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Championship Season 2008-9      preseason     Aug 2008 Sept 2008 Oct 2008  Nov 2008 Dec 2008  Jan 2009 Feb 2009 Mar 2009 Apr 2009 May 2009

Copyright © and Database Right The FA Premier League/The Scottish Premier League/The Football League/The Scottish Football League Limited 2007. All rights reserved. No part of the Fixtures Lists may be reproduced stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of Football DataCo Limited.   Reproduced under licence from Football DataCo Limited. All rights reserved. Licence no. FZ070842/118101

Championship season 2008-9

#

Day

Date

KO

TV

Home

Score

Score

Away

CumPts 77

Avg

Posn

Goal Diff

41

MONDAY

6th April

19:45

SKY

Birmingham City

2

0

Wolves

77

1.8

1

+22

42

Good Friday

10th April

15:15

Sky

Wolves

3

0

Southampton

80

1.9

1

+25

43

Monday

13th April

15:00

Derby County

2

3

Wolves

83

2.0

1

+26

44

Saturday

18th April

15:00

FASF

Wolves promoted

1

0

QPR

86

2.0

1

+27

45

Saturday

25th April

15:00

Barnsley

1

1

Wolves Champions

87

2.0

1

+27

46

Sunday

3rd Mayl

13:15

Wolves

1

0

Doncaster Rovers

90

2.0

1

+28

FA

Saturday

30th May

15:00

FA Cup

Final

FAC

FIXTURES subject to change for Sky TV

Wolves 1 Stearman 92)  Doncaster Rovers 0

The Doncaster fans stayed to watch the presentation of the championship trophy, presumably including their manager, Wolves fan Sean O'Driscoll.  Stears played at right back and got the winning goal, his first of the season, two minutes into injury time. Several of the Wolves players couldn't raise their games, even in a new formation. Fans' player of the year, Kevin Foley played in midfield and was man of the match. Andy Keogh, superstar at Derby, put in a couple of effective tackles more than usual, but was back to his pretty abject self, even missing a sitter late on. George Elokobi made a return which was greeted by cheering and singing from the fans - echoed every time he headed the ball. Sub Ashley Hemmings looks as slight as Keogh, but he tackled back very well including making a great clearance late on in our penalty area while club captain Jody Craddock had the worst game since his amazing comeback. Wayne saved us a lot of embarrassment. When the goal finally came it was the one that Stears had been promising all season.   A short corner from Karl to Stephen Ward who put a great cross from the edge of the penalty box right on local lad Stearman's head for the winner. How many assists has Wardy got in the last two months?
Meanwhile former Liverpool fan Chairman Steve Morgan told us he wouldn't sell the club for 20billion but did get his hands on the trophy   

rpresented to Karl Henry and Jody Craddock together.

Wolves 1 (Stearman 90)Doncaster> Rovers 0

Richard Stearman's injury time header put the icing on the cake of Wolves' promotion party at Molineux. Mick McCarthy>'s men had already captured the Championship crown before the game began but Stearman's goal, his first for the club, sent a crowd that was already celebrating into seventh heaven.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake returned in place of Marlon Harewood and Stearman made his first start since the middle of February at right-back. Kevin Foley moved into midfield replacing George Friend. George Elokobi was named as one of the substitutes - his first involvement since the knee injury he picked up at Ipswich last August.

Molineux was packed to the rafters, the weather was sunny and the atmosphere carnival like as Doncaster graciously formed a guard of honour and applauded the League Champions out onto the pitch. Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end and they enjoyed most of the attacking play in a lively but chanceless opening ten minutes. The first corner of the game, taken by Matt Jarvis and played short to Andy Keogh, came to nothing and then James Chambers cleared from Keogh as the pair chased down Karl Henry's through ball. Jarvis made a diagonal run into the box but his backheel to Ebanks-Blake was blocked, and when Doncaster went on the attack Christophe Berra had to turn the ball behind after John Spicer delivered a dangerous low cross. From Martin Woods corner the ball was only half cleared and when Spicer threaded the ball through to James Hayter he looked certain to score until Jody Craddock threw himself into the path of the ball to block. Henry took the ball out of defence and then planted an over the top pass in front of Keogh who quickly passed to Jarvis. The winger cut in to try and work a shooting angle but a defender ran in to clear. In the 28th minute Stephen Ward was tripped by Richie Wellens as he ran onto a return pass from Keogh who took the resultant free-kick from 25-yards. But the ball hit the defensive wall and bounced to safety. Five minutes later Ebanks-Blake laid a short pass to Foley who sprinted into the area and hit a low shot that struck the outside of the near post and ran behind.
Ebanks-Blake won a corner off Jos Van Nieuwstadt and from Dave Edwards' flag-kick Craddock got a head to the ball but Neil Sullivan ran from his line to claim.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 Rovers 0

Two minutes after the resumption Berra almost deflected a cross into his own goal. Wayne Hennessey got down to save and after a scramble in a congested six-yard box, Hayter struck his shot wide. In the 56th minute the keeper made a brilliant reflex save from Hayter's header. Ebanks-Blake was penalised for a challenge on Wellens just to the right of the home area. Woods fired the free-kick into the middle and Hayter ran in to power a header that looked destined for the corner of the net until Hennessey somehow managed to paw it away. Stearman delivered a centre that wasn't too far away from the far post before Mick McCarthy made a change replacing Jarvis with Sam Vokes and, shortly afterwards, Ashley Hwemmings went on in place of Ebanks-Blake. Woods almost broke the deadlock with a 22-yard drive that flashed inches wide and then substitute Lewis Guy got the better of Craddock to get in a shot that Hennessey blocked before Craddock completed the clearance. Sullivan took a shot on the turn from Edwards and then the former Spurs man turned a 20-yard drive from Henry around the post. A swashbuckling run down the left from Ward was followed by a cross that Keogh got a head to but couldn't direct towards goal, and then, with five minutes remaining, there was loud applause and cheering as Elokobi made a welcome return coming on as a substitute for Edwards. In the second of the three added minutes Stearman won it for Wolves as he rose at the far post to direct a header into the net after a short corner from Henry had been played to Ward who supplied an inch perfect cross.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Stearman, Craddock (capt), Berra, Edwards (Elokobi 85), Henry, Ebanks-Blake (Hemmings 65), Keogh, Jarvis (Vokes)Unused subs: Collins, Hill.

Rovers: Sullivan, Chambers, Hird, Hayter, Wellens (capt), M. Woods, Nieuwstadt, LuaLua (Guy 65), Spicer, Shiels (Fairhurst 69), Roberts (Greer 80). Unused subs: G. Woods, Clarke.

Referee: R. Beeby. Attendance: 28,252.

                           Wolves Doncaster Rovers
Goals:                       1                0
Possession:           54               46
Shots On Target:     4                 3
Shots Off Target:     2                4
Corners:                  6                4
Fouls:                      9                 7
Most Fouls:           Henry (2) Wellens (3)
Yellow Cards:           0               0
Red Cards:              0                0
Scorers: Stearman (90)

