A below par performance from a completely different Wolves XI to the one that faced Man City.
Ben’s article (see below) was at the back of my mind all night as I thought what a miserable turnout we managed. 11,00 showed up for what was ultimately a poor match but with a few new faces making an appearance.
Berra - Back in the mix
As the first half continued, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on the right wing really came into the match, taking aim a few times and forcing some good saves from the Swindon keeper, as well as showing some neat touches and bits of skill. At only 17 years old I certainly look forward to seeing more of him.
Even Neill Collins (remember him?) had a decent shot.
My heart was in my mouth as Swindon did have the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. They also skimmed the crossbar as they enjoyed the better of the game towards the end of the half. However, it was Wolves who certainly seemed to have the upper hand in the first 45 but no goals to show for it.
After the break, Swindon improved but the match was still just as drab with a few long shots and no major incidents. On the hour mark, Mendez-Laing was replaced by Jarvis and Doyle by Keogh. The impact was immediate with Berra going close and Keogh taking a low drive. However, the next attack of any real note didn’t come until the last 10 minutes when the Swindon substitute Mark Marshall hit the outside of the post from a tight angle.
The final chance of the 90 minutes came to Wolves as Jarvis beat his man and the move ended with Keogh attempting a cheeky chip but narrowly missing. Through the second half Zubar, Berra and Hill looked comfortable at the back but Collins looked his usual inconsistent self making a few good tackles but also some poor decisions.
Into extra time and it seemed as though some people had already left. Whether they were unaware of the rules or it was just passed their bedtime, I couldn’t really blame them as it had been a poor spectacle.
The only chance in the first half of extra time came from Dave Edwards with a long strike forcing a good save from Swindon keeper Lucas. The second half wasn’t much better either. However, Swindon did make one clever break down their left side and Hahnemann took out the winger, getting none of the ball. He was lucky to get away with a yellow as I have seen keepers sent off for those before.
Onto the penalties in front of the South Bank. The scores were 5 each after normal penalties with Surman, Jones, Edwards, Keogh and Vokes taking them for Wolves and converting confidently. Swindon replied with 5 of their own and even their keeper getting in on the act. However they were probably helped by Hahnemann going right every time. Into sudden death and who steps up? None other than Big Neill. The stand was in disarray as many already resigned to the fact we had now lost. Collins then took one of the best penalties I have seen, smashing it into the top left and silencing the doubters. Swindon’s captain then hit the post but it seemed as if Hahnemann might have got to it anyway.
So Wolves are through by the skin of their teeth.
Onto the next round.
Player Ratings
A player by player rundown:
Marcus Hahnemann
Marcus Hahnemann – A good performance from the American despite not having too much to do. In comparison to Hennessey he was a lot more commanding and came out when it was needed, despite the poor sliding challenge a solid 7/1
Neill Collins
Neill Collins – The man everyone seems to love to hate. By far not his worst outing but it is difficult to credit him for his defensive display and a lot of Swindon’s attacking opportunities seemed to come through him. His penalty and early shot do not make up for this. 5.5/10
Christophe Berra
Christophe Berra – The captain for the evening. Looked comfortable with everything that came at him and a good first performance of the season, certainly a contender for a place in the first squad. 8/10
Ronald Zubar
Ronald Zubar – Many people’s first chance to see the French defender and he was easily the best defender on the park, all those problems about him not fitting seemed to go out the window as he and Berra hooked up well. I hope he does get a chance for the first team as he did play well and the fans definitely acknowledged him, chanting his name throughout. A deserved man of the match and 9/10
Matt Hill
Matt Hill – A good consistent performance and he is my personal choice left back, even though Ward has served quite well in the Premier so far I would still pick him as he is stronger and more solid. 8/10
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing – A fantastic debut for the young academy player with many bits of trickey and some good shots. Worked very hard and perhaps would have got man of the match had he not been substituted. 8.5/10
Andrew Surman
Andrew Surman – Was kept quite quiet while playing in the centre but as he was moved to the wings he seemed to get more involved. Creating a few chances. 6.5/10
David Jones
Dave Jones – Again, was kept rather quiet in the central role and even his specialty long shots were not great and kept to a minimum. Set pieces were poor. We definitely missed Henry and Milijas tonight. 6/10
George Elokobi
George Elokobi – Started on the left wing and hooked up well with Hill creating a few good crosses and his running was great. Looking as strong as ever, he seemed to enjoy the position but did drift further back and into the middle and his short passes weren’t great. 7/10
Kevin Doyle
Kevin Doyle – Another good performance from the Irishman but is yet to play a full 90 minutes. Looked strong on the ball and held it up well. Could have scored on a different day but an all round good turn out from him. 8.5/10
Sam Vokes
Sam Vokes – I am glad he got a full game (and then some) but he seemed to go missing after 20 minutes or so. Played well with Doyle for the first half, creating a few good passing moved. Definitely looks better as an impact sub but this may change with more experience. 7/10
Substitutes
Matt Jarvis
Matt Jarvis – Got an excellent reception from the crowd for his performance at Eastlands and you could tell the difference immediately on the wings with good running and constantly beating his marker. His performances of late have been inconsistent but these last two show what he is capable of. 7/10
Andy Keogh
Andy Keogh – Man of the moment and another good performance. A few good efforts on goal but should have been more clinical when it mattered. Very few mistakes tonight and has proven he is deserving of a first team place. 8/10
Dave Edwards
Dave Edwards – Improved the midfield battle and had a very good effort saved by the keeper. Helped get through the defence but had little time to make that much of an impact. 7/10
Special mention also for the referee as he didn’t have a great night. He kicked a Swindon man into touch so the match could continue, fell over the ball as if wanting the free kick and dropped his cards in extra time.
