux men when Basso's clearance fell to Keogh. He quickly found Jarvis who slotted the ball past the Brazilian keeper.   Two minutes later Basso made a tremendous save as he turned aside a piledriver from Ebanks-Blake after Kightly and Keogh had forged the opening.  It turned out to be a pivotal moment in the game as City began their comeback in the 58th minute when Adebola ran onto Maynard's pass and lashed the ball past Hennessey.  On the hour mark a clever backheel by Ebanks-Blake was pounced on by Jarvis who sprinted half the length of the field before hitting a shot that Basso just managed to divert around the post.
Former Molineux winger Michael McIndoe, on as a substitute, set up a chance for Bradley Orr who shot narrowly over the bar before Collins saved Wolves twice in quick succession as he blocked goalbound efforts from Adebola and then Liam Fontaine. Elliott shot over the bar after the loose ball had dropped into his path.  Maynard curled a shot wide after Orr's run and cross, and Stearman did well to get into the way of Skuse's angled drive.  City were enjoying their best spell of the game and Maynard wasted the chance of an equaliser when he fired over the bar from eight-yards out.  Keogh swung a foot at Foley's low centre but his effort was wide before Vokes was sent on for Ebanks-Blake and Edwards for Jarvis with 12 minutes remaining.  Jones bundled the ball into the City net but his effort was ruled out for handball, and Basso managed to cling onto Edwards' driven cross as Vokes and Keogh lay in wait.  Edwards had a chance as he burst through the middle but, with a defender challenging either side of him, his shot was wide of the mark.  In the 87th minute City drew level. Stearman slipped on the sodden turf and Adebola raced clear before squaring the ball to Maynard who had the easiest of tasks in converting.

WoW gives a minute by minute commentary (or Beacon Radio with Robbie Dennison on the Wolves World subscription channel).

BRISTOL CITY: Basso, Orr, Fontaine, Carey, McAllister, Skuse, Elliott, Johnson, Sproule, Styvar, Maynard. SUBS: Henderson, McIndoe, Wilson, Adebola, John.
WOLVES: Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Collins, Hill, Kightly, Henry, Jones, Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake, Keogh. SUBS: Higgs, Shackell, Edwards, Vokes, Iwelumo.

 0: After the team shake hands it's time to go in this evening's televised kick off.
 3: Wolves clear an early free kick and break with Jarvis and Keogh playing a good one-two to send the winger away. Ebanks-Blake and Kightly make headway to get in the box but Jarvis's cross is straight to Basso.
 8: Kightly makes ground himself down the right but his cross is taken by Basso while City then win a couple of free kicks which Wolves clear.
17: Some seriously swirling winds around Ashton Gate this evening with the ball moving considerably when players try and take free kicks. Jarvis eventually manages to swing one in which Stearman just fails to get a touch on after sliding in at the far pos
19: Bristol City force an opening as Maynard makes inroads down the right and chips the ball in to Johnson. The ball, perhaps taken by the wind, is slightly too high for Johnson who manages to get his head to the ball but can only direct a looping effort over the crossbar
25: Another slight opening for Wolves. Kightly keeps the ball in and sends a driven cross into the box which just eludes Ebanks-Blake and Jarvis. The wind really is making a difference - Wolves are playing against the elements in the first half - and any Bristol City player gettingwithin shooting rangeof Hennessey's goal will presumably fancy their chances.
26: City's Styvar is one who perhaps fancies that opportunity and has a dip from distance but it's low and Hennessey gathers.
28: Inswinging corners are also going to be 'fun' for Hennessey in the first half and McAllister's left-foot effort from the right threatens without anyone getting on the end of it.
29: City are enjoying a good spell and Skuse finds space to try his luck with a shot which is blocked well by Collins. City still win a corner but Johnson's effort is cleared.
31: Keogh makes a jinking run into the area and goes down under challenge from Elliott. No penalty, says referee Haywood.
34: The ball finds its way out to Hill on the left whose first time shot is straight at Basso. Hill actually made his debut as a Bristol City player as a substitute against Wolves back in 1998. Wolves won 6-1 that day, and Wolfie and Bristol City's Three Little Pigs had a rather public disagreement.
35: A long ball through from the City defence holds up in the wind forcing Hennessey into a brave collect under pressure from Maynard. The City striker had every right to challenge but Hennessey is left holding his leg. After a quick spot of treatment he is able to resume.
36: Stearman clatters into Maynard and receives a yellow card. That's five bookings for Stearman, who will now miss Saturday's FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough.
44: Wolves win a corner which comes to nothing. But they keep up the pressure and..
45: GOAL: COLLINS 0-1. Kightly's ball into the box from the left holds up in the wind which causes all sorts of problems for City keeper Basso. He misses the ball and as it inches towards the goal-line Collins nips in to head home from point blank range.
45+1: Almost an immediate response as Maynard gets his head to Johnson's cross but it's wide.