as it happened
90:00 (+ 2:45) Corner from right by-line taken short left-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster). 90:00 (+ 2:34) Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton).(Passed to Wardy; great cross for...) Headed goal by Richard Stearman(Wolverhampton) (bottom-left of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Wolverhampton 1-0 Doncaster. Assist (cross) by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) from right wing. 86:32Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster) from own half, resulting in open play. 84:02 Wolverhampton substitution: David Edwards replaced by George Elokobi (tactical). 81:04 Foul by John Spicer(Doncaster) on David Edwards(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 79:49 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Lewis Guy(Doncaster). Doncaster substitution: Gareth Roberts replaced by Gordon Greer (tactical). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster) from right wing, resulting in open play. 77:51 Shot by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (tipped round post) by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster). Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by David Edwards(Wolverhampton). 76:59 Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster). 74:54 Shot by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster). 74:35 Foul by Sam Hird(Doncaster) on Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) from right wing, clearance by James Chambers(Doncaster). 73:01 Handball by John Spicer(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 72:04 Foul by Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton) on Richard Wellens(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) from own half, resulting in open play. Shot by Lewis Guy(Doncaster) right-footed from right side of penalty area (20 yards), save (with feet) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). Defending throw-in by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). 70:39Brilliant shot by Martin Woods(Doncaster) left-footed from left channel (35 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 68:49 Doncaster substitution: Dean Shiels replaced by Waide Fairhurst (tactical). 66:50 Foul by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) on Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) from left wing, passed. 64:31 Wolverhampton substitution: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replaced by Ashley Hemmings (tactical).Doncaster substitution: Kazenga LuaLua replaced by Lewis Guy (tactical). 61:38Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Kazenga LuaLua(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) from right wing, passed. 60:16 Wolverhampton substitution: Matthew Jarvis replaced by Sam Vokes (tactical). 55:40 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Richard Wellens(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster) from right channel, header by James Hayter(Doncaster) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), save (tipped round post) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster) to centre, resulting in open play. 51:52 Foul by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) on James Hayter(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) from left channel, passed. Defending throw-in by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). 48:42Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) from own half, passed. 46:46 Shot by James Hayter(Doncaster) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 43:53 Kazenga LuaLua(Doncaster) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 39:34 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) to centre, save (caught) by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster). 37:45 Shot by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) right-footed from right channel (35 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 37:13 James Hayter(Doncaster) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 34:55 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Gareth Roberts(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Sam Hird(Doncaster) from left channel, passed. 32:29 Shot by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), hit post. Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster). 31:32 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on John Spicer(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster) from left channel, passed. 30:15 Foul by Gareth Roberts(Doncaster) on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right wing, passed. 28:20 Foul by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) on Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). Free kick taken right-footed by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) from right channel (30 yards), hit wall. 25:40 Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) to short, resulting in open play. 24:33 Foul by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed. 23:26 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to short, clearance by John Spicer(Doncaster). 20:37 Shot by James Hayter(Doncaster) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). Dean Shiels(Doncaster) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 19:41 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Martin Woods(Doncaster) to centre, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). 16:30 Dean Shiels(Doncaster) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 14:15 Shot by Kazenga LuaLua(Doncaster) right-footed from left channel (35+ yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 12:42 Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster). 12:07 Handball by Martin Woods(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from right channel, passed. 11:15 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on Richard Wellens(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) from left wing, passed. 8:58 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to short, resulting in open play. Goal kick taken long by Neil Sullivan(Doncaster). 6:15 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Martin Woods(Doncaster). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Richard Wellens(Doncaster) from right channel, passed. 5:32 Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by James Chambers(Doncaster) from own half, passed. 4:46 Foul by James Chambers(Doncaster) on Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 0:40 John Spicer(Doncaster) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.

Last away at Barnsley; One point needed for Championship achieved

 In fact, Wolves could have lost the match and still won the title as the Bluenoses lost out to Preston and now must beat Reading to be sure of promotion and not be overtaken by the Blades.

Barnsley 1(Macken 58)  Wolves 1 (Reid 84)

A late Kyel Reid equaliser at Barnsley gave Wolves the point they needed to confirm their status as the winners of the Coca Cola Championship.  The Yorkshire side, in grave danger of relegation to League One, fought tooth and nail in front of a near full house at Oakwell.

With Dave Jones and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake both ruled out through injury, George Friend was drafted into midfield whilst Marlon Harewood came in to partner Andy Keogh up front.
Barnsley kicked-off attacking the end of the ground that was packed with 6,000 noisy Wolves supporters.  Two early Adam Hammill corers were cleared and then Wayne Hennessey dived forwards to pluck a Jon Macken cross out of the air.   Home keeper Luke Steele just beat Andy Keogh to Hennessey's long clearance but, in the 11^th minute, Macken was close to breaking through. Hennessey parried Jamal Campbell-Ryce's low shot and then blocked Macken's follow up. The veteran striker's second attempt was cleared from in front of goal by Christophe Berra. Dennis Souza was yellow carded for pulling back Dave Edwards but Friend's free-kick bounced back off the defensive wall and when Kevin Foley latched onto the ball his centre was headed clear.  Two Matt Jarvis corners were cleared and then the winger, who had been playing on the right, switched flanks with Friend.  In the 27th minute, Karl Henry fired narrowly wide from 20-yards after Edwards' drive had been blocked.  There was a chance for Anderson de Silva after Darren Moore had nodded down Hassell's free-kick into the Wolves box, but the Brazilian midfielder screwed his shot wide.  Hugo Colace fouled Jarvis wide to the left of the home area but the winger overhit the free-kick and the ball drifted harmlessly wide.  Just before the break a flowing move involving Henry, Edwards and Keogh saw Jarvis cutting into the area and working a shooting position for himself. But his angled shot was blocked and the ball bounced to safety. 

Half-Time: Barnsley 0 Wolves 0

Mick McCarthy switched Reid for Friend and Sam Vokes for Harewood at half-time.  Stephen Ward and Jarvis linked up well on the left and a dangerous cross from Ward was headed behind for a corner that came to nothing.  Then a slip by Moore looked to have presented Vokes with a chance but Bobby Hassell was quickly across to clear.  Berra was in the right place to get the ball away from Macken who would otherwise have been through, but the striker made no mistake as he gave Barnsley a 58^th minute lead.  De Silva found Daniel Bogdanovic to the right of the Wolves goal and he pulled the ball back to Macken whose first shot was blocked by the legs of Hennessey. But the rebound fell to Macken who had the easiest of tasks in scoring.  Bogdanovic had the chance of a second four minutes later but his angled shot flew over the bar.  Steele made a good save as he blocked Reid's low shot after Keogh had nodded on a Jarvis cross, the ball bouncing off the keeper and back against Reid before going behind.  Midway through the half, Academy graduate Ashley Hemmings made his debut when he replaced the limping Keogh.  Steele clutched a floating header from Berra after a deep corner from Reid, and Vokes volleyed just wide of the near post as Wolves stepped up their search for an equaliser.  Foley was at his defensive best as Macken threatened to add to his tally, and then Edwards was booked for dissent after he justifiably claimed to a linesman that he was the victim after a foul had been awarded against him.  Rob Kozluk got in the way of a goalbound shot from Reid but the on loan winger wasn't to be denied and he fired Wanderers level in the 84th minute. Jarvis beat two defenders as he cut into the area and his pull back was drilled home by Reid from eight-yards.  The goal sparked a pitch invasion by the Wolves supporters behind the goal and Mick McCarthy entered the field of play angrily gesturing to the fans to get back to their seats. Thankfully order was soon restored.  In stoppage time substitute Michael Mifsud's shot on the turn was blocked by Jody Craddock and from Andranik Teymourian's corner De Silva planted a header just wide of the far post.

Barnsley: Steele, Hassell (capt), Moore, Souza, Kozluk, Campbell-Ryce, De Silva, Colace, Hammill (Teymourian 70), Macken, Bogdanovic (Mifsud 78).  Unused subs: Muller, Devaney, El Hamour.  Booking: Souza (19 - foul).

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward, Friend (Reid 45), Craddock (capt), Berra, Edwards, Henry, Keogh (Hemmings 68), Harewood (Vokes 45), Jarvis.  Unused subs: Stearman, Higgs. Booking: Edwards (76- dissent).

Referee: K. Friend.  Attendance: 18,288
 

  Barnsley   Wolves

Goals:     1  1

Possession: 58  42

Shots On Target: 5  3

Shots Off Target: 5  2

Corners:   9  4

Fouls:  10  20

Most Fouls:De Silva (3) Edwards (4)

Yellow Cards:  1  0

Red Cards:      0  0

Scorers: Macken (57)   Reid (83)
 

As it happened

BARNSLEY: Steele, Hassell, Moore, Souza, Kozluk, Campbell-Ryce, De Silva, Colace, Hammill, Macken, Bogdanovic. SUBS: Muller, Devaney, Teymourian, El Haimour, Mifsud.

WOLVES: Hennessey, Foley, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Jarvis, Henry, Edwards, Friend, Harewood, Keogh. SUBS: Higgs, Stearman, Reid, Vokes, Hemmings.
 

0: A happy sight behind the goal with the end full of almost 6,000 Wolves fans who have made the trip to Yorkshire for the final away game of the season.  A point for Wolves will guarantee the Championship title ahead of Birmingham playing tonight.  President Sir Jack Hayward is back to take in the game and has already been warmly welcomed by fans outside while chairman Steve Morgan received a rousing reception from the travelling supporters inside Oakwell.

0: Two changes for Wolves with the injured Ebanks-Blake and Jones making way for Harewood and Friend. Friend plays on the left, Jarvis switches to the right and Edwards moves inside.

0: Ten minutes to kick off.

0: Players are out and handshakes and huddle completed. Off we go.

4: Wolves fans in full "We Shall Not Be Moved" voice already.  Neat link-up between Harewood and Keogh almost fashions an early opening before Barnsley win a corner after Hammill's free kick is deflected wide.  Corner is cleared and then Barnsley win another flag kick but once again Wolves repel the danger.

8: Slight panic for Wolves as Berra's header loops up and Ward has to come in to head away for another corner.  Good pressure from the hosts from the flag kick but Friend puts in a good challenge and then Foley concedes another corner at the back post which is then headed away by Keogh. 

11: So close for Barnsley.  Hennessey saves a low drive from Campbell-Ryce and then has to deny Macken with his feet. The ball then ricochets towards goal and Berra manages to control before clearing.

15: Hennessey comes to gather a free kick but spills the ball.  As he tries to retrieve Craddock takes no chances by hooking the ball away. Barnsley dominating territorially so far and Hassell fires a long range shot wide.

