Wolves narrowly edged a step closer to Cardiff at a tension filled Molineux. After this mediocre performance the relief was there for all to see as Wolves used their "get out of jail free card" to grab a priceless victory over Reading.

As the heavens opened over Molineux the teams were announced with Lescott returning and Ndah replacing Newton, much to the surprise of many Wolves fans. DJ was obviously looking to provide Sir Jack with the six goals the multi millionaire had predicted. Wolves attacking the south bank goal failed to match the energy and enthusiasm of their supporters and looked second best as Reading broke forward right from the start. Reading's tenacious five man midfield, made it tough for Wolves to get the ball forward. Even when they did get the ball to Blake he was fouled on the edge of the area. Irwin summed up Wolves' early play by blasting over the bar. Ref Alan Kaye made the first of many poor decisions when he harshly booked Butler for a foul. Although the ref did manage 90 minutes this game unlike the last two clowns we have had! With 25 minutes on the clock Reading drew first blood in this tense encounter. Wolves failed to clear Nick Shoreys cross and the ball fell to Forster who blasted the ball into the roof of the net. Wolves 0 Reading 1

Stunned Wolves pressed forward in search of an equalizer but saw several chances go begging. Kaye again felt the wrath of the home crowd when he booked Ince after failing to punish several fouls by Reading players. Wolves had Lescott to thank for a last ditch challenge on Forster. Reading went into half time far happier after a fine first half performance.

HT Wolves 0 Reading 1

DJ sent the same team out in the second half and Wolves came forward with more purpose than the previous 45 minutes. Miller was left frustrated when he saw his low shot brilliantly palmed away by the impressive Hahnemann. Readings hopes of hitting Wolves on the break were dealt a blow when Forster limped off injured. With time ticking away Newton replaced Ndah to give Wolves a more familiar shape. The substitution proved to be an inspired move, when the former Charlton man blasted home the equalizer on 75 minutes. Ince surged into the box, but appeared to be fouled by Williams. Much to the disbelief of the home crowd ref Kaye waved play on, Newton did and was the first to react to finally beat Hahnemann. Wolves 1 Reading 1

Wolves now looked hungry for the second goal and Butler should have scored when he shot wide from a good corner. Miller was again denied by a fine save by Hahnemann. With just six minutes left, Wolves made it two. Once again it was Ince surging forward only to be fouled on the edge of the area, this time the ref had no choice but to give it. Naylor stepped up to drill the free kick into the bottom corner. Wolves 2 Reading 1

Shell shocked Reading suffered more misery when Tyson was sent off for a bad challenge on Butler. By the time the final whistle blew it was hard to tell which team were the more relieved.

It's hard to imagine Wolves playing that badly in the second leg and with an impressive away record, the signs look good. It will be tough on Wednesday, but Wolves showed they can dig deep to grind out the right result. Cardiff here we come??

FT Wolves 2 Reading 1