The panto season is still abound at the Molineux, this time we were subjected to a lot of panto donkeys, whilst the xmas give-a-ways were even more generous than before! There were several changes from the Bradford fiasco, these probably being enforced as I can't believe DJ has any tactics. There was a huge round of nervous laughter as the team was announced Newton and Butler in whilst Miller and Naylor kept there places. Still Derby had lost there previous 3 games so we could play our reserve team and rest for Newcastle?? Do you think that DJ is worried for his job? he has made it obvious that he won't walk, whilst Sir Jack's sounding off must have hit home. Surely we wouldn't be in for another inept performance! But this is Wolves so anything can happen.

The crowd were a lot less subdued than 3 days ago, maybe it had something to do with the previous nights beer, or being more optimistic - after all this run of bad luck can't carry on can it?

Wolves started reasonably brightly, with Ndah looking lively and even Newton having a couple of runs, but the same old problem carried on as pretty football passing sideways and backwards does not score goals (do you want me to repeat it yet again DJ??).

An excellent move on 11 mins saw Ndah's header go just wide from a well delivered Newton cross. Wolves had had virtually all the play with Derby prepared to sit back and wait for their chance - they didn't have to wait long. On 15 mins a poor clearance from Murray came to Ince who for some reason headed the ball back firmly over Butlers head and miles from anyone else except for a Derby player who latched on to it, squared a pass for another one to slot the ball past the stranded Murray. As in previous games the Wolves players just stood around and blamed each other. Yet again Wolves had set themselves up for having to win the hardway. Wolves 0 Derby 1 and the Wolves fans in absolute silence at the bewilderment of it all!

Wolves tried to make a difference and did manage to have a few chances with Ndah ( who seemed to be the only Wolves player trying) having a shot well saved and Newton lashing a volley over the crossbar. But real chances were few and far between, whilst Derby's tactics reverted to spoiling as they tried to waste time by a succession of their players pretending to be injured - there again they don't know what it's like to be in front in a game!

HT Wolves 0 Derby 1

The second half started as the first left it, but this time the crowd decided to get behind the team with a relentless "Barmy Army", the team seemed to respond but unfortunately so did the referee and one of the linesmen. Some pretty awful decisions were being made by both (why can't we seem to get any unbiased officials?) and Derby continued to take it in turns to play dead. On 59 mins with all the play going to Derby, Wolves decided to try and press the self destruct button. Kennedy decided to pass the ball back to Murray from the half way line (see what I mean about playing the wrong way) his weak effort was snapped up by a Derby player whose shot was expertly blocked by Murray who then somehow managed to make an excellent reflex save from the rebound. "England's #1" resounded from the southbank, which is looking even more likely now - how long do you think we will keep him for??

On 66 mins the continued pressure struck dividends and a deserved equaliser was scored. More scrambling in the box saw Ndah lay back the ball to Ince who left fly an absolute screamer from the edge of the "D". It was drilled home through a packed defence and must have scorched a few ears on the way in - a real "get in and have it".

Wolves 1 Derby 1 This was the ninth different Wolves player to score in nine games - bring back the Bull??

Whilst the goal signalled a flare being thrown onto the pitch from the Northbank. For a moment I thought I was in the San Sero, but then through the smoke I saw the panto donkeys and realised where I was!

It was all Wolves after that with Derby trying to waste time again by using all sorts of dirty tactics - shouldn't we be used to them now?

Cole replaced Ndah on 78 mins, why I don't know as he was the only striker looking to score, whilst the ineffective Miller, Newton and Kennedy all stopped on. The game fizzled out to a draw as Wolves looked devoid of attacking options and our beloved DJ unwilling to change anything.

As in my previous few reports, I fear for this team. At this rate we will be trying to fend off relegation rather than chase for promotion. We may as well write this year off and have a go at winning the cup, there again Newcastle will be a different kind of game. At this point I would like to say that our very own Stuperstious Wolf will be one of the mascots for the Newcastle game - paying £200 for the privilege (nice one Jezzica), so please keep the swearing down!!

Back to reality and the state of things at Molineux - I believe that DJ has not got what it takes in this division, but sacking him may not be the answer. We have various coaching problems - when was the last time we scored from a corner? why do we always try and walk the ball into the net? The team is good individually, the crowd is magnificent, the ground is superb and we have the backing from a saint. We just need someone with the enthusiasm and talent to gel everything together.

Looking forward to Sunday to see my eldest lad walk out at Molineux (the first and only time). See you all then

FT Wolves 1 Derby 1