19: Wolves enjoy a rare attack and Souza pulls back Edwards to earn the first booking of the afternoon. 

20: Friend takes the free kick which is charged down by the wall. Friend feeds Foley whose centre is flicked on into the danger zone by Jarvis but collected by Barnsley keeper Steele.

21: Jarvis capitalises on a slip by Kozluk to race down the right and win a corner.  Cleared by Barnsley as Craddock tries to win the header.

27: Nice little interplay from Wolves sees Edwards given space to motor towards goal.  After his shot is blocked, Henry's half volley follow-up drifts wide.

29: Barnsley's turn to attack again.  Moore gets his head to Hassell's free kick to keep the ball alive and with Wolves unable to clear De Silva shoots wide from a decent opportunity.

31: Harewood jumps in with Barnsley keeper Steele to try and get on the end of a through ball. Foul given and the home crowd not happy with the challenge but the striker appeared to have his eye purely on the ball, No card nut a talking-to from referee Friend.

34: Wolves growing slightly aggrieved at the number of free kicks Friend is awarding Barnsley.  But loud crowd appeals for a penalty when De Silva tangles with Berra are ignored by the Leicestershire official.

39: Another Barnsley corner causes some nervous moments in Wolves' area but when the ball breaks to Colace, his shot into the ground bounces up and through harmlessly to Hennessey.

45: Game has gone somewhat stale. One minute stoppage time to follow.

HALF TIME: BARNSLEY 0-0 WOLVES

46: Double switch for Wolves with Reid and Vokes on for Friend and Harewood.

48: Great early move for Wolves with Jarvis and Ward exchanging passes and the latter drilling in a fierce cross which is headed out for a corner. 

49: That corner is cleared but Vokes is soon almost away only for Hassell to nip in with a well-timed challenge.

53: Macken latches on to a through ball after beating the offside trap.  But before he has chance to get into his stride Berra is in with a crucial challenge to nick the ball away.

55: McCarthy enraged on the touchline as referee Friend, who has made some strange calls all afternoon, ignores a tackle from behind on Keogh despite being right on the spot.

56: A long throw is hurled into the Wolves area and met be De Silva's head but his effort loops onto the roof of the net.

59: GOAL: MACKEN 1-0. Barnsley take the lead. Wolves are carved open and the ball breaks to Macken whose initial effort is saved by Hennessey but back into his path to slot into an empty net.

62: Barnsley almost in again with Bogdanovic but his shot from an acute angle flies over the angle of post and bar.

64: Wolves respond. Reid finds Jarvis on the left and his cross is met by Keogh before dropping for Reid at the far post. The winger gets a shot off but it is saved by Steele and bounces back off the Wolves man for a goal kick.

66: Keogh is limping after that last melee and looks like he's unable to continue which is set to hand Hemmings his first taste of senior action.

68: Berra is now limping as well and Wolves check on his condition before making the switch, Hemmings for Keogh.

70: Change for Barnsley as Hammill comes off with an injury to be replaced by Andranik.

73: Wolves win a corner which is swung in by Reid.  Berra gets his head on it at the back post to put it back into the danger zone but Steele claims.  Wolves keep up the pressure and Vokes flashes a volley inches wide.

76: Edwards adjudged to have committed a foul but when claiming to the assistant he was having his shirt pulled he is booked for dissent.

77: Second change for Barnsley, Mifsud on for Bogdanovic.

78: Wolves threaten with Jarvis pulling a ball back across the box and Reid meeting it with a decent effort which is blocked by Kozluk.

81: Campbell-Ryce embarks on a jinking run for Barnsley and his shot is deflected not far over for a corner which Vokes heads clear.

84: GOAL: REID 1-1. Wolves are level as Jarvis produces a great run down the left and cross to the back post for Reid to control and fire home.  Pitch invasion from some jubiliant fans which won't do anyone any good. Mick McCarthy is enraged and urges the fans to get back in the stands.

90: Four minutes of injury time to follow.

90+2: Barnsley in search of a winner with Kozluk breaking down the left and crossing for Mifsud.  The Maltese striker produces a neat bit of control and fires in a shot which Craddock deflects wide.  Corner comes in and is met by a De Silva header with the ball flying narrowly wide. 

FULL TIME: BARNSLEY 1-1 WOLVES
 

Promotion party sell out at Molineux -Wolves 1 (Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 46)  QPR 0   Saturday 18th April

A pitch invasion celebrated the win that took Wolves back to the top flight - the first automatic promotion to the top League since Derek Dougan was Chairman and Graham Hawkins was Manager!

For the promotion match Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is declared fit so Sam Vokes returns to be the bench and, of course, scored the winner.  Matt Hill who didn't do well at Derby is replaced by the more dynamic Stephen Ward.  A great start to the second half as Sylvan scored his 25th of the season.  A few shocks though with Cerny in goal keeping Wolves at bay for a long time and including QPR hitting the bar just after SEB's goal - woeful defending again.  Helguson got clean through on 60 but Wayne saved with his legs.  I t could have been much easier as both Harewood and Keogh had poor misses.

So, the first automatic promotion to the top flight since Derek Dougan was Chairman and Graham Hawkins manager.

The Express & Star reported

Wolves are back in the big time after clinching automatic promotion to the Premier League at a jubilant Molineux.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake’s 46th-minute winner sealed the vital victory against a spirited QPR, as the managerless Londoners made Mick McCarthy’s side work for the win.  The Hoops struck the crossbar twice after Ebanks-Blake’s 25th goal of the season and there were some nervy moments before promotion was sealed, making results elsewhere in the Championship irrelevant.  Cameron Jerome’s late goal for Blues at Watford means Wolves’ title champagne remains on ice, but that can wait.  Promotion sees Wolves seal a second spell in the top flight of English football with fans looking forward to mouth-watering clashes against the cream of the game, including European champions Manchester United, plus fellow big guns Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.  It is the culmination of the club’s ‘young and hungry’ policy that was introduced by the board prior to manager McCarthy’s appointment just under three years ago and sees Wolves return to the top flight after an absence of five years.  McCarthy’s young side became the first Wolves team for 20 years to win automatic promotion, since Steve Bull and Co led the club to the old Third Division title in 1989.  It was a real carnival atmosphere and an occasion for Wolves through the ages. Heroes from the 1950s Roy Swinbourne and Malcolm Finlayson and 1970s star Frank Munro were among the sell-out crowd to celebrate promotion back to the big time.  Fans also joined in, singing the new terrace anthem, The Impossible Dream and waving thousands of gold and black cards in the air to create a real party atmosphere before kick-off.  The result means Wolves can now play out the final two games safe in the knowledge that whatever happens, they will be rubbing shoulders with the elite of English football once more next season.
To see every E&S match report of the season click here http://www.expressandstar.com/wolves-season-2008-9-match-reports/?seealso

To see all the match photos click here http://www.expressandstar.com/wolves-championship-season-20089/?seealso

and the  Sunday Times

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake sends Wolves into promised land

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Queens Park Rangers 0
John Aizlewood at Molineux

As the third minute of stoppage time ebbed into the fourth, the Wolverhampton Wanderers matchday announcer begged the cacophonous crowd to stay off the Molineux pitch. He hadn’t a hope of being heeded. Seconds later, the whistle blew and green grass became a heaving, chanting sea of old gold. Wolves had the three points they needed to rejoin the Premier League, just as they did in 2003.

Back then, their life in the Premier League was nasty, brutish and short. This time around, the foundations built by manager Mick McCarthy seem more solid. Top of the Championship since October, they have triumphed despite a mid-season spell of one win in 11 league games, the loss of key personnel with long-term injury and some far from flowing performances.

“I'm speechless,” said chairman Steve Morgan, the Liverpool fan who bought the club for £10 18 months ago. “This means even more to me than Istanbul in the Champions League.” In truth, although yesterday was tense and the victory far from clear-cut, the day had seemed made for young dreamers, made for those who had stayed Old Gold through the years of Division Four darkness and made for those who remember the Stan Cullis era.

Bar the half-full away corner, there was not a spare seat in the house, although so sizzling was the atmosphere that few actually were seated; Wolves’ opponents were managerless and had nothing to play for and the home side’s talismanic top scorer, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, returned from injury to score the decider.

The way Wolves went about their business suggested there would be no slip-ups. Wolves played like wolves, hunting in packs and offering no mercy. Ten minutes in, when Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Radek Cerny athletically turned away a David Edwards header and then dived smartly to foil Matt Jarvis, it seemed as though nobody would have a busier afternoon than the Czech.

