Premiership Season 2009-10      Aug 2009 Sept 2009 Oct 2009  Nov 2009 Dec 2009  Jan 2010 Feb 2010 Mar 2010 Apr 2010 May 2010 pre-season

Copyright © and Database Right The FA Premier League/The Scottish Premier League/The Football League/The Scottish Football League Limited 2007. All rights reserved. No part of the Fixtures Lists may be reproduced stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of Football DataCo Limited.   Reproduced under licence from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence no. FDCFAN11/12-118101

Sat 31 Oct Stoke City 2 Wolves 2

Stoke City 2 (Elokobi OG 17, Etherington 44)  Wolves 2 (Craddock 47, 64)

A game of two halves, and no obvious penalties turned down.  A good rescue which could have been more, but it looks like George Elokobi is heading for a period on the bench.  Meanwhile, former captain Craddock mounted a solo rescue effort, fresh from two matches with a bloodstained head as he returned to Stoke where Mick sent him on loan last season.

Seemingly dead and buried as Stoke went in 2-0 up at the break, Wolves bounced back to take a point at The Britannia Stadium thanks to a brace from central defender Jody Craddock.  Chris Iwelumo returned in place of Sylvan Ebanks-Blake for his first start since April as the only change to the Wolves starting line-up.

Michael Kightly's 20-yard drive was easily saved by Thomas Sorensen before a Matthew Etherington corner was pushed out by Wayne Hennessey with Kevin Doyle completing the clearance. Craddock was penalised for a challenge on Ricardo Fuller 25-yards out and when James Beattie's free-kick hit the wall appeals for handball against Dave Edwards were rejected. Wolves were close to taking a 14th minute lead when George Elokobi floated the ball into the City box. Christophe Berra and Sorensen both went up for and missed the ball which drifted just inches wide a of the post.  Fuller was well wide with a header following a Rory Delap throw before City moved into a 17th minute lead. Etherington ran half the length of the pitch before delivering a cross that Elokobi planted into his own net with Beattie breathing right down his neck.  It looked as if Fuller was going to make it two as he ran into the Wolves box but Berra managed to block and Etherington blasted the loose ball over the bar as he ran in from the left.  Segundo Castillo was way off target with a shot on the turn from 30-yards then Hennessey had to save Beattie's header at full stretch after the City striker had made contact with Ryan Shawcross's centre.  Kightly was booked for a clumsy challenge on Etherington and Edwards was also shown the yellow card, shortly afterwards, for not retreating at a free-kick.   In the 44th minute Stoke scored a second goal when Delap's long throw was headed out by Berra but only as far as Etherington on the 18-yard line. He chested the ball down and hit it on the volley into the roof of the net. In stoppage time Iwelumo nodded an Elokobi cross down to Doyle whose low shot was blocked in the crowded Stoke area.

Half-Time: Stoke 2 Wolves 0

Nenad Milijaš replaced Castillo at the start of the new half and the midfielder had an immediate impact as the deficit was reduced in the 47th minute.  Wolves were awarded a free-kick on the right and when Milijas floated the ball over it was flicked on by Berra for Cradock to run in at the far post and stab the ball high into the net. Wolves were awarded another free-kick from virtually the same position three minutes later. Again Milijaš sent over a teasing cross but this time Sorensen managed to hold on to the ball under his crossbar. Elokobi became the third Wolves player to go into the book after he had dragged back Etherington. The defender was replaced in the 59th minute by Richard Stearman. Wolves, who by now were looking a far more confident side than they had in the opening half, drew level in the 64th minute and again it was Craddock who was on the mark.  From a Milijaš corner Berra got in a header at the far post that was deflected onto the roof of the net (pictured on the Wolves site). From Milijaš's second flag kick Craddock ran in to meet the ball with a glancing header that went over his shoulder and flew into the net. In a ten minute spell Stoke used up all three of their substitutes with Mamady Sidibe, Tuncay and Liam Lawrence replacing Beattie, Fuller and Delap respectively whilst Mick McCarthy sent Stefan Maierhofer on for Iwelumo.  Faye wasted a glorious opportunity for The Potters when he had a free header from Etherington's corner but from eight-yards his effort went high over the bar.  Milijaš went close to snatching a late winner for the visitors after Ronald Zubar had flicked a pass to him. The Serb tried to pick his spot but his curling shot was wide of the far post.

Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Faye (capt), Collins, Delap (Lawrence 80), Whelan, Whitehead, Etherington, Beattie (Sidibe 71), Fuller (Tuncay 75).Unused subs: Simonsen, Higginbotham, Cort, Pugh.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Elokobi, Edwards, Craddock, Berra, Kightly, Henry (capt), Doyle, Iwelumo, Castillo.

Unused subs: Hahnemann, Ebanks-Blake, Halford, Jarvis. Bookings: Kightly (31 - foul), Edwards (39 - foul), Elokobi (54 - foul).

Referee: C. Foy.  Attendance: 27,500.

Goals :                  2     2
Possession :      51% 49%
Shots On Target : 5     7
Shots Off Target : 5     4
Corners :               4      3
Fouls :                 13    16
Most Fouls : Beattie (2) Doyle (3)
Yellow Cards :     0      3
Red Cards :          0       0
 
