Good players make things happen.
And 45 and a half minutes into this fractious, bitty encounter, Benik Afobe did just that.
Occupying a pocket of space inside the centre circle, there wasn’t much doing.
But a smart turn, a forward dash and a drop of the shoulder later he was stroking the ball into the corner for the game’s pivotal moment.
The best goal he’s scored this season? Tough to be sure. He’s now got 28 to choose from.
Nine of those have come for Wolves and what a variety of finishes we’ve already witnessed. Volleys, headers, tap-ins, one-on-ones and now a surging run from deep capped with an unerringly calm finale.
Kenny Jackett has consistently stated he only wants to bring in players that will improve the team and boy has Benik Afobe fulfilled that criteria.
Even Bakary Sako is playing second fiddle to the former Arsenal man, but with the opposition’s jugular exposed he was soon moving in for the kill.
The penalty was indisputable and just one of several dangerous tackles Sako was peppered with as Forest struggled to contain him on the break.
Fitting too that he should slot home the winning goal against the club who little over a year ago must have seemed a more appetising alternative.
That loyalty – whether voluntary or otherwise – could yet prove the luckiest escape of his career.
Certainly the manager is getting the best out of the Mali man, as he is with the rest of the relatively small squad he has at his disposal.
Carl Ikeme was back to swell the numbers today and the decision to immediately reinstate our number one was justified by his performance.
Other than one nervy moment when a clearance was nearly charged down, his handling and kicking were close to impeccable.
The defence kept him well protected, standing up strong to early Forest pressure and remaining compact throughout.
When Ikeme was exposed on three occasions in the second half, Antonio and Paterson fluffed their lines before Blackstock denied him a shutout with the last kick of the game.
That innocuous late consolation could yet prove damaging if the goal difference column comes into play next month.
But on current form, it seems unlikely to matter.
Roll on Monday.
This is nothing to do with today’s result which was marvellous by the way but I read this in one of today’s newspapers.
An announcement from a senior club official reporting that his club had made another annual profit.
” I am pleased to report a positive set of results which confirms the healthy financial position the club now finds itself in and is a reflection of the prudent and measured manner in which we operate.”
The newspaper’s comment:
“In other words treading water in mid-table with no interest in cups and no prospect of making big signings is what we are about. A masterful strategy which meets the club’s main objectives of getting in all the lolly without the owner having to invest a penny of his vast fortune. I can hear the lumps of pride rising in the throats of the fans from here.”
I can remember listening to the early ‘phone ins’ in the 70’s with the likes of Tony Butler. Admittedly usually after a poor result caller after caller would come on…we need to buy we need to buy big…we need to spend more in the transfer market…why haven’t we spent more in the transfer market…etc etc
And so it has gone on ever since. Thats why now a little fart like Raheem £terling can turn down 100k a week and rub the noses of his fans in it. Thats why local fans and young fans who can’t commit to a season ticket stop going because its too expensive. Are the transfer junkies any happier – not one jot.
Would be interested which newspaper said that anyway. Sounds like a made up load of nonsense to me.
Newcastle Chronicle .
It was in the Daily Mirror and was about Newcastle United.
Thank you boys, thank you. You stifled Forest and young Afobe’s goal was awesome, strong and accurate finish that saw Forest heads drop and our confidence come into play. Excellent second half and a joy to watch, they did not know how to deal with Sako. The atmosphere was brilliant and apart from it taking me ages to get out of Nottingham, my drive home had me smiling all the way. Can’t wait to drive down to Molineux on Monday.
Sometimes you have to ignore the finances and the politicing and go with the passion of the game itself. Living in Nottingham this result was Christmas, new year, and birthday rolled into one, as I hugged my eldest lad in unbridled joy as our premier league quality striker scored a premiership quality first goal……..
My lad`s father in law had been to the game and said it was forests` boys against our men in black and gold. Sako in today`s mood is simply unplayable and I can`t imagine any side looking forward to meeting the Wolves right now. If we keep winning who knows where Kenny will be taking us this season.
