West Bromwich Albion 0 Wolves 0
It will be forever known as Hennessey’s Derby, but Black Country football was the real winner at The Hawthorns yesterday, writes Martin Swain.
The 155th bout of the region’s entrenched football rivalry finished with both sets of supporters able to leave The Hawthorns believing their teams are coming nicely to the boil.
No-one, of course, felt more elated than Wolves young keeper.
If you don’t know by now that the 20-year-old produced a dramatic and quite stunning save from Zoltan Gera’s 85th minute penalty then you won’t be reading this anyway.
But it was a moment which will preserve Hennessey’s name in the folklore of this fixture no matter what his career holds for him in the years ahead.
It promises to be quite a career. The drama of preventing an Albion victory their manager Tony Mowbray thought they just about deserved while his adversary begged to differ ensured that his prodigious spring to the right to beat away Gera’s powerfully-struck spot-kick grabbed the headlines.
In truth, he had made an even better save nearly half an hour earlier to reach a wonderful effort from Filipe Teixeira which had been made more troublesome by the faintest deflection off a defender’s outstretched leg.
Hennessey stretched every nerve and fibre to finger-tip the Albion man’s left-foot shot on to the outside of his left-hand post, another pivotal moment on his team’s march to parity with neighbours who have been enjoying their derbies a little too freely for Wolves liking in the last year or so.
When the Welsh international was last at The Hawthorns, he was powerless to prevent his team’s arch rivals marching past them to a Wembley Play-Off final.
But he has grown since then; in physique, in experience and stature and yesterday it made the difference as Wolves claimed a reward which – and I must come down on the side of Mick McCarthy’s view here – they deserved.
It might be pointed out by the Albion camp that the old gold and black’s only derby victory in a year in which they have been stacking up like planes over Heathrow required an equally outstanding performance by a Wolves keeper – Matt Murray’s memorable showdown with Diomansy Kamara at Molineux in March.
But there was a good deal more equality about yesterday’s battle which does not so much attack Albion’s exciting sense of purpose and progress – quite the opposite in fact – but defend McCarthy’s assertion that his lot, too, are getting stronger and better, albeit in a different way.
That much was clear in this game’s most compelling phase of play, a 15-minute patch in the first-half in which we saw yet another demonstration from Mowbray’s team of the heights they are striving to achieve.
In that spell, they were a Premier League side in all but name and Wolves, powerless to get the ball off opponents in a zone of wonderful fluency, could no nothing more than batten down the hatches and hang on.
It required defending of water-tight discipline and application to fend away.
And the visitors can count their blessings that, on a day when no player from either side delivered a less than 6/10 performance, they got a seven from the now much-improved Darren Ward and an eight from the enduring Jody Craddock.
Albion will be annoyed that some of their exceptional approach play did not produce a clearer opening than the one Teixeira hoisted over the bar at the 21st minute trigger point of this thrilling sequence of football.
But Koren, Gera, Jonathan Greening and of course, the bundle of tricks and close control that is Teixeira orchestrated a wave of attacking football which maybe lacked only the presence of the injured Kevin Phillips to overcome even the redoubtable Craddock.
Ishmael Miller is many things but he is no Phillips when it comes to a clinical finish from that critical brief sighting of goal, a point made clear when he struck a 31st minute drive from the cleverest of passes by Koren straight at Hennessey as Wolves creaked and strained but held firm.
The day would ultimately be one of frustration and pain for Miller, who damaged knee ligaments while stretching to make a cross from the by-line under a challenge from Craddock on the one occasion he managed to get round the outside of Wolves’ obdurate captain with seven minutes remaining.
But back to that period of first half ‘wonderplay’ from Albion which – and here’s the rub for the Baggies – came to an end not with a dramatic stop or glaring miss around Hennessey’s goal, but by Wolves breaking away to create and squander an opportunity cleaner and clearer than anything Koren & Co had been able to conjure. Such are the advantages of counter-attacking football.