Scorers :
Elokobi 17 (og)                        
Etherington 44
                      Craddock 47
                      Craddock 64
90.00 +04.40 Foul by Stefan Maierhofer(Wolverhampton) on Ryan Shawcross(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
90.00 +01.30 Shot by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.
88.57 Tuncay Sanli(Stoke) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
88.13 Cross by Liam Lawrence(Stoke), resulting in open play.
87.40 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to far post, clearance by Stefan Maierhofer(Wolverhampton).
86.30 Shot by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) left-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.
85.56 Foul by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton) on Glenn Whelan(Stoke). Free kick crossed left-footed by Danny Collins(Stoke) from own half, save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
85.19 Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
85.10 Foul by Liam Lawrence(Stoke) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from left wing, resulting in open play.
83.33 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to centre, header by Abdoulaye Faye(Stoke) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
80.14 Cross by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play.
79.39 Stoke substitution: Rory Delap replaced by Liam Lawrence (tactical).
77.23 Foul by Ryan Shawcross(Stoke) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
77.07 Foul by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) on Andy Wilkinson(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
74.57 Foul by Rory Delap(Stoke) on Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. Stoke substitution: Ricardo Fuller replaced by Tuncay Sanli (tactical).
73.40 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Mamady Sidibe(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Abdoulaye Faye(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
73.07 Shot by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Dean Whitehead(Stoke).
72.10 Wolverhampton substitution: Chris Iwelumo replaced by Stefan Maierhofer (tactical).
70.15 Stoke substitution: James Beattie replaced by Mamady Sidibe (tactical). Defending throw-in by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
69.59 Cross by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton), resulting in open play.
69.50 Foul by James Beattie(Stoke) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed.
68.13 Foul by Ricardo Fuller(Stoke) on Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
67.09 Cross by Rory Delap(Stoke), resulting in open play.
64.59 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) to far post, header by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), resulting in open play. Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) to near post, defending throw-in by Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton).Headed goal by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) (top-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Stoke 2-2 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from right by-line.
61.58 Cross by Ryan Shawcross(Stoke), shot by James Beattie(Stoke) left-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right.
60.50 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Abdoulaye Faye(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
58.10 Wolverhampton substitution: George Elokobi replaced by Richard Stearman (tactical).
55.50 Cross by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton), comfortable save (caught) by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke).
54.12 Ryan Shawcross(Stoke) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
53.46 Foul by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) on Matthew Etherington(Stoke). George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Abdoulaye Faye(Stoke) from right channel, resulting in open play.
50.40 Cross by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke), resulting in open play.
49.18 Foul by Dean Whitehead(Stoke) on Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton). Free kick curled left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke).
47.44 Foul by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) on Rory Delap(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Shawcross(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
47.11 Foul by Danny Collins(Stoke) on Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Nenad Milijas(Wolverhampton) from right channel, goal by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) right-footed (high centre of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Stoke 2-1 Wolverhampton. Assist (header) by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area.
45.10 Wolverhampton substitution: Segundo Castillo replaced by Nenad Milijas (tactical).
45.00 +02.34 Shot by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) volleyed right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Ryan Shawcross(Stoke).
44.34 Foul by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) on Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed.
43.11 Goal by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) volleyed left-footed (top-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (18 yards).Stoke 2-0 Wolverhampton.
41.56 Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
38.58 Foul by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) on Abdoulaye Faye(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play. David Edwards(Wolverhampton) booked for dissent.
38.07 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Thomas Sorensen(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
37.28 Handball by Ricardo Fuller(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
34.07 Foul by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) on Matthew Etherington(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Danny Collins(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play. Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour.
33.09 Foul by James Beattie(Stoke) on Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
32.49 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Dean Whitehead(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
32.25 Shot by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Ryan Shawcross(Stoke).
31.48 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Glenn Whelan(Stoke) to far post, header by Abdoulaye Faye(Stoke) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
29.55 Cross by Rory Delap(Stoke), header by James Beattie(Stoke) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (punched) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
28.10 Shot by Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right.
26.20 Shot by James Beattie(Stoke) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
25.34 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Andy Wilkinson(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke) from own half, resulting in open play.
23.23 Foul by Kevin Doyle(Wolverhampton) on Ryan Shawcross(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Ryan Shawcross(Stoke) from own half, passed.
17.42 Own goal by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) left-footed (top-right of goal) from own half (6 yards).Stoke 1-0 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) from left wing.
16.06 Header by Ricardo Fuller(Stoke) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.
14.22 Foul by Ricardo Fuller(Stoke) on Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
13.28 Cross by Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play.
13.06 Foul by Glenn Whelan(Stoke) on David Edwards(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed.
11.24 Shot by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar.
10.33 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Ricardo Fuller(Stoke). Free kick taken right-footed by James Beattie(Stoke) from right channel (30 yards), blocked by Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton).
08.55 Foul by Glenn Whelan(Stoke) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Segundo Castillo(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed.
07.37 Foul by George Elokobi(Wolverhampton) on James Beattie(Stoke). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Dean Whitehead(Stoke) from own half, passed.
06.17 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in open play.
06.10 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Ricardo Fuller(Stoke). Free kick crossed right-footed by Glenn Whelan(Stoke) from right channel, save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
04.16 Foul by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) on Ronald Zubar(Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
03.47 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Matthew Etherington(Stoke) to far post, header by Danny Collins(Stoke) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (punched) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton).
01.58 Shot by Michael Kightly(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Thomas Sorensen(Stoke).
01.32 Cross by David Edwards(Wolverhampton), clearance by Andy Wilkinson(Stoke).
00.09 Attacking throw-in by Danny Collins(Stoke).

Sat 24 Oct Wolves 1 Aston Villa 1 (early kick off on Sky) ref Walton is the real Villa(i)n

Ref Walton's the real Villan of the piece as another penalty decision goes away.  "John-boy, are you asleep - no" but Peter is, and the two linos are really awful - missed just about everything.  Not often you get a chorus of "you're not fit to run the line..."
Excellent Wolves battling, and Villa reeling for the last 10 minutes as Mick gets adventurous.   Karl Henry by miles man of the match, but the centre halves have a torrid time, and Craddock totally missed Agbonlahor for the Villa goal.   SEB gets his first premier goal, and the return of Chris Iwelumo are the highlights of a match where striker Kevin Doyle makes the headlines for not diving - Dunn should have had his marching orders in the 3rd minute - where was the lino?

Wolves 1 (Ebanks-Blake-pen 83) Aston Villa 1 (Agbonlahor 79)

A Sylvan Ebanks-Blake penalty in the 83rd minute of a tightly contested derby game with Aston Villa gave Wolves a point shortly after Gabriel Agbonlahor had given the visitors the lead.  Mick McCarthy made just one change to the starting line up with Segundo Castillo coming in to replace Greg Halford who was named as a substitute.

Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and they could have been one down after just 40 seconds as Agbonlahor ran onto a long ball. But, with only Wayne Hennessey to beat, he side-footed tamely allowing the keeper to save.
Then the penalty woes for the home side continued as once again Wolves were denied a blatant penalty. Kevin Doyle was clearly held by Richard Dunne as he raced into the area and then contact appeared to be made as Doyle tried to get a shot in.  With the referee waving aside vehement appeals, Dave Edwards ran in and his shot was deflected behind by Brad Friedel's foot.   Kightly's corner was the first of three he took in the opening minutes but all were cleared.  In the 13th minute Christophe Berra was a yard wide with a glancing header after Karl Henry had supplied the centre, and Friedel claimed a Kightly free-kick after Edwards had been fouled by Stephen Warnock to the right of the Villa area.  There was a moment of danger for the home defence when Agbonlahor broke into the left of the Wanderers box but his low cross went behind Steve Sidwell who had raced in at the near post. On the half-hour mark Ashley Young's overhit corner went behind on the far side but the grounded Hennessey was accidentally caught by Dunne who was stumbling backwards. The keeper had a cut on his eyelid but was able to continue after receiving attention.  Some tenacious work by Henry opened up the way for Ebanks-Blake to get in a shot that was deflected behind. Kightly's corner hit Doyle's back and bounced toward goal but James Milner was there to clear off the line.  Ebanks-Blake was too high with a close range overhead kick after Berra had nodded on a Kightly corner, and then the striker fired into the side netting from the edge of the box with Friedel at the post watching all the way.  Just before the break Hennessey did well to pluck a driven cross from Warnock out of the air.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Villa 0

Almost straight from the restart there was a good chance for Villa but the unmarked Sidwell failed to get any power behind his header which was cleared. A good tackle by Jody Craddock prevented Carew from having a clear path to goal and when the Villa man regained possession he attempted an angled shot that went out for a throw in nearer the home dugout than the corner flag. Young was a mile off target with an attempted lob before Carew went into the book after a late tackle on Ronald Zubar who was in the process of clearing the ball. Warnock also saw yellow, for dissent after one of the linesmen had drawn the attention of the referee, and then Zubar was cautioned for an untidy challenge on Young. Young drove narrowly wide from 20-yards after he had been fed by Agbonlahor and Dunne then got into the way of a goalbound shot from team-mate Sidwell. With 15 minutes remaining Nenad Milijaš replaced Edwards. But the midfielder had only been on the field for four minutes when Villa took the lead which was set up by one of their own substitutes.  Emile Heskey, on for Carew, slotted a short pass to Agbonlahor who controlled before spinning round and shooting low into the net.  But it took Wolves just four minutes to get back on level terms and, to the surprise of all the home supporters given some of the decisions they have had to endure this season, it was from the spot.  Sidwell tripped Kightly and Ebanks-Blake scored his first of the campaign and his first in Premier League as he lashed the ball into the roof of the net.  In the 86th minute Halford and Chris Iwelumo were sent on for Kightly and Ebanks-Blake respectively.  Halford's long throws and two Milijaš corners tested the Villa defence in the four minutes of added time as Wolves finished the game strongly. But, at the end, the points were divided.

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Elokobi, Edwards (Milijaš 76) , Craddock, Berra, Kightly (Halford 86), Henry (capt), Doyle, Ebanks-Blake (Iwelumo 86), Castillo.  Unused subs: Stearman, Keogh, Hahnemann, Jarvis. Booking: Zubar (61 - foul).

Villa: Friedel, Sidwell, Dunne, Young, Milner, Carew (Heskey 71, Agbonlahor, Petrov (capt), Cuellar, Warnock, Collins. Unused subs: Young, Delph, Reo-Coker, Guzan, Gardner, Clark. Bookings: Carew (56 - foul), Warnock (60 - dissent).

Referee: P.Walton. Attendance: 28,734.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:
"We deserved something out of it, that's for sure. The first penalty should one was an absolute stonewaller on Doyle.  "Surely being honest shouldn't prejudice you from getting a penalty. It's a penalty, he has to give the decision. Obviously he didn't think it was or he would have given it.  "Doyle's done everything right, you've got to rely on the officials to give the decision.  "Barely any of our players have played in the Premier League before but they're growing up, learning and doing better. Our performances are getting better and that was a good result." 

Mick also said that's six points we've lost through penalty decisions.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:
"It probably is a fair result. Wolves were the better team in the first half - we didn't play well at all and couldn't get hold of ball like we did against Chelsea. "We improved pretty well in the second half and I thought we might see that one through. "But it was a battle. We were never able to get it down and play. It was a slog but at least we're unbeaten which helps move the scoreboard along."