HALF TIME: City 0-1 Wolves

46: Switch for City at half time as Styvar makes way for Adebola. Back under way.
49: City have started the second period brightly but Wolves also move forward with Kightly who advances from deep before firing a shot which is claimed comfortably by Basso.
50: The Robins immediately respond with Maynard hitting a shot wide of the target.
51:Sproule goes into the book for a late challenge on Hill.
52: Sproule almost immediately fouls Jarvis as well and is spoken to by referee Haywood. He's living dangerously and perhaps it's no surprise that City boss Gary Johnson immediately signals for former Wolves winger McIndoe to warm up.
54: GOAL: JARVIS 0-2. Wolves make it two from a superbly quickfire move. Kightly nips in to intercept a low Basso kick clear and threads through a perfect ball for Jarvis to slide a first-time shot beyond Basso and inside the far post.
56: It's almost three. Keogh and Kightly combine to set up Ebanks-Blake who holds off his defender before letting fly with a powerful shot which Basso tips around the post.
57: The rain is now swirling around Ashton Gate and the Wolves corner is cleared.
58: GOAL: ADEBOLA 1-2. And that save from Basso could prove crucial as City narrow the deficit. Adebola is sent clear by Maynard's pass and beats Hennessey with a powerful shot.
59: City make a substitution and it is McIndoe for Sproule.
60: The players are trying to defy the monsoon conditions and Wolves go close to restoring their two goal advantage. Ebanks-Blake's majestic back-heel sends Jarvis away and the winger goes it alone with a left foot shot which Basso turns behind. The City keeper isn't too convincing from the corner but City manage to clear.
67: Stearman has an Ivan Sproule moment as he kicks the ball away after being penalised. He's already been booked. But as with Sproule, it's just a final warning for the Wolves defender rather than anything more serious.
68: City mighty close to an equaliser. McIndoe whips in a corner which is met on the full by Orr whose volley flashes inches over.
69: The hosts continue to press and Adebola flashes a cross-cum-shot wide of the target.
72: The Wolves goal leads a charmed life as a free kick is thrown in. Collins produces two magnificent challenges to block efforts from Adebola and Fontaine and Hennessey is then able to gather Elliott's follow-up attempt.
73: And still the Robins press. Orr finds Maynard who turns inside and tries a curling right foot shot which is only marginally wide of Hennessey's far post.
75: It's like the Alamo in the Wolves defence now. A quickly taken corner finds Johnson who bursts into the box and hits a shot which
Stearman blocks in front of Hennessey.
76: Yet another Bristol City chance goes begging. Elliott's cross isn't cleared and Maynard smashes ball over.
77: Wolves enjoy a spot of respite as Foley swings over a cross which Keogh gets a slight touch to. The ball however only diverts wide
78: Double switch for Wolves as Vokes and Edwards come on for Ebanks-Blake and Jarvis.
80: Wolves have a goal disallowed but it looks a clear handball by Jones before he tucks the ball away.
81: Another Wolves attack with Edwards breaking down the left and sending in a low centre which Basso takes in front of Vokes.
83: Wolves have started to exert some pressure of their own and Edwards is played in by Keogh. It's a difficult chance at full stretch under pressure from two defenders and he can only succeed in poking the ball wide.
85: Final change for City as John comes off the bench for McAllister.
86: A long ball heads into the Wolves area and races all the way through for Hennessey who gathers with Maynard lurking.
87: GOAL. MAYNARD 2-2. Agony for Wolves as City level. Adebola is clear on the inside left and keeps calm before squaring for Maynard to convert.
90: They may still be time for more drama as City push forward.At the end of the move Carey fires wide.
90: Four minutes of injury time to follow.
90+2: Wolves make a late switch, Shackell for Hill.
90+4: Another nervous moment as Adebola threatens to get on the end of a through ball. Hennessey though is out quickly to smother.

FULL TIME: City 2-2 Wolves

Tues 13th Jan Birmingham City 0 Wolves 2 (Keogh 38 Vokes 51)  FA Cup 3rd round postponed from 3rd January (frozen pitch).

So, Wolves entered 2009 on top of the Championship ahead of Reading and Birmingham and with a match at the Blues’ St Andrews for the FA Cup third round.  The pundits forecast that whoever loses the match will win the Championship.  Blues supporters get in free, Wolves fans, of course, have to pay.