If Teixeira has emerged as Albion’s chief maker of mischief around the opposition’s area, then Wolves possess their own genie in Michael Kightly and when he darted around Bostjan Cesar in the 35th minute, he made the most of this sudden daylight by dispatching a delicious, swerving cross to the far post.
Seyi Olofinjana had read the possibilities 50 yards earlier and duly arrived at full pelt with Dean Kiely at his mercy – only to slice his header into the throng of Wolves fans already on their feet ready to proclaim a goal.
By now The Hawthorns, packed and throbbing to the ebb and flow of a game which at this stage was outshining the Second City dust-up a couple of weeks earlier, must have sensed this game’s capacity to give us another classic at least the equal of the first leg of May’s play off semi-final.
And if ultimately it came up short, it was not for the want of trying or the more worthy spirit of combat which the teams of McCarthy and Mowbray have brought to a once poisonous fixture. And for this we should all be grateful.
As both managers had predicted, this was no longer a brutal contest played out on the edge of nastiness, as had sometimes been the case during the 1990s and early 2000s, but one of skill and thought as well as full-blooded commitment.
When an over-enthusiastic challenge from Teixeira on Ward provoked a brief melee midway through the second half, supporters looked on more in surprise than with any serious expectation of ugliness.
The two managers are going about their business in different ways, Mowbray continuing to pursue his high ideals of pure football, McCarthy building a side rooted more in the mainstream of English football culture.
Which proves to be more successful we must wait and see but the second half, which saw Wolves begin to check Albion’s progress with greater efficiency while further testing the new-found resilience of Mowbray’s defence, failed to separate them, thanks chiefly to Hennessey’s heroics but also one more moment of anguish for Olofinjana.
If anything, Wolves got the better value from their substitutions, even though Kightly had to leave after an hour with a twisted ankle, as Stephen Elliott joined Freddy Eastwood to examine the concentration of Cesar and Leon Barnett while winkling out half chances blocked by first Kiely and then Paul Robinson.
But Wolves Nigerian midfielder should have scored with a chance set up by the assured Darron Gibson – taking a respite from his Koren-shackling assignment – after Albion’s Sherjill MacDonald abandoned his defensive duties from a Neill Collins free-kick.
The ball was pulled back to give Olofinjana a sidefoot chance from a range close enough for the midfielder to have done better than hit the side netting.
That let-off for Albion was promptly followed by the moment which would end with Gera the victim of one of the UK’s outstanding young goalkeeping talents.
For the third time this season, Collins found himself conceding a penalty when he was caught napping by the enthusiasm of Craig Beattie, who hunted down a half-clearance from the blind side of the Wolves defender.
Referee Chris Foy, who handled this match with the kind of under-stated authority you wish some of the egos with whistles among his colleagues would adopt, was perfectly justified in declaring a penalty.
But not only did Gera have to beat a formidable young adversary, but the weight of history.
After decisive results in the last six derbies, a draw was surely beckoning and Hennessey’s dramatic entry into the legend of this fixture duly obeyed the flow of the ancient statistics.
It was the 42nd tied match but Albion still hold a 61-52 lead in a series which runs and runs.
And based on what these two developing teams are bringing to the occasion these days, long may it continue to do so.
33 Comments
We have a great keeper and another one coming along!
It was a really good Derby and both played well but lets not get carried away with the penalty save - It wasnt that great when you take into consideration that it was at the perfect height and quite close to him so all he had to do was guess the right way! His save to push Texeira shot onto the post was far more impressive!!
After watching the game I think its evident that both teams are going to have a good season - Lets just hope that both can get out of this division together and get what is the best Derby in English Football with the biggest rivalry into the Premiership and show the Country what real passion is all about!!
Well said Baggie Diamond!!!