Yet, even with no manager to impress – “Those who make the decisions will make their decision,” sighed caretaker manager Gareth Ainsworth afterwards – QPR did not buckle and when Jody Craddock sliced Dave Jones’ 21st-minute cross high over the bar, anxiety began to creep into Wolves’ game and when Heidar Helguson missed his kick when unmarked 10 yards from goal, the crowd sensed there may be trouble ahead. Wolves took heed and upped the ante. Before half-time Cerny again saved well from Edwards and bravely from Andy Keogh, while Ebanks-Blake emulated Helguson by missing his kick when well placed and Jarvis landed a corner on the bar.

Less than a minute into the second period, Wolves secured promotion. Stephen Ward knocked an innocuous ball forward, Damion Stewart dallied and dithered inside the penalty area. Keogh dispossessed him and squared, Ebanks-Blake tapping home .

That ought to have been that, but moments later a speculative shot from Rowan Vine took an almighty deflection off Christophe Berra, sailed over Hennessy and as Molineux held its breath, hit the underside of the bar and bounced to safety. There were more held breaths when Vine’s glorious through-ball wrong-footed the Wolves defence. Helguson hurtled through alone, only to sidefoot feebly into the onrushing Hennessey’s midriff. From there, it was all over bar the shouting, but what shouting there was.

Star man:David Edwards (Wolves).

WOLVES:Hennessey 6, Ward 7 (Stearman 76min), Craddock 6, Berra 5, Foley 6, Jarvis 7, Henry 6, Edwards 7, Jones 6 (Vokes 66min), Ebanks-Blake 6 (Harewood 60min), Keogh 7.

QPR:Cerny 5, Ramage 6, Gorkss 5, Stewart 4, Connolly 6, Routledge 6, Mahon 6, Lopez 5 (Leigertwood 86min), Cook 5 (Ephraim 64min), Helguson 4, Vine7 (Taarabt 64min).

Referee: J Moss.   Attendance: 27,511.

The BBC reported

Wolves clinched promotion to the Premier League after beating QPR as the Midlands club returned to the top-flight for the first time since 2004.

Fittingly the winning goal was bagged by striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, the club's top scorer this season, who claimed his 25th goal of the campaign. Absent from the the previous three games through injury, Ebanks-Blake struck just after half-time.  The prolific striker netted from close-range after good work from Andy Keogh.

Mick McCarthy's side won promotion leading from the front after going top of the Championship in October, while they have occupied one of the two automatic promotion places since the third game of the season. The win also ensured that Wolves are all but assured of ending the season as divisional champions as with two games to play they are six points clear of second-placed Birmingham with a vastly superior goal difference.
Wolves rode their luck at times after Ebanks-Blake's goal, notably when Rowan Vine's shot deflected off Christophe Berra before hitting the bar.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey then did will to deny Heidar Helguson when the QPR striker was sent clear.

But in front of a sold-out Molineux, Wolves held on for the three points and a place in the cash-rich Premier League.

Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Foley, Craddock, Berra, Stephen Ward (Stearman 79), Edwards, Henry, Jones (Vokes 65), Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake (Harewood 60), Keogh.
Subs Not Used: Higgs, Reid. Booked: Stephen Ward. Goals: Ebanks-Blake 46.

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Connolly, Routledge, Lopez (Leigertwood 85), Mahon, Cook (Ephraim 63), Vine (Taarabt 63), Helguson.
Subs Not Used: Delaney, Miller. Booked: Lopez.

Att: 27,511 Ref: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire).
 

And Wolves World saw it as

Wolves 1 (Ebanks-Blake 46) Queens Park Rangers 0

Wolves are up. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake struck shortly after the interval with his 25th goal of the campaign to seal a second stint for the club in what is arguably the best League in the world - the Premier League.

There were two changes to the Wolves' starting line-up with Ebanks-Blake returning from injury in place of Sam Vokes and Stephen Ward coming in at left-back for Matt Hill.  Rangers kicked-off attacking the North Bank end but Wolves were soon pushing forward.  Dave Edwards's attempt to find Andy Keogh with a backheel from Matt Jarvis's low cross was thwarted when a defender intercepted, and then Edwards forced a full length save from Radek Cerny with a powerful header from Jarvis's centre.  Jarvis then tested the Czech keeper with a 20-yard drive before the first real threat from the visitors, in the 16th minute, when Wayne Routledge broke clear.
But Jody Craddock raced across to get in a great saving tackle before recovering to stop the ball going out for a throw-in and clearing upfield.  Craddock was soon in action at the other end with a volley that sailed high over the bar after a cross from Jarvis.  Centres by Routledge and Jordi Lopez caused problems for the home defence before the danger was cleared.  But Wolves were soon back on the attack and when a cross from Edwards was only half cleared, Jarvis drove narrowly over from 20-yards. Cerny had to take a long-range volley from Edwards after Jones's corner hadn't been properly cleared and then a great turn from Keogh, who left Kaspars Gorkss completely flatfooted, was followed by a low cross that Cerny just managed to cut out with Christophe Berra stood waiting behind him ready to convert.  The lively Keogh then slipped a pass to Ebanks-Blake who fired over from the edge of the area.   In the 38th minute there was an escape for Rangers when Jarvis's inswinging corner smacked against the bar and bounced clear.  Lopez was shown the yellow card after a mid-air collision with Karl Henry, and the half ended with an Ebanks-Blake shot on the turn going wide following a cross from Edwards.

Half-Time: Wolves 0 QPR 0

Just a minute after the restart Wolves took the lead. Damion Stewart tried to shepherd the ball out but Keogh's persistence saw him win the ball on the by-line and he laid it into the path of Ebanks-Blake who made no mistake from six-yards.  Ward was perhaps a little unfortunate to have been booked for a challenge on Routledge. From the free-kick conceded Wayne Hennessey punched clear to Rowan Vine whose first time volley from 20-yards was blocked by Ward.  There was a let off for Wanderers on 53rd minutes when Vine's shot took a vicious deflection off Berra and crashed against the underside of the bar before it was booted clear. On the hour Ebanks-Blake received a tremendous ovation as he left the field to be replaced by Marlon Harewood.  It looked as if Rangers were going to draw level as Heidar Helguson raced onto Gavin Mahon's through ball but to the relief of the home supporters Hennessey trapped the ball between his knees to save.  The visitors made a double change with Adel Taarabt replacing Vine and Hogan Ephraim, Lee Cook. Then, for Wolves, Vokes replaced Dave Jones with Keogh dropping back into midfield.  Stewart was caught out again on the by-line in a similar situation as to the one when the goal went in. This time it was Edwards who won possession and set up Harewood whose shot went straight to Cerny.  Keogh hooked wide after a cross from Ward, and Hennessey had to paw away a shot from Taarabt when Rangers threatened shortly afterwards.  Richard Stearman was Wolves' last change when he was sent on for Ward.
A foul by Lopez on Edwards just outside the QPR area gave Wolves the chance to increase their lead but Edwards's free-kick went through the wall into the arms of Cerny.  Two minutes from time a foul by Berra on Helguson, in an identical position at the other end, had the home support looking on worryingly but Ephraim fired over the bar from the free-kick.  Vokes volleyed wide after Harewood had knocked the ball into his path, before the referee sparked jubilant celebrations and a mass pitch invasion as he blew the final whistle to confirm Wolves' elevation to the top flight.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Ward (Stearman 79), Jones (Vokes 65), Craddock (capt), Berra, Edwards, Henry, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake (Harewood 60), Jarvis.  Unused subs: Higgs, Reid. Bookings: Ward (50 - foul).

QPR: Cerny, Mahon (capt), Stewart, Vine (Taarabt 63), Gorkss, Routledge, Connolly, Helguson, Ramage, Cook (Ephraim 63), Lopez (Leigertwood 85).  Unused subs: Delaney, Miller. Bookings: Lopez (43 - foul).

Referee: J. Moss. Attendance: 27,511.
 

Team

WOLVES: Hennessey, Foley, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Edwards, Henry, Jones, Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake, Keogh. SUBS: Higgs, Stearman, Reid, Vokes, Harewood.

 QPR: Cerny, Mahon, Stewart, Vine, Gorkss, Routledge, Connolly, Helguson, Ramage, Cook, Lopez. SUBS: Delaney, Taarabt, Ephraim, Leigertwood, Miller.
 

