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Archived News:

31st January 2008

Transfers Update

Wolves have signed Colchester defender George Elokobi.
Elokobi, who was 22 on Thursday, has agreed a three-and-half-year deal at Molineux.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has been tracking Elokobi for a number of months and has held off strong competition to seal his signature.
The signing of Elokobi has allowed Wolves to let Charlie Mulgrew and Jamie Clapham leave the club.

Southend have signed Wolves full-back Charlie Mulgrew.
Mulgrew, 21, signed for the Midlands side from Celtic in 2006/07 having impressed during a loan spell with Dundee United.
The defender will be available for Saturday's trip to Leyton Orient.

Leicester have signed Wolves defender Jamie Clapham on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
The 32-year-old becomes the seventh new arrival at the Walkers Stadium this month, subject to approval by the Football League.
Left-back Clapham trained with the Foxes squad on Thursday and will go straight into Ian Holloway's squad for the Championship game at Blackpool.

Bury have signed Wolves midfielder Elliott Bennett on loan until 1st March.
The 20-year-old has been with Wolves since the age of nine and made his senior debut for the club in the Carling Cup clash with Bradford in August.
He spent time at Crewe earlier this season, and has now been sent out on loan again by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.


30th January 2008

Wolves Loan Striker

Wolves have signed Coventry City striker Kevin Kyle on loan until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old passed a medical on Wednesday morning and will be reunited with manager Mick McCarthy, who he served under at Sunderland.
Kyle said on WOW: "I'm delighted to be here. Wolves are in a good position to get into the play-offs, if not automatic promotion.
"It's great to link up with Mick again. He got the best out of me."
He added: " I'm here to work hard and fight for a place and do my bit for the team.
"It's going to be tough but it's a challenge I'm relishing."

Collins Injury Update

Wolves have confirmed Neill Collins has not broken his ankle but are yet to establish how long the defender will be out for.
The Scot was forced off the field after just 9 minutes of yesterday's 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday after landing awkwardly and turning his ankle.
Club physio Alan Peacham told WOW: "Neill has twisted his ankle. He tried to carry on but it was too painful. We sent him to hospital for a routine x-ray and the good news was that there is no break.
"It will take between three to five days for the swelling in the ankle to go down and then we will know a lot more about how long he is going to be out for."

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insisted he "always believed" his side would score a winner despite having to wait until the 91st minute for it.
Wanderers' search for a first Coca-Cola Championship victory at Molineux since December 1 finally came to an end when January signing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake fired home from close range in stoppage time to earn a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
It was the former Plymouth striker's second goal in as many games and earned McCarthy's men a third straight win, but their first in five attempts at home.
However, McCarthy revealed he never doubted his side for one second.

"I always believe that we will win at home," he said. "I always believed that we would get back to winning ways, I was never in any doubt about that.
"It's not a feeling of relief, I was always confident that it would happen."
Asked if he felt so confident even as stoppage-time approached, he replied: "Yes I did, and why not?
"What was pleasing was that the players believed, we had bodies in the box. When it gets to 90 minutes, you wonder if you're just going to have to wipe our gob, take the point and go down to Watford (for this Saturday's game).
"And if we had done, what would have been important was that we don't go and lose it. But it's really pleasing.
"I have to say then it is a relief at 90 minutes, of course it is, but overall it's not something I've been unduly worried about."


29th January 2008

Wolves 2-1 Sheff Wed

9mins: Wolves substitution, R Edwards on for Collins (injured).
11mins:
GOAL, Keogh gives Wolves the lead.
19mins:
Goal, Tudgay equalises.
Half Time:
Wolves 1-1 Sheff Utd.

46mins:
Sheff Wed substitution, O'Brien on for Johnson.
65mins:
Sheff Wed substitution, Burton on for Sodje (injured).
72mins:
Wolves substitution, Jones on for Elliott.
81mins:
Wolves substitution, Bothroyd on for Keogh.
89mins:
Yellow card, R Edwards.
92mins:
GOAL, Ebanks-Blake puts Wolves back ahead.
Full Time:
Wolves 2-1 Sheff Wed.