As it happened - from the Mail  http://dailymail.touch-line.com/?matchid=413700
FT Final whistle brings an end to a breathless last ten minutes in an otherwise tense and frustrating encounter. Gabby Agbonlahor's strike looked to have claimed the three points but Steve Sidwell's critically misjudged challenge on Michael Kightly minutes later set up Ebanks-Blake's leveller from the spot to push Wolves one push up to 15th in what was a deserved point for both sides. Our thanks indeed for joining us and be sure to stay tuned for all the post-match analysis here on Sportsmail Online, where you can also keep tabs with all the action as it happens from the 3pm Premier League kick-offs. Good afternoon.
90+3 Villa's backs are firmly against the wall now but the ball just isn't falling in the right spaces for Wolves. The visitors struggle to clear their lines but they look on course to survive.
90+2 Greg Halford, making his 250th league appearance, has served up a couple of Rory Delap-esque long-throws forcing Villa on the back-foot and the home side look the likelier to snatch a dramatic winner.
89 Four minutes of added time, plenty for someone to nick a winner, surely?
88 Real urgency from both sides in the closing minutes and Wolves have to stand up to persistent Villa pressure inside their own half with Zubar shutting down Young's target-bound drive.
86 Both sides going hammer and tongs to secure a winner now. The briefly silenced Molineux majority now fervently willing their side to a famous victory. McCarthy makes a double substitution with Greg Halford replacing Michael Kightly and Chris Iwelumo sent on in place of Ebanks-Blake, who receives a standing ovation.
83 Straight down the middle, a thunderous drive sends Friedel the wrong way as Ebanks-Blake celebrates his first-ever goal in the Premier League. At last, this game has sprung into life.
82 PENALTY! Wolves are awarded a vital lifeline as Steve Sidwell crashes into Michale Kightly. No complaints from Villa. It was an absolute (Shay) given.
79 Have Aston Villa stole a Midlands derby again? Gabby Agbonlahor's sixth of the season would certainly suggest so after the striker completes a fine passage of play between Milner and Heskey to slide his shot from eight yards beyond Hennessey. Cruel on Wolves, whose search for a clean sheet continues.
75 Agbonlahor breaks on the left to win a corner from Hennessey's fingertips, forced to go it alone from an acute angle after Heskey failed to offer an option. The keeper fumbles the resulting delivery but Sidwell's shot is blocked by his own player Dunne to rescue Wolves.
74 Mick McCarthy brings on Serbian midfielder Milijas in place of David Edwards, who can be satisfied with his efforts today.
71 O'Neill rolls the first throw of the dice, signaling an to John Carew's wretched afternoon with Heskey brought on in attack.
69 Carew gets a flick-on from Milner's throw but Craddock nods clear, opening open his head wound as blood stains his bandage. Shades of Butcher!
68 Finally some activity on the sidelines. Iwelumo gets his pads on and it appears he'll be coming on for his Premier League debut.
66 A scrappy series of exchanges between the sides over the last five minutes typifies this game so far. Plenty of determination but little in terms of creativity. Too many long-balls spoiling some neat passing and ultimately costing both sides from challenging the two untested 'keepers.
64 A brave header from Collins under the high boot of Ebanks-Blake finds its way through to Agbonlahor who plays in Young. The winger fails to hit the target but it was much more threatening. No goals yet no sign of any changes from the bench.
60 Ronald Zubar lands himself into the book of Walton for unsporting behaviour after sending Ashley Young down. Needless. He'll have to be careful now.
59 A strange stoppage in play becomes clear after the assistant calls referee Walton across to complain about Warnock's dissent. The full-back is relentless in his protest about the previous corner and is booked.
56 Pinball stuff in the Villa box after Wolves are gifted a fortuitous corner, Edwards profiting from a tussle with Warnock despite the ball coming off of the midfielder. Villa clear their lines and we're still very much goalless.
54 Carew is cautioned for a typical striker's lunge which sends Zubar crashing to the deck. Nothing sinister but deserved a yellow.
53 Much better from the visitors, frustrating the hosts with the lions share of possession. But the impressive Elokobi, a beast of man, brilliantly blocks of Agbonlahor's run from the right.
50 Villa are really struggling in the finishing department today. Petrov expertly dispossess Edward in the centre circle, feeding Ashley Young with a glorious one-on-one opportunity. But winger swerves his shot well wide. O'Neill won't be happy and will be considering changes at this rate.
47 Like the sun, Villa start this second half brightly. A mazy dribble from Carew is poorly concluded by an awful effort way off target. In fact, I'm not entirely sure whether it can be described as a shot.
46 The teams are back out and the sun is shining bright now - Friedel asks for a cap. He certainly needs it. What a difference an interval makes... now, let's cross our fingers for some goals!
45HTWolves piled on some late pressure but both sides go into the interval all-square. Wolves will debate Walton's decision not to award Doyle a penalty after three minutes while Villa will hope for a considerable improvement after an uninspiring first half display.
45Two minutes added time to play and Villa switch their tactics to five across the middle of the park with Agbonlahor dropping onto the right-flank with Milner dropping just inside.
44Great hands from Hennessey to claim a fizzing cross from Warnock, who linked-well with Young. Villa must do that more often.
42Walton punishes Sidwell for handball and Kightly finds an unmarked Ebanks-Blake from his delivery but the striker, yet to score this season, directs his header into the side-netting.
40Terrible floating free-kick from Warnock with all the Villa big guns going forward wasted. The full-back whips over a poor effort that hangs up nicely for Hennessey, who will take those all day.
38Villa dangerously counter but again they lack the cutting edge to test the Wolves defence who handle the threat with relative ease.
37Corner for Woves, who benefit from Warnock's slip and Doyle plays it off Dunne. Ebanks-Blake breaks free from Collins but his acrobatic effort sails just over.
34 Ooh! Wolves are unlucky not to go 1-0 up as Doyle's unorthodox header (well, off his shoulder really) from a corner is cleared off the line by Milner. Villa still yet to concede a headed goal this season.
33 The wet surface is definitely playing havoc with the players, with Ebanks-Blake falling down after moving into open space.
30 Villa gain a corner and Walton has to intervene between a bit of jostling between Carew and George Elokobi. Given the size of the pair, that takes a brave man, indeed. Hennessey flaps at the resulting cross but goes down sporting a wound just above the eye. He should be fine to carry on but Hahnemann warms up as a precaution.
26 It may be a dreary afternoon but this wonderful atmosphere is certainly brightening up the proceedings. Villa, meanwhile, make good movement on goal but Carew misses Young's low-delivery from six-yards.
24 Another clash between Warnock and Doyle leaves the Villa full-back clutching his eye but Wolves are awarded the foul, again in a decent position from 25-yard out. Again the visitors snuff out the danger.
22 This time Villa have a fair claim for a penalty as the head-banded Craddock grabs hold of Carew's jersey to bring down the towering forward. To be fair to Walton, it was a difficult one to spot. But in the laws of the game it should be given.
20 Some of these players may want to swap their boots for firm studs at half-time, certainly Petrov. The Villa captain tumbles on the rain-soaked surface, opening space for Castillo to send a drive on goal which is superbly matched by Collins. That man would tackle a bus!
17 Villa slowly starting to settle into this affair after a Wolves-dominated first 15. Steve Sidwell crashes a shot well over the bar from distance.
15 Clumsy cynical challenge on Doyle just outside the Villa box by Warnock presents an opportune free-kick for the hosts. But Kightly disappointingly sweeps it into Friedel's direction.
11 The rain is lashing down at Molineux, playing a role in Agbonlahor's slip inside the area and tempting plenty of fiesty sliding tackles. It all makes for a great derby atmosphere.
09 Another corner for the hosts - the fourth already - but the American keeper comfortably deals with the inswinging ball.
08 End-to-end stuff early on and an excellent interchange between Wolves strike-pair Ebanks Blake and Doyle wins a corner but deserved more.
05 Looking at that Dunne-Doyle incident, for me, it's a definite penalty. But Walton is well behind the play and little wonder why he didn't spot the defender pulling down his compatriot. Lucky escape for Villa.
03 hat an eventful start here and a valid penalty claim from Kevin Doyle. Richard Dunne fails to deal with a looping through-ball and appears to pull the striker down inside the area. I've seen those given but to the bewilderment of the home faithful, referee Peter Walton isn't having none of it.
02 And that goal-kick creates the first opening and Gabby Agbonlahor really should have done better. The long-ball totally evaded the Wolves midfield and defence and with a clean sight on goal, the striker hits a tame shot straight at Hennessey.
01 Wolves get us underway and Brad Friedel is immediately thrown into action... with a goal-kick.
 - 'Hi-ho Wolverhampton' rings around Molineux and the home faithful are seemingly up for this one, as their players gather in a last-dash huddle to conjure some inspiration before kick-off.
 -Wolves, a point off of the danger zone in 16th, have been more potent in attack with Reading recruit Kevin Doyle leading the way. The Irish striker, signed by McCarthy in the summer, has scored three goals in the club's last four outings. If he manages a fourth today, don;t expect it to come in the first 45 - Wolves have only managed two goals going into the break so far this season.
 -Much has been made of Villa's watertight back four. They've leaked just seven goals in eight games, owed largely to the excellent form of summer arrivals Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock. And how Mick McCarthy's men would hope to emulate them. Without a win since their 2-1 victory over Fulham last month, Wolves haven't kept a clean sheet in seven league games.
 -So Villa can potentially move above Tottenham into third place, well, for a few hours at least should they secure the three points on offer. And with their record in the fixture, most Villa fans are confident that this one is already in the bag. Unbeaten against Wolves in 29 years, few could blame them. O'Neill remains cautious, however, insisting their newly-promoted opponents will not make it easy.
 -After their impressive comeback against Chelsea last weekend, Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa remain unchanged for only the second time this season in the Premier League, with no room in the starting XI for England striker Emile Heskey. Midfielder Segundo Castillo is restored to the starting line-up in place of substitute Greg Halford, who is one game shy from 250 league appearances. But one man who will be pleased to be on the bench today at Molineux is Scotland international Chris Iwelumo, available for the hosts for the first time this term after recovering from a broken metatarsal.
 -Good afternoon and a warm welcome to Sportsmail's live minute-by-minute coverage from Molineux between two major Midlands rivals. Here are today's teams: WOLVES: Hennessey, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Elokobi, Edwards, Henry, Castillo, Kightly, Ebanks-Blake, Doyle. Subs: Hahnemann, Stearman, Keogh, Halford, Jarvis, Iwelumo, Milijas. ASTON VILLA: Friedel, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Milner, Petrov, Sidwell, Ashley Young, Carew, Agbonlahor. Subs: Guzan, Luke Young, Delph, Heskey, Reo-Coker, Gardner, Clark. Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)