First half possession

Wolverhampton Wanderers   QPR

Goals:   0 0

Possession:  61 39

Shots On Target: 4 0

Shots Off Target: 5 2

Corners:  6 0

Fouls:   4 7

Most Fouls: Edwards (2)   Helguson (2)

Yellow Cards:  0 1

Red Cards:  0 0
Full time

Goals:   1 0

Possession:  57 43

Shots On Target: 7 4

Shots Off Target: 7 5

Corners:  7 0

Fouls:   13 10

Most Fouls:    Craddock (2)  Helguson (2)

Yellow Cards:  1  1

Red Cards:  0 0

Scorers:  Ebanks-Blake (45)
 

As it happened

90:00 (+ 0:27) Foul by Damion Stewart(QPR) on Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) from left wing, passed. 88:44 Shot by Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton) volleyed right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar. 88:13 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Heidar Helguson(QPR). Free kick taken right-footed by Hogan Ephraim(QPR) from right channel (30 yards), over the bar. 86:26 Shot by Mikele Leigertwood(QPR) right-footed from left channel (35+ yards), missed left. 84:43 QPR substitution: Jordi Lopez replaced by Mikele Leigertwood (tactical). 82:34 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Adel Taarabt(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Gavin Mahon(QPR) from left channel, passed. 81:36 Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 81:24 Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Damion Stewart(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play. 80:24 Foul by Kaspars Gorkss(QPR) on David Edwards(Wolverhampton). Free kick drilled right-footed by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) from left channel (25 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Radek Cerny(QPR). 78:03 Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Wolverhampton substitution: Stephen Ward replaced by Richard Stearman (injury). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 77:52 Shot by Matthew Connolly(QPR) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), save (parried) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 76:29 Foul by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) on Gavin Mahon(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Gavin Mahon(QPR) from own half, passed. 74:04 Shot by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) volleyed left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. 69:44 Handball by Adel Taarabt(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 69:15 Foul by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) on Adel Taarabt(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Gavin Mahon(QPR) from left channel, passed. 68:57 Shot by Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left side of penalty area (20 yards), save (parried) by Radek Cerny(QPR). 66:18 Shot by Jordi Lopez(QPR) right-footed from left channel (35 yards), over the bar. 64:22 Wolverhampton substitution: David Jones replaced by Sam Vokes (injury). 62:28 QPR substitution: Rowan Vine replaced by Adel Taarabt (tactical).QPR substitution: Lee Cook replaced by Hogan Ephraim (tactical). 61:55Shot by Heidar Helguson(QPR) right-footed from centre of penalty area (20 yards), save (blocked) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 59:23 Wolverhampton substitution: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake replaced by Marlon Harewood (tactical). 58:10 Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Damion Stewart(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Radek Cerny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play. 57:06 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to centre, foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Peter Ramage(QPR). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Radek Cerny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play. 54:20 Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 54:06 Foul by David Jones(Wolverhampton) on Jordi Lopez(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jordi Lopez(QPR) from own half, passed. 53:25 Foul by Peter Ramage(QPR) on Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) from right channel, resulting in open play. 53:01 Shot by Rowan Vine(QPR) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 51:48 Foul by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) on Radek Cerny(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Radek Cerny(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play. 50:28 Shot by Rowan Vine(QPR) volleyed right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). 49:33 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Wayne Routledge(QPR). Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jordi Lopez(QPR) from right wing, resulting in open play. 48:41 Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 46:38 Goal by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Wolverhampton 1-0 QPR. Assist (pass) by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) from left side of penalty area. 45:00 (+ 0:28)Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 44:18 Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 43:21 Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right side of penalty area (20 yards), missed left. 42:30 Foul by Jordi Lopez(QPR) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Jordi Lopez(QPR) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 41:37 Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Radek Cerny(QPR) from own half, passed. 41:27 Foul by Damion Stewart(QPR) on Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) from left channel, resulting in open play. 37:13 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in open play. 37:11 Shot by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Kaspars Gorkss(QPR). 33:02 Shot by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake(Wolverhampton) left-footed from right channel (35 yards), over the bar. 31:59 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Wayne Routledge(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Damion Stewart(QPR) from right wing, resulting in open play. 29:39 Foul by Jordi Lopez(QPR) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 28:29 Shot by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left channel (35 yards), over the bar. 27:03 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to short, resulting in open play. 25:13 Shot by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) volleyed right-footed from right channel (35+ yards), comfortable save (caught) by Radek Cerny(QPR). 24:29 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to centre, resulting in open play. 24:02 Heidar Helguson(QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 23:25 Shot by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar. 23:08 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to centre, save (punched) by Radek Cerny(QPR). 22:04 Shot by Lee Cook(QPR) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed left. 20:55 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Heidar Helguson(QPR). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Kaspars Gorkss(QPR) from own half, resulting in open play. 18:06 Shot by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) volleyed left-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. 17:30 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to far post, clearance by Gavin Mahon(QPR). 16:40 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Heidar Helguson(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Matthew Connolly(QPR) from own half, passed. 15:49 Foul by Gavin Mahon(QPR) on David Jones(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 13:02 Foul by David Jones(Wolverhampton) on Gavin Mahon(QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Gavin Mahon(QPR) from left channel, passed. 10:08 Shot by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (35 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Radek Cerny(QPR). 9:42 Foul by Heidar Helguson(QPR) on Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 7:59 Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton). 7:55 Header by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) from left side of penalty area (18 yards), save (tipped round post) by Radek Cerny(QPR). 7:07 Foul by Heidar Helguson(QPR) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) from right channel, resulting in open play. 4:01 Foul by Gavin Mahon(QPR) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) from left wing, resulting in open play. 1:37 Shot by Jordi Lopez(QPR) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.
 

Bank Holiday Monday at Pride Park v Derby County

Derby County 2 (Kazmierczak 29, Sterjovski 55) Wolves 3 (Keogh 7, 87, Jarvis 73)
 

The Andy Keogh that Mick bought finally turned up in a gold shirt.  He attacked the ball, and was rewarded with the first and the match-winning goals.   He timed his jumps better, and played like a proper forward.  Although his 7th minute opener had a clear push on Albrechtsen - which the ref didn't give and which may have accounted for the number of decisions which went Derby's way for the rest of the match - he struck the ball brilliantly.  His brave header to get on the end of a Marlon Harewood cross took the points, which mean that, since the chasing teams drew, a win against QPR on Saturday would guarantee promotion while two wins out of three guarantees the Championship.   Derby played well for much of the match, although their finishing was a bit wayward, fortunately. It wasn't until Wolves got the ball down and started playing that some degree of control reappeared.  Jarvo finally found the net too, sweeping up in the 6 yard box, just that bit faster than the Derby defenders.  After the match the players came out early for the fans to applaud them again, and, for once, the shout was for "Keogh, Keogh".

Meanwhile Wolves are negotiating with QPR for 2000 extra seats by moving their fans for the party on Saturday.  Mick did say on WM after the match that he wanted no party atmosphere - "It's Too Soon To Celebrate" - and hoped it poured with rain to dampen it down!  He also said they played like dobbins and were very bad, but he looked pretty delighted anyway.

as Wolves saw it

Wolves took a giant step towards automatic promotion following a dramatic 3-2 win at Derby County. One victory from the final three games of the campaign will guarantee the step up to the Premier League and, dependent on other teams results, it may not even need that.
Mick McCarthy's team was unchanged for the trip to the East Midlands and they kicked-off defending the end of the ground that housed the travelling support.  From an early Dave Jones free-kick Sam Vokes saw his header deflected behind. Then Przemyslaw Kazmierczak half-hit a 20-yard shot that dribbled wide.  Andy Keogh gave Wolves a seventh minute lead with a tremendous goal. He held off Martin Albrechtsen's challenge and volleyed the ball home as it dropped over his shoulder after Kevin Foley had pumped a long ball into the box.  Vokes almost made it two shortly afterwards but Matt Jarvis's left-wing centre was just too high for the Welsh striker. County forced three successive corners before the visiting defence eventually cleared its lines then, in the 19th minute, Kazmierczak wasn't far away with a first time shot.  Derby were pressing hard and Rob Hulse went unwittingly close when Foley's clearance from the heart of the six-yard box struck the striker and ricocheted just wide of the post. But the pressure eventually told and Nigel Clough's team equalised in the 29th minute. Karl Henry was penalised for a challenge on Hulse 25-yards out and Kazmierczak curled the free-kick round the wall and beyond Wayne Hennessey's dive.  Jody Craddock blocked a Hulse shot in the area and then the Wolves' skipper booted clear a dangerous cross from Kris Commons as the home side continued to press.  Hennessey parried and then claimed a rising drive from Gary Teale and, in a rare Wolves attack, Foley's cross was deflected behind for a corner that came to nothing. In stoppage time Hulse powered a header inches wide after a cross from Teale.

