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| Wolves 3 Walsall 0 26/02/2002 |
| Match Report | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report by Bizket Wolf
Hello again, it's been a while but I'm back reporting ready for the final push. So what's happened recently, besides Wolves having a tremendous run, five straight wins in February, top of the Nationwide and ready to extend that lead even further. Outstanding as this may be, even more so was the fact that we actually, after 10 years of trying scored a goal from a corner. Of course like a bus you wait ages for one then two turn up together - still I'm not complaining and eating humble pie as we speak! A cold night, but with a bright full moon - is this a night for Wolves? Time will tell. An almost full house for the arrival of the latest sacrificial lambs, lowly Walsall, but with the added impetus of the return of Colin Lee. In fact it was all set up, local derby against a struggling side, return of an ex-molineaux favourite, full house and top of the league - banana skins cum to mind! And that's the way it started, Walsall having most of the play against a nervy home side. Ex-wolfs doing all the damage, this time in the shape of that Japanese reject our Aussie dwarf mate Stevey Corica. All that sushi must have done him a world of good as he ripped in to the Wolves defence with some skill, pace and for some reason strength - why couldn't he show it here, then again how many times have we heard that before? First chance came to Walsall, with Oakes having to save from a deflected shot on 5 mins, and then again on 20 mins they showed why they are going down again this season somehow missing a sitter from 8 yards out. Sturridge fluffed a shot on 25 mins whilst Cameron's shot was well saved on 30 mins. Lescott gave away a needless foul on the edge of the area on the stroke of half time, but some ex-blue nose blasted the free kick well over. Not much to talk about, with Wolves looking very shaky, half time 0.0. The game came to life 2 mins into the second half, a needless free kick given away, which Kennedy floated in. The whistle blew and Holdsworth was sent off for apparently elbowing Lescott, I must admit I didn't see anything - but who cares, for the second time in two games Wolves were up against 10 men. The crowd expecting a penalty, but no the free kick had to be taken again - yet another strange decision. From the resulting free kick Blake with room headed well over. Walsall made a few changes to accommodate, but the sending off confused their strategy. It all changed again on 54 mins. A long clearance by Oakes, saw some neat play by Blake who fed Sturridge for him to delightfully chip their keeper from 20 yards. Another spectacular goal - 1.0 oh yes and loud chants of Deano, Deano - what a bargain; Bertie Bassett must be kicking himself - ha. The goal changed things and it was all Wolves now - as the scent of blood filled the air. Miller replaced Newton on 57 mins, presumably to boost the attack. What little apprehension existed, evaporated on 74 mins. Blake had just missed a good chance after some neat interchange with Cameron, but his power took him through before a splendid pass to Sturridge who gave their keeper no chance with a low hard drive. 2.0 and cruising. Just 2 mins later it was game over, one of their defenders took too long to control the ball and Blake nipped in, powered around more defenders to blast the ball home - and oh yeahss can things get any better - 3.0! Rae was subbed, to rest him as he will be important over the coming weeks. Wolves continued to press, but without real penetration knowing the game was won. Can things get any better? Eight points clear of Man city, a better goal difference and 10 points clear of the third placed stripey ones. Davey J will be undoubtedly crowned manager of the month for Feb - but how often does that signal a reverse in fortunes? We have enough breathing space now, but cannot afford to relax. Will this summer be sweet? - wonder what odds I can get on Wolves winning Division 1 and England winning the world cup? keep on rolling
Attendance: 27,043
Goals: Wolves:Sturridge (54 mins), Sturridge (76 mins), Blake (77 mins) Best Player: Sturridge (3 votes)
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| Average player ratings are taken from a number of newspapers, magazines and web-sites ...more.... |
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