We may still be 8th place today but only on goal difference and a point behind 5th place. Just a few games earlier some of our blogs were conceding a 6th place is the only spot we could nick, now look at us salivating at the prospect of being the team finishing the strongest. Why not 4th, 3rd? It’s all in our own hands (I’m sure I said similar last season). It’s ours to lose now. Teams above us still have to play each other, we have to still play against Ipshit… If we win all of our games then we will have an automatic spot regardless of how well the others around us play.
Watfords sending off will not help with their plans as losing a player for 3 games and Derby throwing away a win will be another nail in the coffin of the resurgence both they and we were expecting. WTF happened to them? The players we wanted went to them and they have turned to shit.
The apple carts been rocked today, KJ has been keeping things secret as always, he played a blinder in his tactical switch of Doherty out, this will keep Doherty fresh for the next game where different attributes may be required. It’s a squad game after all and playing the best players to suit the team we play against.
I noticed Kenny’s made a few comments and started mind games just at the right time to put the heat on those above us, they must be looking at our front line and are shitting themselves, then also thinking how the feck are we going to break em down with such a resolute, well organised defence?
We are still averaging 2 goals a game since Afobes arrival and on this form we will finish in the top 6, we will beat any team over 2 legs and we will give a good game at Wembley. (Unless KJ messes it all up and gets 2nd place).
Fuck all the negativity off. Doe need ya . Wolves ay we
A great win. Just one question if forest were still in with a playoff shout with a 10 point defecit with 7 games to go, surely champions is not out of question for wolves with a 7 point gap and 6 games? It’s wishful thinking at the minute but a win against middlesborough would really put the cat amongst the pigeons;-)
Last time I made it to The Mol, we were celebrating winning the Third Division.
The time before that we beat QPR to gain Prem promotion.
I will be there for the Millwall game.
Can Clivening strike thrice?
Fabulous result today, I will take three points over five goals anytime.
My spies tell me our fans were singing “We all fuckin’ ‘ate Leeds” today.
Brill, just fuckin’ brill.
Deffo 5 – 1 stuffing of those bastards on Monday.
Biggest shit eating grin of the season, so far, in Houston today.
Thanks boys, lets win every remaining game and see where we are come May 2nd.
Wembley?
Nah, that’s for losers.
We’re gonna win the league…..or come second.
And QPR to win away tomorrow.
FOwb
Yes Clive, they were singing that – I wasn’t cos I still have no voice! Brilliant game today mate. Looking good for Monday. Me and Stu were smiling all the way through.
Saw it on a Stream…
Again, was very impressed by Price, he seemed to get his foot on everything.
Nothing flashy, just breaks up the oppositions midfield play.
How did Arsene let Afobe go? – he plays like Thierry Henry.
As for Sako, what an intelligent player.
For about a minute before he got his penalty, he really wound up Forest with his trickery.
He knew the moment he got in the area they’d foul him.
Really clever.
One cup final over, six more to go….
Keep it going Kenny and also what was really noticeable, was the support our players got!
It was fantastic and must be worth, almost an extra player!
Robin.
I got your book the other day and I’m halfway through it, really like your mind, you think in short precise bursts of pure common sense, might sound shite to others but I know what I mean.
I used to teach Major trauma to Consultants, Surgeons, Doctors and Paramedics over the last 10 years or so but haven’t read a whole book for about 20 years, but I can’t put yours down. More power to your elbow.
It’s not about the mistakes you make in life, it’s about what you learn from them.
Great Journey mate, great journey.
Thanks for the link.
Stu
Stu, thank you very much.
May you and your family have a great Easter!
Outstanding result against a team that had won their last 5 home games.
Personally I’m not disappointed to have dropped back to 8th … IMO it makes those above us there to be shot at. Let’s get a top 6 place (and I’m not ruling out a top 2 finish) after the Millwall game..
You’ll hear me singing from NZ ..!!
I’m at the Parkview on Monday prior to the Leeds match mate. I will be there around 3 pm. If you can, pop in for a natter and collect your Polo Shirt pal.
Brompto.
Jenny is thrilled to bits with hers it really looks great on her.