Half-Time: Derby 1 Wolves 1

Three minutes after the restart Hennessey did well to clear from Hulse after Henry had blocked Commons's driven cross.  Wolves were inches away from taking a fiftieth minute lead after Foley had ventured upfield and played the ball wide to Jarvis. The defender continued his run into the box and when Jarvis rolled the ball back to him Foley hit an angled shot against the inside of the post.  The rebound was cleared to Hulse who raced down the left before cutting into the Wolves area where Craddock threw himself to block the Derby man's shot. Mile Sterjovski won a challenge with Matt Hill and raced clear on goal. But Hennessey was off his line like a shot to block on the edge of the area.  Henry had a chance when he collected a Keogh centre at the far post but he fired over the bar from an acute angle. On 55 minutes Derby took the lead when Commons played a corner to the unmarked Sterjovski who sidefooted the ball home from just inside the area.  In the minutes that followed Marlon Harewood replaced Vokes and Kyel Reid went on in place of Dave Edwards.  Keogh headed over following a Jones corner whilst, at the other end, Hennessey just managed to get a hand to Hulse's shot on the turn.  The final change came when Stephen Ward went on for Hill, just before Wolves drew level in the 73rd minute.  Keogh dummied Reid's low cross and the ball fell to Harewood who found his path to goal blocked. But the ball ran to Jarvis who rifled it into the net from close in right in front of the ecstatic gold and black following behind the goal. Three minutes from time Keogh struck again to win it for Wanderers with a close range header after a great cross from Harewood.

Derby: Bywater, Connolly (capt), McEveley (Nyatanga 43), Kazmierczak (Eustace 45), Commons, Savage, Hulse, Sterjovski (Bannan 88), Todd, Teale, Albrechtsen. Unused subs: Price, Villa.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Hill (Ward 70), Jones, Craddock (capt), Berra, Edwards (Reid 61), Henry, Keogh, Vokes (Harewood 58), Jarvis.  Unused subs: Higgs, Stearman. Booking: Keogh (87 - goal celebration).

Referee: P. Taylor.  Attendance: 33,079.
 

                               Derby County   Wolverhampton Wanderers

Goals:                               2                            3
Possession:                     50                         50
Shots On Target:              8                            5
Shots Off Target:              9                            3
Corners:                           5                             4
Fouls:                               7                           15
Most Fouls:                Hulse (3)                   Hill (4)
Yellow Cards:                   0                             1 Keogh
Red Cards:                       0                              0

Scorers:           Kazmierczak (29)   Keogh (6)
                        Sterjovski (54)   Jarvis (73)
                                                    Keogh (86)
90:00 (+ 2:39)Cross by Barry Bannan (Derby), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
90:00 (+ 1:40)Shot by Kris Commons (Derby) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
90:00 (+ 0:49)Cross by Paul Connolly (Derby), clearance by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
90:00 (+ 0:17)Cross by John Eustace (Derby), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
87:33Derby substitution: Mile Sterjovski replaced by Barry Bannan (tactical).
87:05Cross by Marlon Harewood (Wolverhampton), headed goal by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton) (low centre of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Derby 2-3 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Marlon Harewood (Wolverhampton) from right side of penalty area.
84:14Cross by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Stephen Bywater (Derby).
83:38Foul by Paul Connolly (Derby) on Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
82:40Foul by Marlon Harewood (Wolverhampton) on Martin Albrechtsen (Derby). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
81:57Shot by Kris Commons (Derby) left-footed from left channel (35+ yards), over the bar.
81:27Foul by Rob Hulse (Derby) on Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
79:13Cross by Gary Teale (Derby), resulting in open play.
76:17Foul by Rob Hulse (Derby) on Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
75:04Cross by Gary Teale (Derby), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton). Goal kick taken short by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
74:17Cross by Mile Sterjovski (Derby), shot by Rob Hulse (Derby) right-footed from right side of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
73:40Cross by Kyel Reid (Wolverhampton), goal by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Derby 2-2 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Kyel Reid (Wolverhampton) from left side of penalty area.
72:32Cross by Stephen Ward (Wolverhampton), clearance by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby).
72:28Cross by Kyel Reid (Wolverhampton), blocked by Robbie Savage (Derby).
71:57Cross by Gary Teale (Derby), clearance by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
71:27Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), clearance by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton).
69:32Wolverhampton substitution: Matthew Hill replaced by Stephen Ward (tactical).
66:52Cross by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton), clearance by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby).
66:01Foul by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton) on Mile Sterjovski (Derby). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Kris Commons (Derby) from right wing, header by Mile Sterjovski (Derby) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
64:50Cross by Mile Sterjovski (Derby), blocked by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
64:25Shot by Rob Hulse (Derby) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Gary Teale (Derby) to centre, resulting in open play.
62:37Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton) to centre, header by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Stephen Bywater (Derby).
60:54Wolverhampton substitution: David Edwards replaced by Kyel Reid (tactical).
59:10Cross by Lewin Nyatanga (Derby), clearance by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton).
58:38Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Robbie Savage (Derby). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Robbie Savage (Derby) from left channel, passed.
57:43Shot by Gary Teale (Derby) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right. Wolverhampton substitution: Sam Vokes replaced by Marlon Harewood (tactical).
55:46Foul by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton) on Martin Albrechtsen (Derby). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
55:00Cross by Mile Sterjovski (Derby), clearance by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Kris Commons (Derby) to centre, goal by Mile Sterjovski (Derby) right-footed (top-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Derby 2-1 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Kris Commons (Derby) from right by-line.
53:01Cross by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton), shot by Karl Henry (Wolverhampton) right-footed from right side of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
50:55Foul by Rob Hulse (Derby) on Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
50:34Foul by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton) on Lewin Nyatanga (Derby). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
49:59Defending throw-in by Paul Connolly (Derby).Shot by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), hit post.
49:36Shot by Rob Hulse (Derby) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
48:27Cross by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton), resulting in open play.
48:14Shot by Rob Hulse (Derby) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
46:40Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
45:01Derby substitution: Przemyslaw Kazmierczak replaced by John Eustace (tactical).
45:00 (+ 1:35)Cross by Gary Teale (Derby), header by Rob Hulse (Derby) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
45:00 (+ 1:18)Foul by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) on Rob Hulse (Derby). Free kick taken left-footed by Kris Commons (Derby) from right wing (25 yards), hit wall.
45:00 (+ 0:12)Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
44:45Kris Commons (Derby) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
43:52Foul by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton) on Mile Sterjovski (Derby). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
43:43Cross by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton), blocked by Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby).
43:23Cross by David Jones (Wolverhampton), clearance by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby). Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton).
42:10Derby substitution: James McEveley replaced by Lewin Nyatanga (injury).
36:41Header by Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
35:17Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), shot by Gary Teale (Derby) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (parried) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
34:19Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Robbie Savage (Derby). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby) from right channel, passed.
33:17Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
31:42Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), clearance by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton). Attacking throw-in by Paul Connolly (Derby).
31:06Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), clearance by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton).
29:29Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Rob Hulse (Derby). Free kick scored by Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right channel (25 yards).Derby 1-1 Wolverhampton.
27:52Cross by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton), clearance by Andy Todd (Derby).
26:54Foul by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) on Rob Hulse (Derby). Free kick crossed left-footed by Kris Commons (Derby) from left channel, save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
24:17Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by James McEveley (Derby) from own half, passed.
24:03Cross by Mile Sterjovski (Derby), clearance by Kevin Foley (Wolverhampton).
22:32Foul by David Edwards (Wolverhampton) on Martin Albrechtsen (Derby). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby) from own half, passed.
21:23Shot by Gary Teale (Derby) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
19:43Cross by Gary Teale (Derby), clearance by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton).
19:17Foul by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton) on Kris Commons (Derby). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Robbie Savage (Derby) from left wing, passed.
18:11Shot by Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
17:45Handball by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Bywater (Derby) from own half, resulting in open play.
16:16Cross by Gary Teale (Derby), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
15:32Foul by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton) on Mile Sterjovski (Derby). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Andy Todd (Derby) from right wing, passed.
15:18Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), blocked by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton).
13:58Cross by Kris Commons (Derby), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Kris Commons (Derby) to centre, clearance by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Gary Teale (Derby) to near post, clearance by Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Kris Commons (Derby) to centre, clearance by David Jones (Wolverhampton).
12:25Foul by David Edwards (Wolverhampton) on Gary Teale (Derby). Direct free kick taken left-footed by James McEveley (Derby) from left wing, passed.
9:23Rob Hulse (Derby) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
8:47Cross by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton), clearance by James McEveley (Derby).
7:44Goal by Andrew Keogh (Wolverhampton) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Derby 0-1 Wolverhampton. Assist (cross) by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) from left channel.
6:13Shot by Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton).
5:11Foul by Kris Commons (Derby) on Karl Henry (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
4:24Cross by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton), header by Christophe Berra (Wolverhampton) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), save (caught) by Stephen Bywater (Derby).
3:53Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Matthew Jarvis (Wolverhampton).
3:21Foul by Mile Sterjovski (Derby) on Matthew Hill (Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton) from left by-line, clearance by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by David Jones (Wolverhampton) to near post, clearance by Martin Albrechtsen (Derby).
2:07Foul by Kris Commons (Derby) on Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play.
1:47Foul by David Jones (Wolverhampton) on Robbie Savage (Derby). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Robbie Savage (Derby) from right channel, passed.
1:11Cross by Przemyslaw Kazmierczak (Derby), clearance by Jody Craddock (Wolverhampton).
0:29Shot by Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Stephen Bywater (Derby).