Wolves: 2
Hennessey, D Ward, Collins, Henry, Keogh, Jarvis, Elliott, D Edwards, Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Gray.
Subs: Bothroyd (81), R Edwards (9), Potter, Jones (72), Stack (GK).
Cards: Yellow: R Edwards. Red: None.
Sheff Wed: 1
Grant, Bullen, Hinds, Whelan, Tudgay, Beevers, Johnson, Small, Sodje, Spurr, Wallwork.
Subs: O'Brien (46), Burton (65), Wood, Gilbert, Boden.
Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.
Attendance: 22,746

 

Wolves Match Stats Sheff Wed
12
Shots On Target
3
4
Shots Off Target
3
9
Fouls (Conceded)
14
10
Corners
1
1
Yellow Cards
0
0
Red Cards
0

Ref: Phil Joslin


28th January 2008

Team News

Wolves: winger Michael Kightly (ankle) has been ruled out and Freddy Eastwood will miss the game with a hand injury.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and David Edwards, who were cup-tied for Saturday's FA Cup match at Watford, could start.

Sheff Wed: A recurrence of a hamstring injury has ruled out versatile midfielder Steve Watson.
Owls midfielder Burton O'Brien (dead leg) and winger Etienne Esajas (foot) both face late fitness tests, while Leon Clarke (knee) is also doubtful.

FA Cup 5th Round Draw

Wolves have drawn Cardiff away in the 5th round of the FA Cup, the match will be played on either Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th of February.


27th January 2008

Match Reaction

It was Wolves biggest win of the season, and manager Mick McCarthy said: "Goals have been our Achilles heel this season but we looked bright today and created lots of chances. We could have scored more.
"We did well at Scunthorpe last weekend and it's been great to get such a good win today, but now we've got points to think about on Tuesday night.
"Today's scoreline will have given us a boost. I'm delighted for all the lads.
"I'm thrilled for Stephen Elliott getting his goal. He's not a right winger but he might have given Michael Kightly something to think about!
"Andy Keogh looks to be back to his sharpest now - as does Matt Jarvis. He was a real handful."
He added: "That wasn't their strongest side. Maybe Aidy was thinking about Tuesday night's game.
"But I played my strongest team - I wanted to be in the next round. This is the blue riband event at the end of the season and who knows how far we can go."


26th January 2008

Watford 1-4 Wolves
FA Cup Round 4

5mins: GOAL, Keogh gives Wolves the lead.
Half Time:
Watford 0-1 Wolves.

58mins:
GOAL, S Elliott makes it two.
62mins:
Watford substitution, Smith on for Priskin.
68mins:
GOAL, Bothroyd gets Wolves third.
70mins:
Goal, O'Toole pulls one back for Watford.
76mins:
Watford substitution, Mariappa on for Mackay.
84mins:
Wolves substitution, Gray on for Jarvis.
86mins:
Yellow card, Bothroyd.
90mins:
GOAL, Keogh gets his 2nd and Wolves 4th.
93mins:
Wolves substitutions, Kightly on for Henry, Gibson on for Bothroyd.
Full Time:
Watford 1-4 Wolves.

Watford: 1
Lee, Doyley, Demerit, Mackay, Sadler, Kabba, Bangura, O'Toole, Mcanuff, Priskin, Ellington.
Subs: Poom (GK), Smith (62), Stewart, Mariappa (76), Rinaldi.
Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.
Wolves: 4
Hennessey, D Ward, Collins, Henry, Keogh, Bothroyd, R Edwards, Potter, Jarvis, Elliott, Foley.
Subs: Stack (GK), Breen, Kightly (93), Gray (84), Gibson (93).
Cards: Yellow: Bothroyd. Red: None.
Attendance: 12,719

 

Watford Match Stats Wolves
5
Shots On Target
7
3
Shots Off Target
1
16
Fouls (Conceded)
17
3
Corners
3
0
Yellow Cards
1
0
Red Cards
0

 Ref: Keith Stroud


25th January 2008

Team News

Watford: will be without top scorer Marlon King for Wolves' visit as he completes his move to Wigan.
Matt Jackson should return, but on-loan Calum Davenport has returned to West Ham and Adrian Mariappa is doubtful after a blow to the head.

Wolves: manager Mick McCarthy is certain to be without striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who is suspended.
Dave Edwards is eligible but the game has come too soon for Michael Kightly as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Fixture Update

Wolves away match against Charlton on 29th March is going to be shown live on Sky, so the game will now kick off at 5.20pm instead of 3pm.