Dave Instone wrote in the Independent - please visit the Indepent site for photos and other up-to-date foorball news here - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/keogh-and-vokes-strike-to-drive-home-wolves-superiority-1334425.html  Howard Webb later admitted Blues should have had a penalty and said that his interception of Jaidi’s pass which led to Sammy Vokes goal was the worst moment of his football career - but it wouldn’t have been made with Keogh’s and Kights’ runs before Sammy’s goal.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, seven points ahead of Birmingham City in the Championship, held sway over them in this third-round tie and secured a home meeting with Middlesbrough on Saturday week.

Goals by their stand-in strikers Andy Keogh and Sam Vokes, firsts for both in over three months, saw Wolves through an assignment that became troublesome only in the last half-hour.  But they were helped by Howard Webb, the referee who ruled St Andrews unplayable 11 days ago. He rejected strong Birmingham penalty appeals in the first half and re-routed Radhi Jaidi's pass into Keogh's path in the build-up to Wolves' second goal.  "It was a great pass by Howard and just one of those nights," smiled Birmingham's manager Alex McLeish. "He's a superb referee but I believe he got it wrong with the penalty. It was a bad challenge." Both sides were under strength, with Kevin Phillips, Seb Larsson and James McFadden resting injuries and Wolves holding back Chris Iwelumo and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – scorers of more than 30 goals between them.  Birmingham's flurry of January signings came too late for this game, although Robin Shroot, captured from non-League football, made his debut. Much of the first half was played amid reduced visibility, caused by a fire outside the stadium. What the smoke couldn't do was mask Wolves' superiority and they, in a different sense, could have been out of sight.  Early on the visitor's George Friend was denied by a combination of Maik Taylor and a defender when looking likely to mark his second start with a goal, then David Edwards sent a 30-yarder dipping over. The lead the Championship leaders took in the 38th minute wasn't unexpected. Keogh made one of several dangerous runs in the middle and was free to drive in right-footed off Taylor's legs from Michael Kightly's clever through ball.  With Marcus Bent down nursing both an ankle injury and a grievance when denied a penalty for Richard Stearman's scything challenge, Wolves immediately broke back only for Vokes and Kightly to be denied on the line by Franck Queudrue and Liam Ridgewell. Bent didn't reappear and, after Taylor had scrambled behind Keogh's volley, Birmingham's problems intensified, Webb inadvertently setting Wolves moving from midfield, and Keogh and Kightly taking advantage by setting up Vokes for a close-range finish. The dissenting voices among the home support were at least quelled by Birmingham's spirited response. Lee Carsley drew a diving fingertip save from Wayne Hennessey before Cameron Jerome turned brilliantly to slam against the bar from outside the area and Shroot, clean through, was denied by the keeper's legs. "I thought it was a penalty but I'm very pleased with the performance," said Wolves' manager Mick McCarthy. "We deserved to win."

Birmingham City (4-4-2): Maik Taylor; Parnaby, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Queudrue; Agustien (Kelly, 82), Carsley, Quashie, Shroot; Jerome, Bent (Johnson, h-t). Substitutes not used: Doyle (gk), Martin Taylor, Sammons, McPike.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Hennessey; Edwards, Stearman, Collins, Ward; Kightly (Ebanks-Blake, 82), Henry, Jones, Friend; Vokes (Iwelumo, 78), Keogh. Substitutes not used: Ikeme (gk), Jarvis, Shackell, Potter, Hill.

Referee: H Webb (South Yorkshire)

Wolves report

Birmingham City 0  Wolves 2 (Keogh 38, Vokes 51)