 Good Friday at home to the Saints (3:15pm on Sky)

 Wolves 3 (Vokes 1, Craddock 6, Jones-pen 18) Southampton 0

The Sky jinx doesn’t get us again and a 30 year old record goes in 38 secs.  It’s 30 years since we beat the Saints at Moli.  Within 18 minutes it was all over, although Wolves inability to push an advantage still led to some scary moments and there always seemed to be the likelihood of a chance for a poor Southampton team.   Saints’ best attempt at goal came from Matty Jarvis attmpting to clear back in his own area and he put his first decent shot on goal in for the season - fortunately Wayne was alert and saved the own goal.  Starting Sammy (at last) made the difference - he won the corner and scored from it in 38 seconds!  Keogh was as ineffectual as ever, still giving the ball and the advantage away throughout the match.
Before the match SEB displayed his Player and Goal of the Year trophies.

WOW saw it like this.

A first minute goal from Sam Vokes against Southampton, the team he supported as a boy, set Wolves on the victory trail in a dominant display against the crisis ridden club.

Matt Jarvis started on the left in place of Stephen Ward who was named as a substitute as was Marlon Harewood with Vokes starting up front alongside Andy Keogh.

Steady rain was falling at Molineux as Wolves kicked-off attacking the South Bank end. And after just 38 seconds the home supporters were in full voice as their side took a sensational early lead.  Jan-Paul Saeijs, under pressure from Vokes, conceded a corner that was taken by Dave Jones and headed home by the young striker.  And the noise levels rose even more in the sixth minute as Jody Craddock made it two - again with a header - and again following a Jones corner.  Jones played the flag-kick short to Jarvis and took a return pass before crossing for Craddock to head powerfully past Davis. Seconds later Saints' skipper Davis was almost caught out by a Jarvis cross that was missed by everyone but floated just wide of the far post.  The Wolves players looked to be in a ruthless and determined mood and Keogh was the next to go close with a rasping 25-yard drive that flew just wide after Vokes had headed the ball down.  Southampton's first chance came in the 14th minute when a Marek Saganowski header from Saeijs's free-kick drifted wide although Wayne Hennessey had the ball covered.  A foul by Saeijs on Dave Edwards 25-yards out led to Wolves' third goal in the 18th minute. With the visiting defence expecting a shot, Jones instead passed wide to Kevin Foley on he left and, when his cross was blocked, Edwards was tripped by Saganowski as he went for the loose ball.  The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Jones thundered home the penalty.  Midway through the half Hennessey produced a fine save to push away an attempted clearance from Jarvis that looked destined for the back of the net.  Then Keogh ran onto an Edwards through ball and, with only Davis to beat, he went down under a challenge from Saeijs. But this time penalty appeals were met with a negative response from the official. A teasing cross from Jarvis was only just too far in front of Vokes as Wolves continued to dominate.  In first-half stoppage time there was a chance for Jarvis as he broke into the Saints box on the left but Lloyd James got in a timely block. The ball went behind for what was clearly a corner but a goal-kick was awarded.

Half-Time: Wolves 3 Saints 0

The visitors made two changes at the start of the new half with Jason Euell coming on for David McGoldrick and Bradley Wright-Phillips for Rudi Skacel.  As they had been doing throughout the game, Southampton continued to play football and Hennessey did well to block from Saganowski who had shot on the turn from close range.  The ball was played upfield to Edwards on the right and Keogh's first time shot from the centre that followed was deflected behind for an unproductive corner.  Ryan Smith was shown the yellow card after he caught Matt Hill as the defender was attempting to clear the ball.  Vokes was just beaten to Andrew Surman's back-header by Davis before Harewood made his Molineux debut when he replaced Jarvis.  Within a minute there was a chance for the on loan Villa man but Foley's cross from the right flew past the striker's outstretched foot.  Craddock did well to turn the ball behind from Saganowski's low centre especially as Wright-Phillips and Euell were both lying in wait behind him. Ward was sent on for Vokes, in the 66th minute and, after Wright-Phillips had jinked his way into the box and had a shot deflected behind, Southampton made a final change with Adam Lallana coming on for Morgan Schneiderlin.  Keogh drove across the face of the Southampton goal as Wolves went in search of a fourth, and Foley received a rapturous reception when he came off for Richard Stearman for the final few minutes.  Christophe Berra went into the book for pulling back Saganowski to the right of the home area, with Hill clearing Smith's free-kick into the box. In stoppage time Chris Perry was also yellow carded after he had upended Keogh.

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley (Stearman 83), Hill, Jones, Craddock (capt), Berra, Edwards, Henry, Keogh, Vokes (Ward 66), Jarvis (Harewood 60).  Unused subs: Higgs, Reid. Booking: Berra (86 - holding).

Southampton: Davis (capt), Perry, Saganowski, Saeijs, Skacel (Wright-Phillips 45), Wotton, Surman, McGoldrick (Euell 45), Schneiderlin (Lallana 71), James, Smith.  Unused subs: Liptak, Forecast.  Bookings: Smith (56 - foul), Perry (90 - foul).

Referee: A. Taylor.  Attendance: 24,636.
                                  WW      Saints

Goals :   3  0

Possession :   54%  46%

Shots On Target :  3  4

Shots Off Target :  4  5

Corners :   3  7

Fouls :   14  9

Most Fouls :     Berra (4)  Saeijs (3)

Yellow Cards :  1  2

Red Cards :   0  0  

Scorers :

Monday 6th April 19:45 (Sky) Birmingham City 2 (Jerome 45, O'Connor 69) Wolves 0

Tony Butler of Radio WM called Wolves "Gutless Clueless No idea whatsoever - could end up in the playoffs - appalling"  It was clear that the Birmingham players wanted this and the Wolves just weren't up to it. 

Lee Carsley was putting in some pretty tough tackles before an awful studs up lunge at CHris Iwelumo led to the Scot being carried off, and the thug dismissed by ref Halsey.  Then as Mick moaned Halsey didn't give us anything.  Big Chris had the Blues defence really worried so Carsley did his team a real favour, especially when Mick decided to replace him with powder puff Keogh.  Dave Edwards had looked like our best attacker in the first half.

Awful defending by Hill led to the first half stoppage goal - a long ball knocked on and Hill had time to clear it but waited for Wayne to claim it - and both were muscled out of it by Jerome - who had his hand on Wayne's arm preventing him from taking the ball.  The second was an even worse gaffe by Berra with a similar mistake of a soft back header which Stears had made last time he played (but at least he was quick enough to prevent the goal). So the lead down to two points over Birmingham and seven over the Blades.

as Wolves saw it

After a below par performance Wolves had their lead at the top of the Championship table cut to just two points as they lost out to Birmingham City in the first against second battle at St Andrew's.  City had to play for over 50 minutes of the game with ten men after Lee Carsley was ordered off for a knee high tackle on Chris Iwelumo who was carried off on a stretcher.   There were two enforced changes to Mick McCarthy's starting line-up with Dave Edwards coming in for Michael Kightly and Marlon Harewood making his debut after Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was ruled unfit.
 

City kicked-off attacking the Railway End at St Andrew's after a minute's applause was held in memory of former Blues and England full-back Jeff Hall, 50 years after his death from polio at the age of 29.  The first chance of the game fell to Cameron Jerome but his overhead kick was both high and wide. For Wolves, Edwards brave diving header went over the bar after Iwelumo had headed on Stephen Ward's long throw-in. In the eighth minute Edwards needed treatment after another full length header that flew narrowly wide after a good cross from the left by Ward. Both sides were awarded free-kicks in promising positions with Maik Taylor and Wayne Hennessey making comfortable saves from Dave Jones and Sebastian Larsson respectively.  Radhi Jaidi was spoken to by the referee after an untidy challenge left Matt Hill in a heap on the floor. Then, just seconds later, the Tunisian defender did well to clear under pressure as Iwelumo went charging into the box.  In the 22nd minute Ward's under hit backpass put Jerome clean through on goal. Hennessey came to the rescue with a great block on the edge of the area. Jerome regained possession but he turned and hurriedly screwed the ball wide.  Taylor had to save Iwelumo's angled drive at the near post after Jody Craddock had flicked the ball on and when Craddock was adjudged to have fouled Kevin Phillips after play had swung to the other end, Larsson's free-kick was inches away.  There was a chance for Iwelumo when he connected with a Kevin Foley cross but his header was far too high. But it was to be the big striker's last real action of the game. He was the victim of an horrendous challenge from Carsley whose studs connected with his knee. The referee brandished the red card at the City captain whilst Iwelumo received treatment but it was immediately clear that he wouldn't be able to continue. Andy Keogh came on as substitute.  Deep into stoppage time City took the lead. Hennessey failed to deal with Ridgewell's flick on and Jerome got a touch and virtually walked the ball over the line although he appeared to be holding thge keeper's arm as he did so.