24th January 2008

International Call-Ups

Andy Keogh and Darron Gibson have been called up to Ireland's under 21 squad who play England in a UEFA Championship qualifier on Tuesday 5th February. Stephen Gleeson is on stand-by.
The game will be played at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.
Michael Kightly is a potential candidate for the England squad if he can recover from his ankle problems in time.
Also in under 21 action is Charlie Mulgrew. Scotland are taking part in the four-team Vale Do Tejo Tournament in Portugal from the 4th - 6th of February. Sweden and the Ukraine are the other countries involved.

Kightly Injury Update

Wolves winger Michael Kightly has been handed a timely birthday present with the news he could soon be back in action.
Kightly, who turned 22 on Thursday, could return for Wolves match with Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux on Tuesday after his ankle came through a training session unscathed.
He has featured just once for Mick McCarthy's side, in the FA Cup clash with Cambridge, since injuring his ankle against rivals West Brom in November.
Kightly said on WOW: "I've had two days' training with Tony Daley (fitness coach) and he's worked me really hard. I felt like the tin man when I got out of bed on Thursday morning!
"But I've trained with the squad on Thursday - striking the ball with my left foot, twisting and turning - and I didn't feel a twinge.
"I'm more than confident that it won't reoccur like it did after the Cambridge match. Now it's about getting my match fitness back and working my way back into the starting line-up."


23rd January 2008

Collins Staying For Season

Hereford United have extended the loan of Wolves defender Lee Collins until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old full-back joined the Bulls on a month-long loan deal on 16th November before having it extended by another month in December.
Collins, who can also play at centre-back, should be eligible for this Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Championship side Cardiff.


21st January 2008

4th Round Sell Out

Wolves have sold out of their ticket allocation for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Watford at Vicarage Road.
Tickets went on general sale on Saturday morning and at 9am today around 300 of the 2,300 seats remained.
But these were quickly snapped up with the last being sold shortly before noon.
Supporters are reminded not to travel to the game unless they have a valid ticket.


20th January 2008

Match Reaction

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy hailed his new signings as his side ended an eight-match winless streak with a deserved win at Scunthorpe.
Debutant David Edwards and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, in only his second outing for the club, both scored their first Wolves' goals to rekindle promotion hopes and leave relegation-threatened Scunthorpe rooted in the bottom two.
Edwards, who only joined the club from Luton on Monday, opened the scoring after eight minutes and Ebanks-Blake settled things with a goal just 45 seconds after half-time.

"We needed that, I can't argue with that," said McCarthy. "I was delighted with both the new signings, I thought they both had excellent performances.
"If anything, Sylvain's performance highlighted the difference between him this week and last week, when he has prepared properly and been with us for a week.
"I thought Dave Edwards was excellent and him and Karl Henry were fantastic in midfield. They enabled me to play the two wingers as they gave us good balance."

As well as his two goalscorers, McCarthy was quick to credit winger Matt Jarvis who produced a polished performance throughout.
"That's what I thought I'd signed when I signed him. I said to him afterwards that Matt Jarvis from Gillingham has turned up, because he had a difficult start to his Wolves career but he's blossoming now," added McCarthy.
"He's got his confidence back and that performance will do him the power of good, as it will all of us."
"We've got 18 games left this season and we've not had it our own way once this season."


19th January 2008

Scunthorpe 0-2 Wolves

8mins: GOAL, D Edwards scores on his debut.
42mins:
Yellow card, D Edwards.
43mins:
Yellow card, Byrne.
Half Time:
Scunthorpe 0-1 Wolves.

46mins:
GOAL, Ebanks-Blake makes it 2-0 with his first Wolves goal.
49mins:
Scunthorpe substitution, Forte on for Hurst.
56mins:
Scunthorpe substitution, May on for Hayes.
56mins:
Scunthorpe substitution, McCann on for Byrne.
57mins:
Wolves substitution, R Edwards on for Gray.
65mins:
Yellow card, Ebanks-Blake.
88mins:
Wolves substitution, S Ward on for Ebanks-Blake.
90+mins:
Yellow card, Sparrow.
Full Time:
Scunthorpe 0-2 Wolves.