Sat 17 Oct Everton 1 Wolves 1

Bumbling ref does it again - phantom goal expert Stuart Attwell fails to send off Everton goalie in spite of a blow to the Hof's head... and instead books the Hof and sends him off.  Is he ready for schoolboy football yet, let alone the PL?  Ha ha - how do the toffees miss Joleon Lescott. Meanwhile, the Wolves Player/Beacon Radio Service hit a new low by starting 2 minutes before the match, turning off after half an hour, playing a load of meaningless adverts (including, repeatedly one about not importing dairy products), a snatch of the Baggies, 15 minutes silence, and rejoined just in time for the second half.  Cut off dead at 5:01 with no post match show.

Everton 1 (Bilyaletdinov 88) (Chris Kamara can't pronounce this) Wolves 1 (Doyle 76)
For match pix go to the Wolves site here http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10307,00.html
It was so near and yet so far for Wolves who took a point from the trip to Goodison Park with only a late strike from Everton's £9 million Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov denying the Molineux men a victory few would have expected.  The game ended in controversy after substitute Stefen Maierhofer was given a second yellow card after a clash with home keeper Tim Howard who was lucky only to be booked after he struck the Austrian on the back of the head right in front of the referee.
Mick McCarthy made four changes to the starting line-up. Ronald Zubar came in for Kevin Foley at right-back, Jody Craddock returned to central defence for Michael Mancienne, Michael Kightly made his first start of the campaign in place of Matt Jarvis and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was up front in the place of Andy Keogh. 

After some initial sparring the first corner of the game went Wolves' way but Kightly's kick was cleared. Moments later, a long throw from Greg Halford had the home defence in trouble. Christophe Berra got a head to the ball and when Ebanks-Blake touched it back to him he hooked a shot goalwards only for Slyvain Distin to block. Another Halford throw was headed out only as far as Dave Edwards whose shot was deflected behind for the first of two consecutive corners which were both taken by Kightly. From the second Craddock and Joseph Yobo collided and the Molineux club captain had to leave the field for attention to a cut head. In his absence a long ball from defence broke off Louis Saha into the path of Tim Cahill who fired over the bar from the edge of the area.
With 18 minutes gone George Elokobi headed a Distin centre behind in a nick of time as Leon Osman ran in unchecked. From Blyaletdinov's corner Saha was inches over the bar with a powerful near post header. Craddock returned to the fray after seven minutes treatment with his head heavily bandaged. And it was Craddock that pumped a long ball to the edge of the home area where Ebanks-Blake nodded down for Kevin Doyle who quickly turned and delivered a shot that Howard saved at full stretch. Kightly went into the book after he used his hands to trip Leighton Baines on the left of the halfway line.  Wolves almost broke through six minutes before the break when Halford headed Craddock's free-kick into the box to Doyle whose shot hit Ebanks-Blake and bounced wide.  Then Everton had a chance when Saha beat the offside trap and raced through on goal. But Craddock and Berra race but to orchestrate a fine piece of recovery work.  In the 42nd minute Zubar fired in a low cross that Doyle allowed to run through to Ebanks-Blake who was a foot wide with a first time shot.