This fixture belongs in the top flight
Thought 0-0 was a fair result. Neither side desreved to win (or lose) and it was a good contetst with neither keeper over worked (though Hennesy’s stop from Tex was quality). Despite one ‘passionate’ moment in the second half, the game was quite free flowing with none of the usual scything challenges that you see in a derby. The fact that it took 5 minutes for a stoppage in play to get Eastwood on demonstrates that.
Wolves were one of the better sides to come down the Hawthorns so far and the first to stop us scoring at home this season. I echo the sentiments of Baggie Diamond in hoping both teams go up (as long as we finish higher than Wolves!)
The game yesterday would not of looked out of place in the Premiership, on sky on a sunday afternoon!
A credit to the Black Country!
It was disappointing quiet from the Baggies yesterday
What a refreshing change it makes to read genuinely balanced comments rather than the usual rivalry.
I am in agreement that we both need to get into the top flight and hopefully with Villa and the Blues up there. With all the major midlands clubs up there it would be great for the region and also the country to see the passion that lives in midlands football and rivals if not beats that of the Manchester, Liverpool and London clubs.
Marvellous game. Good result for both, I suspect. Now let’s chase down Watford & Charlton! Both automatic spots would be ideal!! ((Get in transfer market early!)
It still baffles me why the game was not on sky, does anyone know the reason why.
SKY MISSED OUT!! LETS HOPE THE BEEB HAVE A BIT MORE VISION NEXT SEASON.
Well done both teams, this match has set us up for a BLINDER down at THE MOL next year. Who would want to miss it?
Dont know about football being the winner as I thought it was a poor game to watch. I think both teams are capable of promtotion this season.
Albion edged it but as the great ronnie allen said “its goals what count”
Am I right in thinking that there was not any trouble after the game yesterday? Any small incident hits the headlines so I hope I am correct in thinking that this draw was in fact a victory for both sets of fans.
As good a 0-0 as you will see played in a good spirit. I have no complaints with this result but the injuries are really starting to pile up now and xmas is a crunch period
Yes places 1 and 2 are what we are looking for especially as Watford are starting to look shaky especially on the road! I understand Wolves have money for the window too and we all know Albion have got plenty after the summer sales so aslong as both strengthen in the areas they need to it could be a great season for Black Country football!
I for one says lets go for it!!!!!
It was long overdue!
Thourght a draw was a fair enough result, either team could of nicked it 1-0, thourght Wolves looked more confident personally and swallowed the expected 1st half pressure well.
Texiara and Robinson played well for Albion, but man of the match has to go to Hennessey.
Would also like to say that Wolves may have impressed one or two over confident Albion fans yesterday, no names mentioned (H.B.)and maybe both sets of supporters could now agree that two good teams played yesterday, and both could get promoted this season.
Now how good would that be for black country football!
DUDLEY WOLF
If only it was that simple mate, neither Sky nor Beeb give two shiny s**ts about Midlands football and see it as more of a chore. Fair play to Hennesey though. If the nation wont care to see our football then let them miss out.
The game could have gone one way or the other. After the penalty save, I’m grateful for a draw but believe we didn’t deserve to lose.
After watching all last seasons derbies I think wolves have improved but the boggies have lost a bit of quality. I hear that Smegson is after Robinson?
Wolves have already announced plans to spend in the January transfer window to improve the squad, which should secure a top 2 spot. If so I wouldn’t mind the Boggies having the runners up spot & the Wolves to go up as Champs
Good ,close game.Fair result.Albion dominated the first half,Wolves were passing the ball to us most of the time.Second half Albion lost their way and Wolves came at us more.Keeper did well for the penalty save, but ,come on Zoltan ,you should have done betterI still got the impression that Wolves played flat out,as good as they could to get the result and we were well below what we are capable of
Fair play to the wolfs they were well up for it and we never really got going. Having said that on the evidence of yesterday we have got to be the better bet!
Come on you Baggies!!
What’s all this peace and goodwill stuff? It ain’t Xmas yet - even if Gera gave you lot an early present. Anyway, well done Wolves for turning up this time.
