Match Reports

Wolves Stutter Through

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Wolves are through to the 3rd round of the League Cup after a typically laborious win over a team 83 places below them in front of a crowd of just 10,000 at Molineux.

Wolves tendency to struggle against lower opposition was once more apparent tonight and boss Mick McCarthy admitted his side were probably lucky to go through and admitted it was a cruel blow to the League Two side.

Despite taking the lead on 27 minutes thanks to a penalty from Milijas after a foul in the box on debutant Sam Winnall was tripped in the box, Wolves struggled throughout and were more than lucky to get the win they barely deserved. Richard Stearman, perhaps a surprise choice for Captain for the evening, scored three minutes into injury time of extra time to break Shrimp hearts and drag Wolves into the next round.

Southend rattled Wolves on numerous occasions and will head home with broken hearts after being pipped at the end despite a tremendous performance.

Craig Easton drew level for the visitors with ten minutes of normal time remaining and the visitors threatened to cause a major upset despite substitute Sylvan Ebanks Blake having two goals disallowed from offside positions.

Deep into injury time, Stearman bundled the ball home to secure an unconvincing win for Wolves and send the Shrimpers out of the cup to add heartache to their disapointing start to the season. Despite appearances from young bloods Batth, Winnall and Hemmings, Wolves fielded 8 Premiership players and we can only hope legs have not been left tired ahead of the big game against Newcastle on Saturday- despite victory- Wolves fans may be left with cause for concern and considering attendances across the county this evening the FA must wonder what they must do to bring some relevance back to this event.

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Player Ratings

Wayne Hennesey (7)
Made several important saves and did his hopes of a future outing no harm.

Ron Zubar (7)
Proved a danger and was instrumental in going forward. A good return from his recent injury.

George Elokobi (6)
A decent performance but had a tough game at times against players far below his pedigree.

Richard Stearman (7)
An assured performance that will not do his future claims any harm. Perhaps a surprise choice as captain for the night which can only show Mick’s faith in the player. Popped up to score the winner.

Danny Batth (7)
Excellent outing for the youngster who made sure to prove he has a big future ahead of him with an assured performance at the back.

Nenad Milijas (6)
Made no mistake from the spot and played the ball around well but we are still waiting to see the promise of the player we expected.

Dave Edwards (6)
A typical performance full of energy but we could and should not have expected too much from his first return after injury,

Adlene Guediora (7)
Did not put a foot wrong a continues to take each opportunity with both hands to prove he can be a big part of our future.

Greg Halford (6)
Industrious performance and proves a handful despite his detractors. If Mick has no long term plans to keep the player, he is certainly doing his future no harm with assured performances.

Sam Winnall (7)
Rose to the occasion and appeared to enjoy himself being comfortable on the pitch. Nearly scored a stunner and won the penalty. One of the highlights of the night.

Ashley Hemmings
An industrious performance full of running and an occasional threat. May be restricted to League Cup run outs whilst they last but showed sign, as his fellow youths that there is a bag full of talent that promises a great future with nurturing.

Blake (7)
Had the ball in the net twice and did his claims for another start no harm.

Doyle (6)
A welcome return from injury. Has to be pushing for a start. Mick has a headache for the weekend.
Typically reliable and brought balance to the midfield.

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