Half-Time: Blues 1 Wolves 0

Both sides made changes at the start of the new half. James McFadden replaced Phillips for Blues whilst Matt Jarvis was sent on for Hill. Ward dropped back into defence and Jarvis took the forward role on the left.  Karl Henry was booked for obstructing David Murphy and Keogh was penalised for a push on Jaidi as he tried to capitalise on a moment's hesitation between the defender and Taylor.  Garry O'Connor was City's second substitute in the 57th minute when he replaced Jerome and then Wolves made a final change when Sam Vokes went on for Edwards.   Blues had two chances in as many minutes to stretch their advantage. Lee Bowyer's drive drew an acrobatic save from Hennessey and then Larsson fired over when he was clean through.  Wolves had a justifiable penalty appeal rejected in the 68th minute when Vokes was tripped by Ridgewell inside the City area as he went for Foley's cross. But the home team got a second a minute later after a mistake by Christophe Berra. His header back to Hennessey lacked power and was intercepted by O'Connor who rounded the keeper and slid the ball into the empty net.  It could have been three after McFadden cleverly beat two men near the left-hand corner flag and ran in along the by-line before playing the ball into the six-yard box where Berra hooked clear.  Taylor saved Keogh's shot on the turn after a cross from Foley, and the keeper then gathered a header from Jarvis who had failed to make a clean connection to a centre from Vokes.  Liam Ridgewell's glancing header flew into Hennessey's arms after a Larsson corner, and Jarvis struck a tremendous shot that drew an equally good save from Taylor seven minutes from the end of a disappointing night for Wolves.

Blues: Taylor, Ridgewell, Murphy, Carr, Jaidi, Fahey, Bowyer, Larsson (Bouazza 87), Carsley (capt), Jerome (O'Connor 57), Phillips (McFadden 45).  Unused subs: Doyle, Queudrue. Sending-Off: Carsley (37 - foul tackle).

Wolves: Hennessey, Foley, Hill (Jarvis 45), Jones, Craddock (capt), Berra, Edwards (Vokes 62), Henry, Harewood, Iwelumo (Keogh 40), Ward.  Unused subs: Higgs, Stearman. Booking: Henry (53 - foul).

Referee: M. Halsey.  Attendance: 25,935.
                   Birmingham City   Wolverhampton Wanderers

Goals:                      2                     0

Possession:            48                   52

Shots On Target:      4                   6

Shots Off Target:     6                    5

Corners:                  3                   3

Fouls:                    13                16

Most Fouls:  Carsley (3)    Harewood (4)

Yellow Cards:       0                 1

Red Cards:           1                 0

Scorers: Jerome (45)
         O'Connor (68)
 

as it happened

90:00 (+ 1:29) Foul by Hameur Bouazza(Birmingham) on Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 90:00 (+ 0:56) Foul by Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton) on Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 89:26 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to far post, resulting in ball out of play. 88:51 Foul by James McFadden(Birmingham) on Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from right wing, passed. 88:10 Hameur Bouazza(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 86:11 Birmingham substitution: Sebastian Larsson replaced by Hameur Bouazza (injury). 83:57 Shot by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) volleyed right-footed from right channel (35+ yards), over the bar. 83:33 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) to centre, foul by Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton) on Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 83:04 Shot by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), fantastic save (parried) by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 81:17 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) to centre, header by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 80:37 Shot by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). 79:15 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), save (caught) by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 78:05 Cross by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton), shot by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). 76:58 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) to centre, brilliant save (caught) by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 75:51 Foul by David Murphy(Birmingham) on Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 74:38 Cross by Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton), clearance by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham). 73:19 Cross by James McFadden(Birmingham), clearance by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). 70:30 Foul by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham) on Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) from left channel, passed. 68:53 Goal by Garry O'Connor(Birmingham) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Birmingham 2-0 Wolverhampton. 67:32James McFadden(Birmingham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 67:25 Shot by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Garry O'Connor(Birmingham). 67:03 Foul by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham) on Sam Vokes(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton) from left channel, clearance by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). 64:44 Shot by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. 64:14 Foul by Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) on David Murphy(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) from left wing, resulting in open play. 63:47 Shot by Lee Bowyer(Birmingham) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 61:48 Wolverhampton substitution: David Edwards replaced by Sam Vokes (tactical). Attacking throw-in by Stephen Carr(Birmingham). 58:39 Foul by David Murphy(Birmingham) on David Edwards(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 56:06 Foul by Stephen Carr(Birmingham) on Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton). Birmingham substitution: Cameron Jerome replaced by Garry O'Connor (tactical). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) from own half, passed. 55:35 Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 53:58 Cross by David Edwards(Wolverhampton), clearance by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). 53:27 Cameron Jerome(Birmingham) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 52:34 Foul by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) on David Murphy(Birmingham). Karl Henry(Wolverhampton) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) from left wing, resulting in open play. 50:45 Foul by Christophe Berra(Wolverhampton) on Cameron Jerome(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 50:26 Cross by Matthew Jarvis(Wolverhampton), clearance by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). 49:41 Cross by David Edwards(Wolverhampton), shot by David Jones(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right channel (18 yards), blocked by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). 48:15 Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 45:13 Foul by Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) on Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 45:01 Birmingham substitution: Kevin Phillips replaced by James McFadden (tactical).Wolverhampton substitution: Matthew Hill replaced by Matthew Jarvis (tactical). 45:00 (+ 4:28)Foul by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton) on Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 45:00 (+ 3:05) Goal by Cameron Jerome(Birmingham) right-footed (low centre of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Birmingham 1-0 Wolverhampton. 45:00 (+ 2:32)Foul by Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) on Stephen Carr(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Carr(Birmingham) from left channel, resulting in open play. 45:00 (+ 2:19) Cross by Lee Bowyer(Birmingham), clearance by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton). 45:00 (+ 0:57) Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) to near post, clearance by Andrew Keogh(Wolverhampton). 45:00 (+ 0:52) Foul by Matthew Hill(Wolverhampton) on Cameron Jerome(Birmingham). Free kick crossed right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) from right channel, save (punched) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 44:39 Shot by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) left-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Stephen Carr(Birmingham). 43:59 Foul by Kevin Phillips(Birmingham) on Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). Free kick crossed right-footed by Kevin Foley(Wolverhampton) from left channel, clearance by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). 41:14 Cross by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham), clearance by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 40:33 Foul by Lee Carsley(Birmingham) on Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton). Lee Carsley(Birmingham) dismissed for serious foul play.Wolverhampton substitution: Chris Iwelumo replaced by Andrew Keogh (serious injury). Free kick taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 34:25 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Keith Fahey(Birmingham) to centre, clearance by Karl Henry(Wolverhampton). 33:24 Cross by David Edwards(Wolverhampton), header by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 31:41 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 30:39 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Lee Carsley(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 29:00 Cross by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham), clearance by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 28:36 Foul by Stephen Carr(Birmingham) on Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) from left wing, passed. 27:32 Cross by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham), save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 26:11 Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Lee Carsley(Birmingham) from own half, passed. 24:38 Foul by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton) on Kevin Phillips(Birmingham). Free kick taken right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) from left channel (20 yards), missed left. 23:14 Shot by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), save (caught) by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 21:43 Shot by Cameron Jerome(Birmingham) left-footed from left channel (18 yards), missed right. 20:23 Foul by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham) on Matthew Hill(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 17:41 Foul by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton) on Stephen Carr(Birmingham). Free kick crossed right-footed by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham) from right wing, save (caught) by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton). 14:50 Foul by Lee Carsley(Birmingham) on Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton). Free kick taken left-footed by David Jones(Wolverhampton) from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Maik Taylor(Birmingham). 10:28 Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, resulting in open play. 9:55 Foul by Marlon Harewood(Wolverhampton) on Liam Ridgewell(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Lee Carsley(Birmingham) from own half, passed. 8:03 Cross by Stephen Ward(Wolverhampton), header by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. 7:30 Foul by Lee Carsley(Birmingham) on David Edwards(Wolverhampton). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Hennessey(Wolverhampton) from own half, resulting in open play. 5:01 Cross by Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham), clearance by Jody Craddock(Wolverhampton). 3:56 Shot by David Edwards(Wolverhampton) left-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar. 3:39 Cross by Matthew Hill(Wolverhampton), clearance by Radhi Jaidi(Birmingham). 1:25 Shot by Cameron Jerome(Birmingham) overhead kick right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. 0:56 Foul by Chris Iwelumo(Wolverhampton) on Sebastian Larsson(Birmingham). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Maik Taylor(Birmingham) from own half, passed.

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