This was a game I thought would be a test, a run of two wins on the trot then a visit to a mediocre team on a dire Tuesday night. I remember in Fat Stats report on the corresponding game last season he stated that at times the attacking play by Wolves was sublime and outstanding, oh how I was wishing for a repeat of that - I wasn't to be disappointed.

Wolves lined up as in previous games but with cooper in for the injured Rae and Ndah in for Newton - this last one was something I was particularly pleased about as Newton is definitely on a low. The game started as you would expect, with the home side taking the play to us, fast furious and with the notion that Wolves would let in another early goal to make it hard for themselves. The Gills put on a lot of early pressure forcing several corners, but the defence coped well and in particular Murray who seems to be growing in confidence - oh how good it is to see a keeper come off his line to claim the ball!

On 12 mins Wolves were almost gifted a goal as their keeper bounced the ball with Blake in close attendance, the keeper bounced the ball too close to Blake who stuck out a foot and made contact with the ball. Only the keepers quick reactions saved his blushes. A little later Murray in one of his commanding dashes for the ball realised that he was just outside the box and couldn't catch the ball, so decided to head it. Unfortunately one of their players' heads was also in the way, luckily none of the players concerned were too badly hurt.

The breakthrough and deciding event came on 25 mins. Against the run of play a neat backheel from Miller saw Blake sweetly turn a defender to be through on goal, only to be cruelly hacked down from behind. The ref gave no hesitation in giving not only a penalty but also (probably a little harshly) a red card also. Blake lay injured for several minutes and had to go off for attention to a badly cut ankle, he then had to endure the crowds hostility for the remainder of the game - but how he got his just deserts later!

Cameron stood up to blast the ball home from the spot, only after one of their players was booked for trying to put him off by giving him a mouthful. One nil up and playing against ten men - just the recipe for disaster?1-0 Wolves

The game became a bit more open as Wolves looked to kill off the game, and a resilient Gills not backing down. It became a bit nasty with plenty of "handbags" and bookings, but right on the stroke of halftime Wolves doubled their lead. Ndah picked up a loose ball in the centre circle and slotted a delicate ball through the defence, Blake reacted the quickest and side-stepped the keeper before gliding the ball home into an empty net.2-0 Wolves

HT Gillingham 0 Wolves 2

The second half carried on like the first with pressure from both sides, with Miller failing to connect properly on 48 mins and Lescott missing a simple headed chance from an Ince corner on 51 mins. Wolves basically killed the game on 52 mins when Millers through ball to Cameron in the centre, who crossed to the far post and Ndah closing in left it for Blake to power home with ease. 3-0 Wolves

It got better on 59 mins as Blake notched up his hat-trick. A brilliant through ball from Edworthy saw Blake deftly turn his man and blast a low shot past the keeper - a lovely piece of individual skill from Blake. 4-0 Wolves and definately game over.

It could have been even better on 62 mins when a Cooper shot was glanced in by Blake, but ruled out for offside. The game was effectively over and Wolves shut up shop. The Gills huffed and puffed but got nowhere as Wolves ensured the extra man paid off.

This was a pleasing result - 3 straight wins and back in the top half, DJ seems to have a gotten away with using his "get out of jail" card - especially in the light of a Board meeting this week. The team played as a team and seemed to enjoy it, Ndah looked lively as in the last couple of games and should keep his place at the expense of Newton. Blake looks like being back to his old self and Ince obviously relishes the captains armband. Clyde looks the part and should keep out Butler and Murray justs gets better and better. The return of Cameron has been a revelation - his tenacity and lust for the ball encourages the rest of the team. I must admit that I was feeling a lack of confidence in the team and total disrespect for the ability of DJ to motivate and change tactics, but I hope to stand corrected in the coming months as Wolves seem to be back to the team this time last year. An excellent week, a few more wins and the other teams above will get the jitters!!

Man of the match must go to Blake - his individual skills for the goals justified it. (However I was tempted to agree with someone's assessment on the radio - he apparently gave man of the match to Newton - for not playing!! May he be man of the match for the rest of the season)

FT Gillingham 0 Wolves 4