Scunthorpe: 0
Murphy, Williams, Crosby, Byrne, Sparrow, Hayes, Paterson, Martis, Cork, Hurst, Morris.
Subs: McCann (56), Butler, Forte (49), May (56), Lillis (GK).
Cards: Yellow: Byrne, Sparrow. Red: None.
Wolves: 2
Hennessey, D Ward, Collins, Henry, Keogh, Jarvis, Elliott, D Edwards, Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Gray.
Subs: R Edwards (57), Potter, S Ward, Eastwood, Stack (GK).
Cards: Yellow: D Edwards, Ebanks-Blake. Red: None.
Attendance: 7,465

 

Scunthorpe Match Stats Wolves
9
Shots On Target
10
8
Shots Off Target
7
12
Fouls (Conceded)
7
2
Corners
6
2
Yellow Cards
2
0
Red Cards
0

Ref: Mike Russell


18th January 2008

Team News

Scunthorpe: midfielder Grant McCann could make his debut after joining from Barnsley for an undisclosed fee.
Manager Nigel Adkins has no new injury or suspension problems, but Andy Butler (foot) and Izzy Iriekpen (knee) both remain long-term absentees.

Wolves: on-loan Darron Gibson (back) misses the game and Michael Kightly (ankle) is again a major doubt.
Dave Edwards is set to debut following his move from Luton, while Andy Keogh makes his first return to Scunthorpe.
It will be a year next week since Keogh left Glanford Park to sign for Wolves for £600,000.
And, even in defeat last weekend, Keogh's introduction after the break in the 3-0 home reverse against Crystal Palace showed sufficient flashes to suggest he is over his recent flu bug and ready to spark Mick McCarthy's men back into life.

New Contracts

Wolves have given young duo Wayne Hennessey and Stephen Ward new longer term contracts.
Welsh international goalkeeper Hennessey only signed a revised contract at the start of this season.
But reported interest from other clubs has encouraged Wolves to give him a two-year extension which now ties him to the club until 2012.
Ward, whose current contract was due to run out at the end of next season, has also been granted a two-year extension.
The Irishman's deal now takes him to the end of the 2011 season.


17th January 2008

Transfer News

Erlend Hanstveit looks set to stay at SK Brann following talks with Wolves.
Wolves opened talks with Norwegian defender, who is currently contracted to SK Brann, about a potential move to Molineux earlier this month.
However, Hanstveit has explained that he is now preparing himself for Brann's pre-season training.
"I am enjoying myself at Brann and am now ready to start the pre-season and look forward to new challenges with Brann." Hanstveit told Bergens Tidende.
"In football you never know, but I believe I will stay at Brann."


16th January 2008

McCarthy Going Nowhere

Mick McCarthy has insisted there is no truth in speculation suggesting his days as Wolves manager could be numbered.
Wolves have not recorded a win in their last eight Championship games and McCarthy admitted after the latest defeat to Crystal Palace that some of the supporters had become disillusioned.
But he is convinced that he has the backing of chairman Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey.

"My relationship with Steve and Jez has always been one which has been very supportive," McCarthy told the Birmingham Mail.
"Steve's thoughts since he came in have always been that he wants to be successful, with himself, Jez and me running the place, and that hasn't changed.
"I don't need to speculate on anything else, there's no reason to.
"It's a sensible approach to anything to keep people in place for long periods and it's been proven that it works.
"People asking questions about my situation would seem to suggest there's some sort of weight on my shoulders about my position but I don't think that's the case."

McCarthy is confident results will start to pick up and has called on the fans to keep the faith.
"It's amazing how quickly things change around," he said.
"There's a few (supporters) perhaps not happy but it's like anything else - the 10 or 20 per cent of detractors make more noise than the 80 or 90 per cent who really want me to be a success and the club to be a success.
"They enjoyed what we did last year and I would say they are still there and want me to do well and the club to do well and me to be a part of that.
"That 20 per cent are the ones who make all the noise and put on the blogs and all that and ring the phone-ins and I have to say, I don't read it and I don't listen to it so those opinions don't really bother me at all.
"I just keep going and get on with it, and nothing will change except for the results I hope starting on Saturday."


15th January 2008

Edwards Completes Transfer

Wolves have completed the signing of midfielder David Edwards from Luton.
The 21-year-old has moved for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £675,000, and has agreed a deal at Molineux until 2010.
Edwards trained with his new team-mates at Wolves' Compton Park complex on Monday and is set for his debut at Scunthorpe on Saturday.

It was announced last Thursday that Edwards would be one of five players leaving cash-strapped Luton, who are in administration.
The following day, manager Kevin Blackwell and his two assistants announced they were resigning and would leave the club in a month's time after the administrator authorised the player sales without consulting them.