We’ve not got a bad stretch of games coming up although I’m worried that the next 3 games come in 7 days - we’ve tended to run out of steam a bit when this has happened before.
Still, Colchester (H), Preston (H) Barnsley (A) Burnley (H), QPR (A) and Leicester (H) before Christmas. Looks a lot easier than our main ‘rivals’ in the division to be honest. Got to be looking at averaging more than 2 points a game from these 6 games really (and a couple more goals scored would be a bonus). I’d start to feel more confident ahead of the transfer window if we’ve got in the region of 40 points (after 23 games) by the time Santa arrives.
Yeah glad they made a game of it.. Oh weel 2nd and playing great. Also think wolves will stay in play-offs so who knows.. Mick is a bit negative though so will be tough season.. plus expectations will rise AGAIN now so hope you don’t cock up your good wrk wed!!!
Boing boing..
23. Nathan 10-3
You say “Oh weel 2nd and playing great”
I’d rather be in our position at 5th having not really kicked into form. When we do I think all those teams around us have something to worry about.
Its going to be difficult for the Baggies going to Argyle on Wednesday and then Palace at the weekend. Four points if your lucky more likely to be 2.
Over the next 2 games there are some potential 6 point games…Watford v Bristol, Argyle v Baggies plus CVharlton v Sheff Utd. Two home wins for Wolves should set us up nicely.
I was at the game Sunday and we really impressed with the back 4 inparticular, they have had a lot of stick recently but the stats don’t lye, we have a solid defence and albion never really carved us open like they did last season.
How did George miss the header in the first half, it was easier to score!
The team did the fans proud and I think the fans did the team proud also. I was very dissapointed with the lack of singing from the albion faithful.
What can you say about Hennessey, awsome, deserved his chants of
HENNESSEY HENNESSEY
Lets keep it going now for the rest of the season, the next 7 games are ones that on paper we should win, fingers crossed!
1 problem… wolves not blackcountry
Certainly the decent save from Hennesy made Albion lose their 4th point which we deserved (i mean 2 points after WBA - Sheffield W 1-1 90+6 and now…after penalty on 85th min!!!) . To my mind, KP is a key person now in our big club and he was a real loss for baggies, he scored 3 goals last play-off…..
Some of Wolves fans mentioned here that WBA lost a bit of quality ? hm… what place are we now and you ? =)
The next one - WE HAVE THE QUALITY yet…. and the great atmosphere as i see inside the club, it’s all about coming my beloved baggies to Premier League back and to play against Sheva =) will be excited to see that as well as my friends!…
Boing Boing!
Over the last 12 months it seems Wolves are the team who have come forward the most.
They were losing 3-0 in the early Derby games and have spent the least money out of the two teams.
Well done Mick…
good result 4 us yesterday back 4 solid and 4 fit strikers. i agree both teams will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. However disagree with baggiedad 20 with both stikers out for long periods even if they can loan quickly the team coming into form with money to spend is the mighty wolves. For the baggies with only Beattie fit could be a play off spot for them? It would be good to be able to see the next Derby played at Hawthorns in the prem
(25) If you want to sing go on xfactor I go to watch the football
(16) you cant give the goalkeeper man of the match he only had 2 things to do admitted he saved a pen but surley you honestly cant give him m.o.t.m. I actualy think for once that the match sponsers got it right this time tex was brilliant on the ball all game (whilst he was on the pitch)
24 we are not excactly “in form” we have taken 5 points from the last nine. I would be over the moon to take 4 from the next 6 as Plymouth is a harder game that the wolves game (it being away and to a team higher in the league).
I truly hope both clubs are promoted this year in either order the more midland teams in the prem the better
west Brumwich albion i.e. Birmingham’s third team
I will gladly settle for wolves and albion finishing in the top two.
Baggie boy, apart from the Blue noses I am sure you meant to say