This is my first match report and any constructive criticism is welcomed.
Cheers for doing the report Hallam. Excellent work my friend.
Your write-up of Zubar caught my eye in particular and I’m now dreaming of a Zubar, Mancienne partnership against Hull (forgive me Jody).
Although your description of the match doesn’t do much to change my opinion on the merits of the Carling Cup.
However, we’re now into the 3rd round for the first time in a while I believe (having not had to play in the 1st round being a Premiership side).
A couple more wins and it could get interesting. I won’t book my tickets for Wembley just yet though.
Nice one Hallam. Top effort that! I was listening to Radio WM, and they seemed to have the knives out for Doyle a bit, saying he’s got no pace and didn’t look bothered. (Think it was Richard Willford saying this). Surprising, as Doyle looks spritely enough for me. Maybe saving himself for Sat?
They seemed impressed with Berra, and said Zubar came into it more and looked more and more assured, which bodes well.
On to the next round! I usually fancy Man Utd away in any cup competitions, but seeing as we are already doing that this season, I am getting all blase. Don’t want them!
Very good match report. I wasn’t there (along with many others by the sound of it!) so its always nice to read a more detailed report than the two or three lines that appear on the BBC website.
Glad to hear Zubar got a run-out, hopefully this means he’s settling in better.
Just out of curiosity, what’s happening with the player ratings? Are they being totted up to produce a WolvesBlog player of the season?
tbh we flirted with a bit of a embarrising defeat but it never happened. We should have taken our chances and finished the game earlier. As long as we take our chances against hull on saturday and can keep alitodor quiet, im still feeling fairly confident!
Good point, but is anyone else worried by this Altidore?
After seeing Hull’s first couple of games I was quietly confident we could turn them over at Molineux. However, Altidore looked quality on MotD against Bolton; strong, fast and with a good shot. He scored last night as well if I’m not mistaken. Still think we can beat Hull on Saturday, but think they may be more of a threat than before they signed this guy.
Our training was cancelled last night because so many of our players said they were going to the match, now I find out it wasn’t even half full……….Me thinks that people were pulling a fast one!!!!
11 Changes from the team that started agaist City, the reporter on 5 live said we didn’t look like a Prem team and then backed that up by saying this wasn’t a Prem team, 7 of the 11 never played in the Prem and 7 of the 11 not playing any first team football this season, so all things considered, happy to scrap through.
Personally I don’t won’t he distraction of the Carling Cup for the Wolves players and hope MM uses it as a training day for fringe players and rest day for first teamers.
Hull at home on Sat, could go either way for me.
Apparently alitdor doesn’t play a full 90mins as they are still breaking him into the team but for me he is the main way they’ll stay up. I think if we can defend resolutely and take our chances we will have to much for hull. but since bolton and their win last night they have got a few goals and a bit of confidence. the game just got harder!
totally agree with that comment Sam, but still feel we might have the edge at home
It was a good chance to give run outs to a mixture of new signings, returning players from injury and an untested youth team player and also the chance for collins to show his worth to any watching clubs. In that sense it was very much a reserve game for us and one that was worth winning if for no other reason than a financial one, the chance to get another home tie against someone bigger and getting the finance a full house would bring in. All in all a satisfactory evening and now attention can switch to the real cup game on saturday which is feeling more and more like a must win game.
Great to get through to the next round, but I’m sure none of us would have shed a tear if we hadn’t. It’ll hopefully act as a competitive run out for the second string and a few of the academy lads….though hopefully it’ll be a bit more exciting than last night.