14th January 2008

Super Scout Dies Aged 79

Ron Jukes, the football scout who 'discovered' Wolves legend Steve Bull, has died at the age of 79.
Jukes earned the tag 'Super Scout' after setting up Bull's famous move from West Brom to Wolves, as well as spotting many other top Midland stars.
He unearthed other Molineux favourites like Andy Thompson, Robbie Dennison, Mike Stowell and Keith Downing.
After Derby, Birmingham, Walsall and Shrewsbury, Jukes ended up working once again for Graham Turner at Hereford.


13th January 2008

Match Reaction

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said after the match: "We're getting punished, that's for sure. We started the second half really well and who knows what might have happened had we scored.
"The fans have not agreed with one or two of my substitutions lately but I'm big enough and ugly enough to put up with that. Sylvan had driven up and down the motorway twice from Plymouth and I thought he looked knackered. That is not the correct preparation.
"There's only us who can turn it round. Everything was rosy and now it isn't and it's something that's got to be fought through. It's up to us to get the fans back onside."


12th January 2008

Wolves 0-3 C Palace

24mins: Goal, Morrison gives Palace the lead.
42mins:
Wolves substitution, Jarvis on for Gibson (injured).
Half Time:
Wolves 0-1 Palace.

49mins:
Goal, Scannel gets Palace's second.
52mins:
Wolves substitutions, Eastwood on for S Ward and Keogh on for Ebanks-Blake.
66mins:
C Palace substitution, Hills on for Hill.
66mins:
Goal, Scowcroft makes it 3-0.
68mins:
C Palace substitution, Grabban on for Scannel.
84mins:
C Palace substitution, Moses on for Derry.
Full Time:
Wolves 0-3 Palace.

Wolves: 0
Hennessey, D Ward, Collins, Henry (c), Bothroyd, S Ward, Potter, Gibson, Ebanks-Blake, Foley, Gray.
Subs: Keogh (52), Edwards, Jarvis (42), Eastwood (52), Ikeme (GK).
Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.
C Palace: 3
Speroni, Scowcroft, Hudson (c), Lawrence, Hill, Halls, Watson, Derry, Soares, Scannel, Morrison.
Subs: Grabban (68), Freedman, Fletcher, Moses (84), Hills (66).
Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.
Attendance: 22,650

 

Wolves Match Sats C Palace
5
Shots On Target
4
7
Shots Off Target
4
11
Fouls (Conceded)
10
6
Corners
3
0
Yellow Cards
0
0
Red Cards
0

Ref: Howard Webb


11th January 2008

Team News

Wolves: again lose Michael Kightly after the England under-21 winger aggravated his ankle injury in training.
Seyi Olofinjana is on Nigeria duty at the African Nations Cup, but Karl Henry returns from a one-game ban and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is set for his debut.

Crystal Palace: John Halls is in line for his debut after joining the Eagles on a month's loan from Reading.
Palace boss Nick Warnock is likely to recall Tom Soares and Clint Hill along with goalkeeper Julian Speroni.


10th January 2008

Transfer News

Wolves have agreed a deal to sign Wales international David Edwards from Luton.
The midfielder is discussing a move to Molineux after Luton's administrators accepted a bid believed to be in the region of £675,000.
Edwards only joined Luton from Shrewsbury Town last summer, but the League One club's dire financial situation has prompted a swift exit.
The deal for Edwards could go through before the weekend, although the 21-year-old had asked to delay the switch for a few days.
Luton face Swansea City on Saturday before an FA Cup replay at Liverpool next week, however, the administrators rejected Edwards' request.
Hatters assistant manager Sam Ellis told Luton Today: "David Edwards asked Wolverhampton Wanderers whether they could put the deal off until after next Tuesday, but the administrator turned down that request.
"They are the two biggest games this season."

Wolves have completed a £1.5million deal for Plymouth striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.
The Pilgrims were prepared to make Ebanks-Blake the best-paid player in the club's history before Wolves triggered a release clause in the 21-year-old's contract with their offer.
The powerful forward joined Argyle from Manchester United for £300,000 in 2006 and had a year left to run on his contract.


9th January 2008

New Car Parking

The multi-story in Birch Street is now an official Wolves car park.
Over 300 spaces are available to the public and is only a four minute walk to Molineux.
The facility is fully equipped with CCTV, making it a secure place to leave your car whilst you enjoy the game.
It will be open from 10am on a Saturday for a 3pm kick-off and 6pm on an evening game that starts at 7.45pm and cost is £3.50 per vehicle.