Thanks a lot mate, you’re a Gent.
Personally, I think she looks a bit of a tit in it!
Is the Wolves Blog logo on the left or the right?
Yes we’ll be there Brompto … see you at 3pm.
Does it come in a Harrods bag ?
Not at that price mate
Slowly, ever so slowly, we are clawing our way into the playoffs.
Every game recently we have picked up a goal or a point on the teams above us.
Timing is everything in getting out of this division.
Peak too early and you risk blowing up.
Peak at the right time and you could be going up.
Plainly speaking …..
I think we’re peaking.
Fantastic…this has turned into a charge and with our best team..with Edwards and VLP in the wings KJ couldn’t be criticised for not going for it..
Iorfa back too and Ikeme who looked very safe.
Quite obviously the playoffs are truely in our sights with no fear and if anything, our position does not reflect the recent outstanding diff fixture results – Forest being as diff for me as Boro.. Still, who cares, on this form we are a match for anyone and half of the PL IMO ..
We now have some real major players.. Sako Dicko K Mac Batth Iorfa and of course Afobe who is giving us real pride as one heleva goal scorer..
Our current status is reflected in KJs face and voice.. all matter of fact I know, but the confidence that we could do this is now for all to see..
The players believe it so let’s join the party by seeing us slaughter Leeds on the way..
COYW
“Just what makes that little ole ant think he can move that rubber tree plant”
“Cause he’s got high hopes, he’s got high hopes”
“One in the eye for Sky hopes”
Well apart from the last 30 seconds that shut the feckers up, it was party time at the city ground for one and all. Also quite a few of you got it streamed live so a good day all round.
No sympathy here for Derby, Ipshit or Brentford (to come). Loudest cheer of the day was for Kenny and for once he responded, a load off his shoulders me thinks.
I know were all beating on about Sako, but Dicko went on a few mind boggling jinky runs and played his little heart out. MacDonald was tackling without getting booked and Golbourne’s back flick onto the Forest attacker to win a throw in was a peach. The substitutions were pure golden just at the right time and gave guys a rest and brought control when Forest were trying to get back in.
A good crowd expected Monday and 4000 travelling to Brummie land will spur the boys on for another possible 6 points, they’re drinking it in at the moment.
Right at the end Sako came all the way down the pitch, took his shirt off and jumped the barrier into the crowd and gave his shirt to a young kid or one of our disabled guys. Nobody and I mean no one ran over trying to mob him they left him alone to make a fabulous gesture. No sign of the post International blues today.
I even got loads of e-mail verbal from some bloke in Houston during the match.
Life just don’t get any better.
Can’t wait to see the predictions for Monday.
As you can see from me and Brompton, we had a great time.
🙂
I see you had a fantastic time… You’re both dressed up for the occasion too!
Absolutey brilliant win ” fortune favours the brave ” but not just the brave the bold the confident these young men and they showed it today, Kenny you have the bottle the tactics and the drive to take us to the promis land and we will follow you by the thousands come rain come shine.
Had to work today, but listened on Radio WM and just watched the highlights on the FLS.
Great goal from Benik And a good conversion from Sako from a definite penalty Decision.
Really looking forward to Monday.
Come on Me Babbies!!!
Agree with the Doog re reaching a peak, how long can we keep coming up before the sink back to reality starts?
Hopefully in about a decade or so.
And to top it all off, I broke my 2-1 duck! I know what I’ll be predicting on Monday!
Does anyone know if that game’s on telly?
UTW
Keep the faith!
Does anyone know if that game’s on telly?
Its on SKY – or a stream.
I think the most impressive thing about the win today was the amount of control we exerted. We got better and better as the game went on and in the end, 2-1 flattered forest. I’ve always thought play offs would be an over achievement for this squad this season and it’s fantastic they are giving it such a good go. The eight clubs in the hunt currently seem to be split into 2 packs of four, chasing automatic and play offs respectively. If we beat leeds and blues, we could well be transitioning into the pack chasing automatic with four matches to go. What games boro and Ipswich could be then! 🙂
As some of us poor sods are not at the Leeds match which is the best streaming site currently guys?