Moving on, to Hull, very excited, even more so now thanks to Wolvesblog sorting us with some tickets, going to be a very big game, biggest one so far I’d say, it’s a 6 pointer to reel out the old football cliché directory, but it really is isn’t it? Three points against the lot in orange could mean the difference come May.
Toby…Agree with that mate. Definite 6 pointer. Hull know it better than we do, after their experiences last season.
I say we’re playing them at the perfect time. Out of form for the whole of 2009, but with a win last week that means we haven’t got to worry about the ‘law of averages’ striking.
I say a 3-2 win. We’ll be 3 up, they’ll get 2 in the last 5 mins to make it look mildly respectable.
Doyle, Edwards and Jarvis.
I can see SEB coming on and scoring two. I cannot wait for Doyle and SEB to play together. And I really want to see Mancienne and Zubar
I’ve been trying to fnd out about the Kightly situation – does anybody think it’s weird that he’s just disappeared off the radar? I mean the guy broke a small bone in his foot in March – he could have grown a new bloody foot in the time its taken to repair. I’m wondering if something else is going on, from the pictures from Oz I thought he looked overweight (although it may have been a dodgy photo!) Has our prize asset gone off the rails or done a Gazza – anyone who has information please let me know!
i see it more being 2-1 to us. them getting a goal back in the 85th making for a nervy finish.
ahh dammit did you win the tickets toby!? gutted. really had a good feeling about winning that one.
Jed, my sentiments exactly. The club website is being particularly vague, and as per normal, when its bad news, the club thinks its great to treat the fans like mushrooms.
Just come out and say what has happened.
Has he snapped the bone again? Or worse? Is he now a drink fuelled beast? Doubt it, but an honest club statement would help. Have you seen the really informative ‘injury update’ on the website. Ha ha!! It’s ancient!
Every time a player has a setback, we’re effectively fed either a) rubbish or b) nothing.
And if anyone wants evidence…Then how about Kightly’s ankle injury the first time round?
Barry Holmes, club physio, gets sacked, as he administered the pain relieving injections into the wrong part of his foot, THREE TIMES…thus putting him out for the duration of the season. He got sacked for this. Source? Reputable sports reporter who no longer works in these parts.
It does my head in. Just tell us what’s up with him.
I agree Ben. Thing that worries me is that throughout the summer Kightly was pretty vocal, appearing regularly in various papers giving quotes. Since Australia there has been nothing, zip, nada. This is a very strange situation and has me fearing the worst. Look at Dean Ashton, the guy thats always injured, there are reports that he is due to retire from his injuries, yet our club, for what is basically a broken toe, syas nothing – I think something more sinister is deffo going on (I just hope I’m wrong!)
I have it from an impecible source that Kightly has become a crack whore.
He should be back in two weeks according to this site. Not sure where they get their information or if it is even up to date.
http://www.physioroom.com/affiliate/4thegame/epl_injury_table.php
Good Result, the further we progress in this cup without playing the 1st team the better. Glad to hear Zubar played well, he will come good (having seen him for Marseille last year), with time (as I’ve said all along).
I can’t wait for
Foley Mancienne Zubar (when ready) Big George
Kightly Milijas Henry Jarvis
SEB Doyle.
We’d take some points off some good teams with that starting XI.
By the way, at what stage do we start taking the competition seriously, as a chance to reclaim the glory of a bygone era (see previous post)? Quarter Finals?
Crack whore, Crack whore, Crack whore, Crack whore, Crack whore,Crack whore,……….HA HA
Why in this day and age are physios stil regarded in the footballing world? Their ability to diagnose is limited to say the least. For example, analysing the sort of scan that reveal a cruciate ligament injury are beyond physios. It’s a doctor’s job! I wouldn’t want a builder who does loft conversions fixing the Severn bridge, so why tolerate under-qualified numpties in football. Milan’s methods are the future. I don’t see why we can’t build a scaled down version of what they do.
Kwolf – What do Milan do then????
http://www.acmilan.com/InfoPage.aspx?id=41293
Some of it is OTT. Also some of it is mumbo-jumbo, using chiropractors for example. However it’s run by a team of doctors and they’ve acheived amazing results in particular enabling loads of players to play into their late 30s and early 40s. They also managed to cut Beckham’s body fat in half and he was hardly a lard-arse. Something on a smaller scale would benefit us i’m sure.
That sounds pretty good, You always hear that Milan are and old team, and now we know why. Quality.
Why would they want to cut Beckham’s botty fat in half? What would be the purpose? So that he doesn’t have to carry around an additional 3 lbs of fat?