8th January 2008

New Molineux Board Member

Global Chief Executive of Chaucer Group Limited Bob Laslett, has today been appointed to the board of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.
A lifelong Wolves supporter since the 1950's, he has built Chaucer into a successful global management consultancy working on projects across, Europe, USA and the Middle East.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Morgan said on WOW: "Football is an increasingly global industry. Bob is an international businessman of high repute, with a proven track record of building successful businesses.
"Bob's background complements the wide experience of the existing board. We have a very strong team of directors to take us forward.
"As a lifelong fan, and having supported the club as a main sponsor for a number of years, I know Bob is very excited at the prospect of serving on the Board. We all look forward to working with him more closely."

Bob Laslett added: "I'm extremely honoured to be joining the Board. My boyhood hero was Peter Broadbent.
"I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play for Wolves but joining the Board comes a close second! I'm looking forward to providing an international perspective as the club develops its plans for the future."


7th January 2008

FA Cup 4th Round Draw

Wolves have drawn Watford away in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
The match is scheduled for either Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th January.
Wolves will also travel to Vicarage Road the following Saturday for a league match.

Manager Rumours Are Rubbish

Wolves have rejected reports they were were lining up a move for Sammy Lee as a replacement for Mick McCarthy.
Reports on Sunday suggested Wolves owner Steve Morgan was considering a move for former Bolton boss Lee.
McCarthy's future has been the subject of speculation after a poor run of form, but Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey says the latest rumours are rubbish.
Moxey described the reports on WOW as "wholly inaccurate" and "not worthy of debate".

Stack Staying For Season

Goalkeeper Graham Stack has extended his loan at Molineux until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has been on a five-month loan deal from Reading but has seen his first-team opportunities at Molineux limited due to a knee injury and the form of Wolves number one Wayne Hennessey.
But, after reviewing his contractual situation with the Premier League club, Stack feels he has chosen the right option.
"My contract at Reading is up at the end of the season. With Carl (Ikeme) fit now, and Wayne (Hennessey) doing so well, it's going to be really competitive, but I enjoy that and I'm not one to shirk a challenge," he said.
"I've got to work hard to win myself a permanent contract next season. I'm back on the pitches and I'll be spending this week working up to full training but my knee feels great."


6th January 2008

Match Reaction

Michael Kightly came on as a 61st-minute substitute to inspire Wolves to a 2-1 win over Blue Square Premier League side Cambridge United in the third round of the FA Cup.
The England Under-21 international scored a 69th-minute equaliser and crossed for Neill Collins to head in the winner, sparing manager Mick McCarthy's blushes after he had watched his team fall behind to a first-half penalty converted by Scott Rendell.
Kightly has been out for six weeks with ankle ligament injuries and Wolves' form has been poor in his absence.

McCarthy said: "He made one and scored one but we shouldn't have had to rely on him.
"He has been chirping at me to play. It was nice to have Michael Kightly back.
"I knew if I put him on the bench, he would create an atmosphere.
"It is a relief that we beat them at home - it is a relief but it was deserved.
"We've still won and we are in the hat. But we were as wasteful as anything."

Scottish centre back Collins gave away the penalty with a handball in the box - although both managers believed he was unlucky - but the former Sunderland defender redeemed himself with the winning goal in the 88th minute.
McCarthy added: "I was delighted for Neill - he's been great coming here for little money and playing left-back, right-back and centre-back.
"We played well in the first half. In the second half, it was always going to be a difficult - we were never going to play free-flowing football."


5th January 2008

Wolves 2-1 Cambridge

41mins: penalty to Cambridge after the ball hit Collins on the arm.
42mins:
Goal, Rendell scores from the spot to give Cambridge the lead.
Half Time:
Wolves 0-1 Cambridge.

46mins:
Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for Keogh.
60mins:
Wolves substitution, Kightly on for S Ward.
65mins:
Yellow card, Eastwood.
69mins:
GOAL, Kightly pulls Wolves level.
77mins:
Cambridge substitution, Pitt on for Brown.
80mins:
Yellow card, Carden.
84mins:
Yellow card, Bothroyd.
88mins:
GOAL, Collins heads Wolves into the lead from Kightly's free-kick.
91mins:
Cambridge substitutions, Boylan on for Reed and Fortunes-West on for Convery.
91mins:
Wolves substitution, Edwards on for Jarvis.
Full Time: Wolves 2-1 Cambridge.