It’s live on Sky at 5.15.
I watched yesterday here
http://goatd.net/
think most of our final games will be streamed there
I watched a stream on http://ifirstrow.eu/sport/football.html, but vip league is also generally good.
Only one comment possible.
F***IN Great.
A bit odd to have a few teams playing today with just 1 full days rest then at it again…
We should put Leeds to the sword with our extra days rest and their fatigue. Especially as they have Sharp alone upfront (experienced but will be knackered) and a 30 yr old in Sol Bamba should again be slightly fatigued then having to cope with Afobe/Dicko.
If we do not have a 3 plus goal difference extra after this game, then I will be very surprised!
Frikkin brill. Hardly dare believe it. Do we need another season in the Championship? Do we fc*k.
Let’s get up this year so’s we can hopefully hold onto Sako.
The guy is different class and the rest aint too shabby either.
On the back foot first half but what the heck we have done it again. Kenny is doing it all over again ! Amazes me how he never flinches a muscle when we score. Doff my hat to those on here who have never had a shred of doubt. I do think he has had an incey wincey bit more backing than some would concede (we do have a 1M midfield signing out on loan).
If KJ does come on here for tips… 🙂 then I have a suggestion.
We have not been controlling games like we used to and I feel the Leeds game will be the perfect game to do that. The more a team controls a game, the more fatigued the opposition as they are chasing the ball.
I feel with the extra days rest we have, (controversial) but Afobe would be best on the bench. We did well at the start of the season with a 451 without Afobe and teams struggled against us with our 60+% possession. Bring on Afobe and VLP for the second half and it would be like introducing 3 players as we run riot against a jaded side.
Leeds..: 3-0 up in the he first half with Max stregnth …3 goals in the hand is worth 6 goals in the bush or something like that ..
He mustn’t change a winning side..
Plus Afobe and Dicko confuses their best defender.. which one etc..then there is Sako……
Or even Henry from 30yards..
The team is running on adrenaline!
… The Mac is due a goal too.
The Mac is due a feckin medal, he’s been my star man (my all time favourite film, Geoff Bridges) since Jenny & I watched him pre season at Wrexham. He is pure gold, what a steal. What the feck were Sheff Wed thinking about or was it Sheff United. Who cares, their loss our golden egg. Afobe thinks the sun shines out of his Aspidestra for the assissts he’s given him. Said so in the E&S.
It was United.
🙂
Benik Afobe,back in January l was reluctant to draw comparison to the player he instantly reminded me of,but the goal he scored,was very much typical of this player.This player was loaned out to lower league clubs,made 1 appearance for Arsenal,before being sold for similar money to Bristol City old second division,before being sold on.The rest is history,a career lasting till 2009,an England striker.Oh his name Andrew Cole.
The streamroller trundles on, flattening all before it. What a great result yesterday and a fabulous goal from Benik. I put in the preview thread about my pre-match pessimism before this and other games against the league’s top teams. But I am now convinced that this team can beat, and probably will beat, whoever they come up against and boy, it’s a great feeling.
Kenny has reached 50 wins quicker than any Wolves manager before him and we seem to be going from strength to strength under his guidance. The premier league is certainly achievable now and I’m almost expecting a triumphant end to the season. Or is that just asking for trouble?
COYW 🙂
You can dare to dream why not after the double relegations the gods owe us.
But there is only 1 God… and Mr Bull did not relegate us! That was the board making mistake after mistake.
They appear to have learned the lessons the hard way and what does not kill you makes you stronger.
Loving all the positivity gents. Make no mistake, something specials emerging down the Waterloo Rd.
Now thats what I call a ‘Good Friday’. Great, professional performance. Forest (and Derby before them) were simply unable to get behind our defence. Agree with a couple of comments on here; yes, as the DOOG says, we are peaking at the right time. Remember Dave Jones’ team in Cardiff – we went into that with only one defeat in the last 21. Likewise, as Shrews Wolf says, we need to ‘manage’ games a bit better. Both yesterday and v Derby we invited the opposition on to us a bit too much for comfort. At 1-0 in both games we could have played a bit more keep-ball, rather than going for the quick counter-attack. But thats a minor quibble – if we keep playing as we are, no problems in at least making the play-offs.
