After looking set to get things back on track with a useful away win, Wolves had to settle for a point after surrendering a three goal lead in the last 25 minutes at Millwall. It was a massive disappointment after seemingly having had the game sewn up, and manager Kenny Jackett has a problem to solve as his team have been tight defensively until recently but have now conceded 11 in 4 games.
To try to shore up the defence Jackett made a couple of changes to his back line with Ebanks Landell and Rowe coming in at the expense of Stearman and Golborne;
Ikeme
Doherty, Batth, Ebanks Landell, Rowe
McDonald, Evans
Van La Parra, Edwards, Sako
Dicko
Wolves had taken the lead after a Sako corner from the right fell to Danny Batth who steered the ball home. It was a lead Wolves held to the break without looking entirely convincing. Ebanks Landell had some nervy moments in defence and Rowe was not looking comfortable in his first game for the club at left back. Van La Parra was ineffective in the right and Sako was struggling to get into the game. But Kevin McDonald, although being closely monitored by the home team was looking the classiest player on the field.
On the hour, Wolves doubled their lead when James Henry, on as a sub for Van La Parra, hit the post and Ebanks Landell scrambled in the rebound. And three minutes later it looked to be game over as Sako’s free kick from the right sailed over the Millwall keeper and in to the far corner. But within five minutes Wolves were reminded that the points were not secure as Danny Batth misjudged a through ball and Gregory took his chance to pull one back for the home team.
And things got serious again for Wolves with 8 minutes left when Scott McDonald best Rowe on the far post to head back to sub Fulker who was completely unmarked and drove home the second. And five minutes later the comeback was complete in controversial fashion. Jackett sent on Stearman to replace Ebanks Landell and the defender was still running into position when the ref allowed Millwall to take a free kick
with the ball in finding Fuller who turned past Stearman and scored.
And yet Wolves almost found the winner deep in injury time when Evans was clear through on goal but was hacked down from behind by Williams who was sent off. Sako hit a fine shot from the resulting free kick but the keeper made a good save.
Ikeme 7 – couldn’t ge faulted for the goals
Doherty 7 – best of the back four on the day
Batth 6 – at fault for Milwall’s first and not had dominant force he has been over the last year
Ebanks Landell 5 – did ok for the first hour but was looking a little rattled later
Rowe 5 – looked out of sorts first half
McDonald 7 – Wolves best outfield player despite opponents now having sussed out how important he us and man marking him even in his own half
Evans 5 – not able to impose himself in a frantic game
Van La Parra 4 – had a poor first half
Edwards 5 – worked hard but no great impact
Sako 7 – looked a bit weary after his African trip but still scored one and made one
Dicko 6 – worked hard without ever getting a sniff on goal
So only one win in 7 games now for Wolves and 11 conceded in the last 4. It’s bern a strange season after conceding only 3 in the first 7 games and at that stage not scoring enough. Now they have scored 9 in 4 games but conceded even more. It’s a challenge for Kenny Jackett to get Wolves back on track now, and it won’t become easier this week as Tuesday sees Middlesbrough at Molineux and they are looking increasingly like promotion contenders.
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