COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY

From my seat: Wolves (A)

By Ken Buckley   ::  06/05/2012 Two points dropped from a game that drove this fan mad as we produced the football that should have ensured a comfortable victory but a combination of poor first touches and lack of shots when we were in the box did for us.

Wolves were on course for equalling a Premier League record in losing 10 home matches on the trot and the faithful were confident we would help them achieve this but Wolves showed a defensive defiance that frustrated and in the end thwarted our quest for a goal: last-ditch tackles, bodies thrown in abandon to block shots and passes put up a barrier which meant, for all our excellent approach play, their keeper was rarely extended. Perhaps if they had produced this determination in previous matches, they would not have been Championship bound.

A first half saw the Blues dominate and flowing joined-up footie led to opportunities in the box but Wolves used a sort of funnel system that thwarted us time and time again. Pienaar schemed and probed once again underlining why it would be productive if a deal was possible in the summer. Jelavic and Faddy both went close before Osman was floored just inside of the box with the ref just feet away but he just shrugged and waved the play on. Since the diving controversy of a few weeks ago, refs seem quite unwilling to give any decision at all.

Pienaar then picked out Jelavic with a superb through-ball, the Croat strode on and planted the ball home only to be hauled back for offside, a decision that has since proved to be wrong. In that first half, Wolves seemed to be of little threat except from a couple of set pieces.

Half-time and the chat was centred on how on earth we were not at least three up. Also, the Wolves fans 'Gallows humour' in sort of celebrating relegation in song and verse. They did have time though to produce the tired 'Sign on' song by way of a taunt.

The second half was not much to write home about. We pressed but, without the urgency of the first half, it was as though the players expected a goal to turn up, such was our superiority; but expectancy is one thing, fulfillment needs to be worked hard for...

We had chances and none more takeable than when the excellent marauding Hibbert put in a superb cross that a man of Fellaini's height should have done much better with than heading over when afforded a free header in the six-yard box. Jelavic took a free-kick that had the keeper scrambling to his near post to parry away. Pienaar sent one over the bar as he shot whilst falling.

The game started to peter out as Wolves pressed when they could and did create some chances that ended the same way as ours had. A game with nil-nil written all over it was what we were now watching.

Before the end, Jelavic missed a great chance after being put through by Fellaini, when one-on-one with the keeper, he dragged the shot wide. In his present form, you would have wanted the ball at no other's foot. Stracqualursi, on as sub for Faddy, did have the ball in the net but the goal was ruled out for offside by Fellaini.

So the game ended in a disappointing draw and we left the ground leaving the Wolves fans to do whatever you do at your last home game when you have been relegated. MotM: Jagielka

Overall, best described as disappointing. We were miles ahead of Wolves and only managed a nil-nil which surely give Board, Manager and players food for thought as we will soon enter that summer transfer window which produces much talk on the OS and media but often ends up as just that; just talk.

A look at the bench today screams out for action but, being without money, the horse trading needs to start sooner than later. If we need to sell to buy then let's do it early and hope we get top dollar for our sale and the manager sign gems for buttons. Sounds fanciful but the state of the club as reported leaves little room to manoeuvre. I think in the main the fans understand our position but more and more would like to see some early action to at least give hope that we will look that bit stronger next term. Over to you, Board and management.

Newcastle next and a win will see us finish in 7th place and above our neighbours. To me, finishing 7th is far more important than bothering about the neighbours as it represents extra money and a bit of it just might go to the manager to trade. Newcastle are in good form but so are we and I am looking forward to a win from a tight encounter.

See you there to find out.
UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments (16)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

About these ads