Wolves booked a fourth round FA Cup meeting with Middlesbrough after a 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Birmingham City at St Andrew's. There were five changes to the Wolves starting line-up. Sam Vokes and Andy Keogh led the attack, George Friend played on the left of midfield with Dave Jones taking a central role and Wayne Hennessey returned in goal. Dave Edwards played at right-back.  Wolves defended the Railway End which was filled with almost 4,000 of their supporters.  And most of the early action was centred at that end of St Andrew's.  Stephen Ward had to boot the ball behind after Marcus Bent had headed on Cameron Jerome's centre.  Nigel Quashie's corner was cleared and when the midfielder hit a low cross a few moments later, Jerome completely missed the ball as he tried a shot on the turn.  Robin Shroot's angled shot hit Edwards and flew behind before, in the ninth minute, Friend won Wolves' first corner off Radhi Jaidi. Maik Taylor claimed Jones' flag-kick.  Franck Queudrue fouled Michael Kightly to the right of the City area. Jones' free-kick was headed back out to him and when he crossed back into the middle Taylor just beat Neill Collins to the ball and Keogh's follow-up shot was blocked by a defender.  Friend looked on for his first goal for the club when he took a pass from Kightly and cut inside his marker but Taylor blocked at point-blank range.  Richard Stearman hit a terrific 30-volley that dipped narrowly over the bar and shortly afterwards the defender was shown the yellow card for handling the ball during a City attack.  Hennessey pulled off a double handed diving save after Jerome had burst between two defenders and fired goalwards, and Taylor had to punch clear a Kightly cross as Vokes charged in.  But the keeper was beaten in the 38th minute when Keogh ran onto Kightly's short lobbed pass and drilled the ball underneath the diving Taylor.  Two minutes before the break Blues had justifiable penalty claims rejected by the referee after Stearman's challenge on Bent.   The Blues striker stayed down while play swung to the other end where Keogh fed Vokes whose shot was cleared of the line by Queudrue. The loose ball fell to Kightly and he too was denied by a goal-line clearance, this time by Liam Ridgewell.  Bent limped off when the ball finally went out of play as the home fans vented their fury on the referee.

Half-Time: Blues 0 Wolves 1

Within two minutes of the restart Taylor made a fine save to push away Keogh's drive after Vokes had laid the ball off for him.  But Wolves got a second goal on 51 minutes and once again the referee was the villain of the piece for the home team after Jaidi's pass hit him and bounced to Keogh. He quickly laid the ball to Kightly and his low cross was dispatched by Vokes from two-yards out.  Stearman needed treatment after Jerome's attempted overhead kick caught him in the face, and then Quashie went into the book for a late challenge on Jones.  Midway through the half Jerome rattled Hennessey's crossbar with a well struck shot on the turn from the edge of the area.  Chris Iwelumo was sent on in place of Vokes who received warm applause from the Wolves' fans as he trotted off and, after Jerome had shot over the bar from close range, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replaced Kightly.  Birmingham twice went close to reducing the arrears as the game neared its climax. Hennessey made a great save with his feet when Shroot looked odds on to score as he found himself unmarked near the penalty spot.  Then Keogh was in the right place at the right time to clear Jerome's shot off the line.  Just before the end Jaidi was shown the yellow card after he had upended Friend to the left of the City box.  
Blues: Maik Taylor, Queudrue, Jaidi, Parnaby, Ridgewell, Agustein (Kelly 83), Shroot, Carsley (capt), Quashie, Bent (Johnson 45), Jerome. Unused subs: Doyle, Martin Taylor, Salmon, McPike. Bookings: Quashie (59 - foul), Jaidi (87 - foul).
Wolves: Hennessey, Edwards, Ward, Henry (capt), Stearman, Collins, Kightly (Ebanks-Blake 82), Jones, Vokes (Iwelumo 77), Keogh, Friend.  Unused subs: Ikeme, Jarvis, Shackell, Potter, Hill. Booking: Stearman (21 - handling the ball).

Referee: H. Webb. Attendance: 22,232.

Saturday 10th January 2009 Wolves 1 (SEB 20) PNE 3 (Elliott 24, 61 St Leger 41)

A good crowd - 26,138 got what they didn’t deserve - an abysmal performance by PNE for 22 minutes and Wolves looked certain to stroll it.  Within five minutes, though, the two teams had swopped roles, and the hapless Steven Elliott, one of the worst strikers in recent memory for Wolves, finally scored at Molineux, but for his new team Preston.  He added a second later, but what had started so well when GK Lonergan gifted SEB a free shot at goal, turned into the worst 22 minutes this season.  An almost immediate response by PNE brought a brilliant save by Carl Ikeme in for the sick Hennessey.   Then Preston pushed on - not a good team by any means and their manager Alan Irvine said they played about the best they could.  And the second half wasn’t much better.  Only Stephen Ward did himself any credit, the odd flash from Dave Edwards, and awful defending which would have seen a team with Reading’s strikers grab a fistful of goals.  Actually Jason Shackell began to show the form he had in previous matches, but by then it was all over.    So the gap’s down to four points, 2 draws and a loss, is not the best way to start the run in.  Fortunately, the transfer window is open - but the best deals (SEB & Kights) were actually set up ages in advance - so it looks like a struggle.   Let’s hope Kevin Foley doesn’t miss any more games.  Steve Bruce was apparently here to watch Kights - fortunately he won’t have seen much to persuade him to splash out at the moment.

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