Half-Time: Everton 0 Wolves 0

Yakubu replaced Tony Hibbert for Everton at the start of the second-half. Just 26 seconds after the resumption Wayne Hennessey had to palm over a Saha header following a short cross from Baines. In the 56th minute Hennessey did well to block from Bilyaletdinov and Karl Henry then threw himself in the way of John Heitinga's follow up with Zubar heading behind to ease the pressure.  Some neat interplay between Edwards and Doyle opened up the chance for Jarvis - a 58th minute substitute for Kightly - to cross, but Baines' cleared the winger's low centre. Hennessey got both hands to a curling effort from Saha, and then Howard got his fingertips to Ebanks-Blake's shot on the turn after Henry had headed on Halford's throw.  Yakubu shot wide of the far post from a good position shortly before Segundo Castillo was sent on in place of Halford.  Edwards was booked for a foul on Baines similar to the one committed by Kightly on the Everton defender before the break, before David Moyes made a second change replacing Saha with Jo.  With 76 minutes gone Wolves shocked the home fans into silence when they took the lead through Doyle. The Irish striker found himself in oceans of space as he controlled a Hennessey clearance and he kept his cool before slotting the ball past Howard.
Marouane Fellaini became the third Everton change when he replaced Osman and then, after Craddock had blocked a Yakubu shot, Maierhofer was sent on for Ebanks-Blake.  Maierhofer was soon shown the yellow card after an untidy challenge on Cahill. Everton's late pressure paid off when Bilyaletdinov met Jo's low cross and finished with a clinical shot into the corner of the net.  In the four minutes of stoppage time Howard made a point blank one handed save to deny Doyle a second goal before the American keeper cuffed Maierhofer on the back of the head after the Wolves man had attempted to stop him making a quick clearance.  Maierhofer was shown a second yellow and then the red and with everyone expecting the same punishment for Howard, the keeper was only booked. Though it wouldn't have changed the result as only seconds remained, it was a bizarre decision given the rules of the game.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Yakubu 45), Baines, Yobo (capt), Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov, Saha (Jo 73), Distin, Cahill, Osman (Fellaini 77), Rodwell.  Unused subs: Nash, Gosling, Neill, Coleman.  Booking: Howards (90 - ungentlemanly conduct)

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Elokobi, Edwards, Craddock, Berra, Kightly (Jarvis 58), Henry (capt), Doyle, Ebanks-Blake (Maierhofer 79), Halford.  Unused subs: Hahnemann, Stearman, Keogh, Milijaš.  Bookings: Kightly (29 - foul), Edwards (69 - foul), Maierhofer (85 - foul and 90 - ungentlemanly conduct).  Sending-Off: Maierhofer (90 - second bookable offence).

Referee: S. Attwell. Attendance: 39,319.


As it happened http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~1828905,00.html

EVERTON: Howard, Yobo, Baines, Heitinga, Hibbert, Distin, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov, Osman, Cahill, Saha. SUBS: Nash, Jo. Gosling, Yakubu, Neill, Fellaini, Coleman.

WOLVES: Hennessey, Halford, Craddock, Berra, Zubar, Elokobi, Kightly, Henry, Edwards, Doyle, Ebanks-Blake. SUBS: Hahnemann, Stearman, Milijaš, Castillo, Jarvis, Maierhofer, Keogh.

0: Ten minutes to kick off.  Looks like Zubar could be coming in at right back with Halford playing on the left of midfield and Kightly on the right. Of the changes Mancienne is believed to be unavailable due to illness.
0: Players are out, the handshakes are over and it's nearly time. Today is Everton's day to mark the Kick It Out campaign against racism with various different events taking place.  Wolves's designated fixture is next week against Aston Villa.
3: Early scare for Wolves as Heitinga clatters into Berra. The Wolves defender is able to resume after treatment.  "One Joleon Lescott" sing the Wolves fans. No response from the Everton contingent! Sellout following of 3,000 for Wolves today.
7: Quiet-ish opening but Everton break with Osman releasing Hibbert down the right and the full back's cross taken by Hennessey.
8: Bit of good-natured banter between managers McCarthy and Moyes as the Everton man nips into the Wolves technical area to retrieve the ball. Not much room to move down there!
9: Wolves win a corner as Ebanks-Blake tries to get on the end of a ball into the box but it's headed out and Osman completes the clearance.
10: Promising stuff for Wolves from another attack as the ball drops to Berra. He catches it well but it's blocked at close range. Edwards then goes into a challenge with Heitinga but from the loose ball Berra fouls the Everton man.
13: Another corner for Wolves who are shading things in terms of territory. Halford flicks on and Berra wins a looping header but it's away by Distin.  Craddock then goes into an aerial challenge with Yobo and it's a clash of heads. The Wolves man heads straight down the tunnel with a cut.
16: Mighty close for the home side.  Distin's long ball is slightly miscontrolled by Saha but it drops perfectly for Cahill on the edge of the box.  For once the Australian's sights aren't set and he fires over with only Hennessey to beat.
17: Everton's tails up now and Bilyaetdinov (from now on we'll call him Billy!) sends over a great cross to the back post which Elokobi heads out well for a corner under pressure from Osman.  Billy then sends in the corner which is met powerfully by Saha but his header is just over.
20: Wolves were forced into a reshuffle with Craddock gone off for stitches but seven minutes later he returns.  Elokobi, who had moved into the centre, goes back out to left back. Craddock sporting a major bandage on his head.
28: A long throw comes in from Halford which causes a problem but Everton do manage to get it clear.
29: Wolves keep up the pressure and produce their best opportunity so far. Henry wins a challenge and the ball drops to Doyle who turns on a sixpence and fires in a curling left foot drive which Howard palms away in the Everton goal.
30: Best chance quickly followed by the first booking.  Kightly is shown yellow for pulling down Baines.
32: Everton respond with a good run from Rodwell and hanging cross which Hennessey touches away.  Home crowd trying to get their team going.
33: Wolves back on the attack with a good run from Edwards but after cutting inside the telepathy with Doyle isn't quite there as his pass goes astray.
38: Saha threatens with a dribble on the edge of the area but Berra in with the challenge and Craddock keeps calm to come away with the ball and clear.
39: Another good chance for Wolves.  Doyle meets Halford's header from Craddock's long free kick and while he miscues his shot it's straight at Ebanks-Blake who can only use his instincts to try and divert the ball goalwards. It's wide.
40: Back to Everton as Saha beats the offside trap.  Looks off on the replays. In any case Berra recovered well with a superb challenge and Hennessey takes well from Hibbert's subsequent cross.
42: So close for Wolves. Zubar makes good tracks down the right and sends in a clever low ball. Doyle takes the dummy and Ebanks-Blake on the turn is only inches away with a low shot.
45: Zubar's certainly not short of confidence. Takes a step in from the right and fires a left foot shot over the bar from distance. Smiles from Mick McCarthy on the touchline.
45: Two minutes of injury time to follow.
45+2: It's Wolves knocking the ball around as half time approaches but as they lose it Berra comes in to foul Saha. Half time whistle blows to boos from the Everton fans.