Thanks to Mr Austin getting himself sent off for Leeds after 39 mins for fighting. That effectively leaves Leeds with around 50 minutes of running around trying to make up the extra 10% of player they are missing. It may not sound a lot, but the immediate players around where the new hole will be, will be under the most stress, maybe having to find an extra 20% of energy.
No doubt KJ will monitor the ones running further and attack that part of the field harder in the last 1/2hr of the game.
With that and such little rest till they play us, this should be our biggest win of the season!
I can see why you think that, but I just can’t bring myself to say it out loud. Seems like asking for trouble.
Fantastic performance by the lads only 6 more wins and we’re in the promised land that’s all’ and I think we can do it AUTOMATICALLY.
I don’t think anyone fancies playing us at the no.
An congrats to KJ on 50 wins in 86 games that takes some doing well done mate.
Lets keep it going against dirty Leeds Monday please. UTW.
Thx chaps for streaming info.. I hate Sky and haven’t got it..not sure if that’s a good idea though…
Anyone nervous?
Iv’e been with Sky since it started in nineteen oatcake, and have just got rid of it this week. The bathplugs put it up £4-50 a Month. So obviously they want us to pay for the new Football league funding package. No way Hosey.
I have virginnmedia for my broadband and they have given me a package where I get all the Sky stuff I had before + ESPN, I have my phone line with them and they’ve put my Broadband speed from 50 Mb’s up to a whoppin 150 Mb’s , and all that is £31 a Month less than I was paying before for Sky and Virgin media combined.
So I get far better service for £372 a year less.
Folks, the world is feckin mad.
Oh yes, and Sky are going to pay us Zillions when we go up this season.
Thank you greedy sky.
🙂
It appears The Stears has not always been so good at the back… The mullet from 10yrs ago is proof.
(Got rid of my mullet around 5 yrs before him 😕 )
With regards to Sky StuWolf, I have to agree… I’m getting rid of Sky when the contract is up (I don’t have Sports) but still gone up another £3.50 to pay for the Premiership!
Broadband is shite in large parts of Shrewsbury and no option for Virginmedia cable as the work was not undertaken 🙁 Apple TV, NowTv or some other streaming is the way to go me thinks!
I used to work for Virgin and in comparison to Sky you do get a lot more with Virgin for a lot less. Pain in the ass that I can’t get it here!
Sometimes streaming over my mobile has quicker speeds than the home broadband… although fibre optic is finally being rolled out by BT. We’re only 10 -15 years behind the rest of the country here though.
So dodgy streaming sites or pub visits (before they all close) will be the norm for most people as Sky continually look to screw up the best game on the planet.
Wolves won’t make the play offs .. We re going straight up .
Win our next 9 matches and weem in the Prem
Win our next 6 and there will be no need to play any more!
Daily Electronic Telegraph really gets up my arse.
Saturday morning, after NO Prem matches, yet a full second division program ( call it what it is ) and not one single report from any of the games, but six, yes, fucking six, separate “headlines” about that greedy twat from Liverpool.
And, articles such as “Who is the most under rated player in prem history” and how did Manure/Cheatski/Citeh players fare in their respective, meaningless international friendlies this past week.
Who fuckin’ cares???
Report on the previous day’s football, when there were several, on paper, mouth watering matches, top teams playing each other, etc.
Not one friggin’ word.
Absolute bollocks, and so called reporters and journalists making up column filling crap.
Unfuckinbelievable.
Give me the Houston Chronicle any day, we NEVER get ANY football reporting at all!
At least it is consistent.
Unrelated, but much more joyous, sneaked up early to watch recording of last night’s match of the day, and they kept the best until last, the shit getting stuffed at home!!!
Lescott and Olsen, a vaudeville pairing destined for relegation in the merest hint of time!
Oh what fun it is to see the shit lose at home…………….again and again and again!!
Happy Easter folks.
FOwb