Wolves: 2
Hennessey, D Ward, Collins, Keogh, Bothroyd, S Ward, Darren Potter, Jarvis, Gibson, Foley, Gray.
Subs: Kightly (60), Edwards (91), Elliott, Eastwood (46), Ikeme (GK).
Cards: Yellow: Eastwood, Bothroyd. Red: None.
Cambridge: 1
Danny Potter, Coulson, Albrighton, Morrison, Gleeson, Carden, Brown, Reed, Wolleaston, Convery, Rendell.
Subs: Fortunes-West (91), Boylan (91), Peters, Pitt, Willmott.
Cards: Yellow: Carden. Red: None.
Attendance: 15,340

 

Wolves Match Stats Cambridge
12
Shots On Target
1
11
Shots Off Target
0
14
Fouls (Conceded)
14
6
Corners
1
2
Yellow Cards
2
0
Red Cards
0

Ref: Kevin Friend


4th January 2008

Team News

Wolves: forward Andy Keogh has been struggling with a chest infection and could make way for Freddie Eastwood.
Jody Craddock is unlikely to play after picking up a calf strain, but winger Michael Kightly could be back on the bench following an ankle injury.

Cambridge: manager Jimmy Quinn has a fully-fit squad to select from for the third-round tie.
Paul Carden has joined the club on loan until the end of the season and should play against Wolves.


3rd January 2008

Jones Extends Loan

Northampton Town have extended the loan of Wolves defender Daniel Jones until 25th January.
Jones has been at Sixfields since July and his initial loan deal had been due to expire after New Year's Day.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy had initially said before Christmas that Jones would be returning to Molineux, but he has now agreed to a month's extension.
Cobblers boss Stuart Gray said: "We are delighted that Daniel will be staying and I would like to thank Mick.
"I am sure this will benefit all concerned.
"Daniel has been gaining experience and has done very well for us and I know he has been enjoying his football. We are very pleased he will be here for a while longer."


2nd January 2008

Match Reaction

Wolves current form was even worse after a run of six games without a win which has seen them plummet from automatic promotion contention to 11th place in three weeks.
After 70 uneventful minutes McCarthy swapped one Irish striker with another when Andy Keogh was replaced with Stephen Elliott.
McCarthy was met by chants of "you don't know what you're doing" as a result.
The former Sunderland manager admitted he heard the fans and said: "I think I do know what I'm doing.
"I'd sooner they gave me the abuse and not the players - my players are in it with me.
"It is frustrating for me and the players - they are not enjoying not winning games."
The Blades played a 4-5-1 system that prevented Wolves from creating chances in midfield.
"When a system is played like that you need a bit of zip to change it," said McCarthy.


1st January 2008

Wolves 0-0 Sheff Utd

There was a minutes silence before kick-off for Phil O'Donnell, the Motherwell captain who tragically died on the 29th December.
Half Time:
Wolves 0-0 Sheff Utd.

59mins:
Yellow card, Hendrie.
60mins:
Yellow card, Armstrong.
65mins:
Wolves substitution, Elliott on for Keogh.
77mins:
Wolves substitution, Eastwood on for S Ward.
84mins:
Sheff Utd substitution, Gillespie on for Stead.
84mins:
Sheff Utd substitution, Montgomery on for Hendrie.
Full Time:
Wolves 0-0 Sheff Utd.

Wolves: 0
Hennessey, D Ward, Collins, Olofinjana, Henry (c), Keogh, Bothroyd, S Ward, Gibson, Foley, Gray.
Subs: Edwards, Jarvis, Elliott (65), Eastwood (77), Ikeme (GK).
Cards: Yellow: None. Red: None.
Sheff Utd: 0
Kenny, Naysmith, Bardsley, Stead, Hulse, Hendrie, Kilgallon, Tonge, Armstrong, Bromby, Speed.
Subs: Bennett (GK), Montgomery (84), Gillespie (84), Lucketti, Sharp.
Cards: Yellow: Hendrie, Armstrong. Red: None.
Attendance: 24,791

 

Wolves Match Stats Sheff Utd
5
Shots On Target
4
6
Shots Off Target
5
11
Fouls (Conceded)
10
5
Corners
6
0
Yellow Cards
2
0
Red Cards
0
Ref: Lee Mason