Wolves match local rivals

Wolves got a deserved point from a keenly contested local derby between two teams that were closely matched on the day. Two successive draws against teams that will be expected to finish in the top half of the table has to be a boost for a Wolves team that are making a much better fist of re-establishing themselves in the top flight than they did on the previous attempt.

There was one change made to the starting line up from last week at Everton with Halford dropped to the bench, Foley and Mancienne still being unfit and Maierhofer suspended. We started with;

Hennessey

Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Elokobi

Edwards, Henry, Castillo, Kightly

Ebanks Blake, Doyle.

Milijas replaced Edwards midway through the 2nd half and Halford and Iwelumo were brought on late to replace Kightly and Ebanks Blake.

The game got off to a lively start with Agbonlohor missing an early chance and within a couple of minutes came a critical incident at the other end. Doyle was put clean through on goal and was clearly pulled back as he entered the area. Should definitely have been a penalty. Possibly a sending off as it was the last defender. The referee waved play on. Doyle possibly too honest as he tried to get his shot away rather than falling over.

Wovles were the better team in the first half and had one effort cleared off the line and Ebanks Blake going close. Villa looked dangerous on the break but had less possession than Wolves. Villa were better 2nd half without creating many chances but they finally split the Wolves defence with 11 minutes to play to give Agbonlohor as easy chance that he took. It was disappointing to see Wolves fall behind and another home defeat looked on the cards but within 4 minutes the equaliser arrived.

A backheel by Milijas in the area wrong footed the Villa defence. Kightly was tripped by Sidwell as he tried to turn and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Ebanks Blake smashed the spot kick in to the roof of the net (photo above). Villa tried to quicken the game to look for the winner but it was Wolves that pressed at the end with a series of Halford long throws needing defending by Villa.

Wolves defence coped well with the Villa offensive threat and all the back line played well. Henry was Wolves best player on the day with Castillo also impressing alongside him. Kightly still looks a bit rusty and although Edwards works hard his distribution is poor. Ebanks Blake and Doyle, who was excellent first half, posed plenty of problems for Villa.

Confidence is growing amongst Wolves fans that we will be good enough to remain in the division as we have matched Everton and Villa in these last two games and now have the best strikers in the team to see off the weaker teams. Another derby at Stoke next week and every chance for Wolves there despite the Potters good home record. Bring it on.

Category: Team News

Tags: Team News

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