HALF TIME: EVERTON 0-0 WOLVES

46: Half time change for Everton with Yakubu on for Hibbert.  Heitinga moves from midfield to right back and Cahill back into the midfield.
46: And a chance for Everton within 25 seconds.  Well-worked move finishes with Baines cross which is headed down into the ground by Saha but flies up forcing Hennessey to tip over.  Corner is cleared and from a difficult half volleyed chance Osman fires over.
52: Yakubu trying to bring Everton to life and finds Heitinga on the right. First time cross is more than decent byt Berra is there to clear.
53: Wolves win a corner at the other end through Ebanks-Blake. Kightly's drilled flag kick is heading for Doyle but Cahill in with a clearing header.
57: Great save from Hennessey. Billy was found in space clean through on the right but the Wolves keeper is out well to block from the one-on-one.  Henry blocks the follow-up shot from Heitinga and when a cross comes over it's Zubar well placed to head away.
58: First change for Wolves with Kightly's comeback at an end and Jarvis on in his place.  Halford moves over to the right with Jarvis in his customary left wing position.
60: Everton close again as they grasp the initiative. Berra seems to hit the ball against his face as he clears and it's out for a corner.  But it's cleared and Wolves now break with Doyle finding Jarvis but his centre is cut out by Distin.
61: Still Everton trying to turn the screw as Saha finds space on the edge of the area, turning onto his right foot and trying a curling shot which Hennessey turns behind well.
64: And now Wolves go close!  Halford's long throw headed clear but Henry heads back into the danger zone and Ebanks-Blake's first-time shot is inches wide.  Must have taken a deflection from either a defender or indeed Howard because Wolves win a corner which is cleared.
65: Everton again!  Yakubu played in down the inside left channel and fires a powerful shot across goal but inches wide.  Real end-to-end stuff now.
66: Change for Wolves with Castillo on for Halford. Warm applause for Castillo from the Everton fans after his spell on loan there last season.
69: Second booking for Wolves as Edwards brings down Baines.
71: Almighty scramble in the Wolves area. Saha trying to weave some magic outside the box.  Zubar in strongly in the back of him but referee plays good advantage as the ball goes through to Yakubu.  The Everton striker tries to find space but Berra in with a great challenge.
73: Another change for Everton with Jo on for Saha.
74: Heitinga tries his luck from distance for Everton but it's wide.
76: Another Everton attack with Jo and Yakubu combining and the ball drops to Cahill who fires over.
76: GOAL: DOYLE. Wolves in front from the restart.  Ball goes through and it's Doyle left one-on-one with Howard. The Wolves man makes no mistake with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
77: Everton respond with their final change, Fellaini for Osman.
79: Cahill in for Everton down the left but Craddock across again with a great challenge.
79: Wolves now make their final change with Maierhofer on for Ebanks-Blake.
81: Fellaini puts in a good cross but Zubar across again to clear the danger.
84: Everton now understandably throwing everything forward but Wolves break through Maierhofer.  His shot is deflected and then he fouls Cahill.  The Australian reacts by pulling his leg, quite literally.  Booking for the Wolves man.
88: GOAL: BILYALETDINOV. Agonising stuff as Everton level.  Jo gets to the byline and pulls the ball back where Billy makes no mistake at the back post with a composed finish.
90: Four minutes of injury time to follow.  Everton fans getting right behind their team. Can Wolves hang on?
90+2: Incredible stuff as it's Wolves who break with Doyle down the inside left channel. Howard makes a great save.
90+3: Maierhofer sent off after blocking Howard taking a goal kick. Second yellow and a red for the striker. Howard meanwhile is booked for what appeared to be a push to the head of Maierhofer after the incident.
90+4: With seconds remaining free kick for Everton in a dangerous position. Baines lets fly but it's just wide.

FULL TIME: EVERTON 1-1 WOLVES
 

Sat 3rd Oct Wolves 0 Portsmouth 1 (Yebda 19)

At least Mick had the nous to take the "off the pace" Keogh off at half time.  While DOyler worked hard, Keog couldn't even be bothered to run for his hard hit cross and ended up two yards short.  While SEB still looks off the pace, match time not bench time will improve this.  So Wolves jus huffed and puffed and didn't challenge the Portsmouth goal in the first half.  Not only that they yielded the initiative to a Pompey side badly in need of a win - and prepared to play well to get that win, which was well deserved.  Once again Mancienne was caught out for their headed goal.  Foley also looked a bit lost, and Kights came on in his place... but it still took ten minutes to give him the ball.  Coupled with awful refereeing decisions - How Hackett can judge Howard Webb and his linesmen elite referees no-one knows - worse than Rennie -  a very bad day at the Mol.

Wolves 0  Portsmouth 1 (Yebda 19)

Portsmouth registered their first win of the Premier League campaign thanks to a below par Wolves performance and a first-half header from Algerian midfielder Hassan Yebda.  But Mick McCarthy's team were denied a 63^rd minute penalty after Marc Wilson clearly handled Michael Kightly's cross. The only change to the starting line-up saw Kevin Foley returning at right-back with Greg Halford pushing forward into right midfield and Dave Edwards taking a central role.

Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and inside the first minute David James saved a header from Christophe Berra after a long throw from Halford.  Portsmouth responded immediately with a cross from Michael Brown that was cleared by George Elokobi as Tommy Smith threatened.  James took a Matt Jarvis corner in the heart of a crowded six-yard box and then Wayne Hennessey had to beat away a low effort from Kevin Prince-Boateng at the near post as play continued to switch from end to end.  Jarvis ran half the length of the field before drilling a low left-foot shot towards goal but James was perfectly positioned to save at his near post.  Kevin Doyle volleyed wide after he had chested down a half clearance and Boateng went close with a shot on the turn from 20-yards that flew inches over the bar.  Pompey made the breakthrough in the 19^th minute following a Jamie O'Hara corner. The home defence failed to clear its lines and when Boateng flighted in a cross the unmarked Yebda ran in to head home. There was an opening after another of Halford's long throws with Berra again helping the ball on. It fell to Jarvis on the far side but his low cross was booted clear by a defender.  Portsmouth almost had a second as the game neared the 30 minute mark with Hennessey having to dive low to his right to keep out Aruna Dindane's shot after Smith had squared the ball to him.  Steve Finnan fouled Karl Henry 25-yards out from James's goal in a central position and, with everyone expecting Halford to take a pot at goal, he laid the ball off to Foley on the overlap. His cross found Berra whose shot took a deflection and went across the face of goal before going behind for a corner.  In the 34th minute Doyle headed over following a Jarvis corner and then Doyle used his pace and skills on a run down the left but his cross ran through the goalmouth with no-one able to get a touch.  In stoppage time both Andy Keogh and Doyle had shots charged down after Foley had pumped a cross into the Pompey box.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Pompey 1

It proved to be Foley's last action of the game as he was replaced at the start of the second-half by Kightly with Halford reverting to full-back. At the same time Sylvan Ebanks-Blake went on in place of Keogh.  After just 12 seconds Hennessey had to save a Dindane header but Wolves hit back with a shot from Jarvis that was deflected as it flew wide.  There was a brief flare up between Kightly and O'Hara when the Wolves man had appealed for a penalty after they had tangled in the box and both were booked after the referee had intervened. A return pass from Ebanks-Blake almost saw Edwards in the clear but a defender just got a boot to the ball, and the Berra headed a couple of feet wide of the far post after he had connected with another Halford throw.  Wolves should have had a 63^rd minute penalty when Wilson clearly handled Kightly's cross but to the fury of the crowd the referee waved play on.  Both sides made changes as the game approached its final stages with Stefen Maierhofer adding his height to the attack after he had replaced Elokobi. Henry moved into the left-back slot.  Henry was soon tested but he made a precision tackle on Danny Webber to prevent the Portmouth substitute getting in a shot after he had cut into the box.  Boateng was booked for a foul on Henry some 25-yards out and Halford's curling free-kick was just wide of the angle.  Three minutes from time a foul by Brown on Edwards just outside the area saw Henry roll the ball back to Halford who flicked it up into the air before sending a volley through the wall. James managed to get down and palm the ball away but only as far as Ebanks-Blake who shot over from a tight angle. Wolves piled on the pressure in the three minutes of stoppage time but it was the visiting fans that were making all the noise at the end.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley (Kightly 45), Elokobi (Maierhofer 80), Edwards, Mancienne, Berra, Halford, Henry (capt), Doyle, Keogh (Ebanks-Blake 45), Jarvis. Unused subs: Craddock, Hahnemann, Milijaš, Zubar. Booking: Kightly (55 - ungentlemanly conduct)

Pompey: James, Wilson, Kaboul, Finnan, O'Hara, Brown (capt), Smith (Vanden Borre 90), Boateng, Dindane (Webber 73), Ben-Haim, Yebda (Mokoena 78). Unused subs: Begovic, Williamson, Utaka, Belhadj.  Bookings: O'Hara (55 - ungentlemanly conduct), Brown (84 - foul).

Referee: H. Webb.  Attendance: 29,023.
 

As it happened

0: The teams are out on the pitch and warming up.
1: Good start for Wolves with Doyle trying to find Keogh and winning a throw-in.  Halford sends one of his customary delivery into the box which is met by a stooping header from Berra claimed by James.

2: Immediately Pompey are on the attack with Brown down the left.  His cross is headed up in the air by Elokobi and Berra completes the clearance.

3: Wolves win another corner but James is again equal to Jarvis's flag kick.

6: Boateng goes close for Portsmouth.  Latching onto a ball in the area he holds off Mancienne before firing a shot in from an acute angle which Hennessey pushes behind for a corner. The Wolves keeper is then fouled as he tries to take the flag kick.

13: Scintillating run from Jarvis. Picks the ball up just inside the Pompey half and runs at pace at the defence, going to the outside of the full back before firing in a left foot shot which James gathers.

14: Wolves with a half chance as Doyle chests the ball down outside the area and sends in a shot which James comfortably watches over the bar.

16: Boateng looking a threat for Portsmouth and he turns in the midfield and fires in a fierce shot from distance which narrowly clears the bar.

19: GOAL: YEBDA 0-1. Portsmouth break the deadlock.  Wolves are unable to clear following a corner and Boateng returns the ball into the area where Yebda is unmarked to head home from close range.

21: Meanwhile the television replays show the ball may well have been out before the cross which won Portsmouth their initial corner.

25: Boateng finds space inside the Wolves are and tries a shot which is deflected through to Hennessey.  Pompey have been much the better side in the first quarter of the game.

26: Daz Hale from BBC Radio WM produced an interesting stat before the game. Every single one of Wolves' Barclays Premier League fixtures so far has been 1-0 at half time.  Hoping that ends today!

27: Wolvee trying to hit back. Cross just won't drop for Doyle at the far post before Jarvis again gets to the byline but his centre is blocked.

29: Portsmouth so close to a second. Smith makes inroads into the area and pulls the ball back for Dindane whose little flick draws a fine save from Hennessey. Smith gathers the rebound and fires across goal and wide.

31: Doyle goes down under challenge in the penalty area but nothing doing.  Henry picks up the ball outside the box and is tripped by Finnan. Free kick 30 yards out.

32: Really well-worked free kick routine. Henry taps to Halford who, instead of shooting Halford plays in Foley down the right. Foley's centre to the back post is met with a decent half volley from Berra but it's deflected wide for a corner.  Flag kick is cleared.

34: Another corner to Wolves and Doyle gets his head to the ball in front of James but it's over the bar.

back to top