Wolves 4 Notts County 2
Wednesday 22nd September 2010, 11:29AM BST.
Wolves had big guns Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to thank to finally scraping into the last 16 of the Carling Cup after overcoming 10-man Notts County in extra-time.
Fletcher and Doyle – with his first of the season – scored in the first period of extra-time to give Mick McCarthy’s men a two-goal cushion after they struggled to open up the League One side.
Even then, it was a tense final five minutes for Wolves after Kevin Smith made it 3-2 in the 114th minute.
But Doyle finally made sure by making it 4-2 in the 120th minute, finishing off Adlene Guedioura’s square pass after Fletcher and substitute Geoffrey Mujangi Bia worked a one-two on the left.
The double blast from their celebrated strikeforce – who both started on the bench – signalled a turnaround by Wolves, who trailed to Lee Hughes’ 57th minute looping header until the turning point eight minutes from the end of normal time.
That was when Nenad Milijas converted his second successive Carling Cup penalty after Liam Chilvers dragged down Christophe Berra and was sent off.
Wolves controlled the first-half and created virtually all the chances.
But it was County who had the ball in the net after just two minutes and nine seconds, when Hughes converted Ben Davies’ free kick.
Thankfully for Wolves, the assistant’s flag had gone up for offside to deny the former Albion striker.
Wolves soon found their feet and Marcus Bent, making his first start for the club, should have shot after cutting inside instead of opting to pass to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and the ball was cut out.
Milijas hit the top of the bar with a flicked header, as the visitors stood off from Greg Halford’s long throw with 10 minutes gone.
Midway through the first-half, Halford then should have done better than blaze over from the edge of the area after Adlene Guedioura’s chip forward had been touched back by Bent.
Wolves hit the bar for a second time in the 37th minute from George Elokobi’s header, after County had failed to clear Milijas’ corner.
The home side continued to press and Guedioura was inches away with a trademark fierce drive after exchanging passes with Kevin Foley.
County’s only effort of the half came a minute before the break, when Steven Mouyokolo made a hash of a long kick by goalkeeper Rob Burch and Hughes latched onto the loose ball only for Wayne Hennessey to beat away his curling shot.
Wolves were first to show after the break when a searching ball from Halford put Bent through, but the on-loan Birmingham forward’s first touch was poor and the ball squirted clear.
In truth, the hosts took a while to get going in the second half and County took advantage when Hughes headed them in front in the 57th minute.
The ex-Albion man rose highest to glance a looping header beyond the stranded Hennessey into the net from Mike Edwards’ whipped-in cross.
Hughes further enraged the Wolves fans by needlessly running over to celebrate in front of them with his shirt over his head – revealing a slogan saying ‘boing boing’ and was promptly booked.
Wolves immediately tried to hit back and Foley dragged an effort wide and Milijas’ volley was blocked by the flailing leg of Burch who was wrongfooted.
But only Hennessey’s heels prevented Hughes scoring a second goal on 76 minutes, after John Spicer put him clean through for an angled shot.
Perhaps there was some relief among the deafening catcalls when Hughes was finally substituted in the 80th minute, needlessly lifting his shirt up again to further infuriate the home support.
Wolves were getting increasingly desperate and Guedioura saw a drilled effort deflected wide for the first of three successive corners.
But McCarthy’s side finally found a way through when Miljas slammed home the penalty.
And they grabbed a vital lifeline when Fletcher converted in the 92nd minute, sidefooting home after Doyle burst clear and unselfishly squared after Jon Harley gave the ball away on the halfway line.
Doyle made it 3-1, tapping home after Burch spilled Fletcher’s shot following a driving run before Smith and Doyle again exchanged goals at the death.
However, Wolves held on to reach the last 16 for the first time since 2003.
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I listened to the game on the radio tonight and my goodness it was tough. I know some may say it was only the Carling Cup, and it was not the first team. However,3 defeats in a row would have been mentally tough to take for the squad. Everytime Elokobi gets the ball in a good crossing position, I expect it to fly into the stand. Typical Wolves though, do things the hard way. We seriously lacked width tonight and we desperately need Jarvis fit for the Villa game. Stephen Hunt will be a super addition when finally fit. What worries me is I don’t think any eleven that is selected is capable of keeping a clean sheet either. Anyway, we are in the next round and another game to help key players get back to fitness.
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Halford – not even a championship player and looks like he isn’t bothered
Stearman- terrible again
Elokobi – shocking
Foley- NOT A MIDFIELDER Mick, not in the slightest.
Bent – terrible
Guedioura- brilliant again, what does this man have to do to get a start in the prem?
Fletcher – brilliant, he will be something special
Doyle – back to his best, if micks see’s sense and plays fletcher and Doyle together then what a great pair we have,they looked awesome together and they saved the day.
Team for Sunday must include guedioura and not the most overrated player ever in mancieene and Doyle and fletch upfront together. Get a grip Mick and see what the fans do.
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Went the match and really dont know what to make of it, STILL making too many silly errors imo
For starters im glad we have USA, cos henerz just cant control his area at all, he’s not a boy any more, why cant he come for crosses and boss his area ?? i mean how tall is he ??
Elokobi – Well at least now i can see why he aint prefered to Ward, caught out of position several times.
Milijas – Again shows some neat touches, but looked like he was going to pass out toward the end, not very fit at all
Stearman – just not good enuff, send out on loan.
Mujangi bia – oh dear, just cant pass. simples
Now for positives
Forwards – they are class, with service we will get goals (apart from bent who’s first touch is terrible but can still be a pain to mark)
Guediora – Aprt from trying too hard to score a wonder goal from 30 yards too many times, can really play, sprays the balls about better than any of our midfielders, a must for sunday.
USA – Didnt play but is one very good keeper, very rarley make mistakes and aways looks confident in goal.
Bring on vile !! if Micks tactics are positive, then our fowards will get the service and the goals we need to win
Prediction 3-2 to Wolves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Here we go again, thanks to the muppet. Spent nothing on building a decent defence so the goals keep ending up in the back of our net. Played 7 matches and havent managed to keep a clean sheet once, even against southend. We have shipped in 7 goals in just the last 3 matches, and we havent got around to playing chelsea, manure etc. Sack the muppet now!
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A message for Lee Hughes.
Lee. Lee Lee Lee. What do you think you’re playing at? Let’s get something straight – you owe football. You owe it respect, you owe it humility, and above all, you owe it the recognition that every game you play from now until your retirement is a supreme privilege. You should, by all rights, be enjoying a life of ruin and personal torment, but because football is football, you once again can enjoy life with your nose buried in the trough.
But with that, in your case, come certain responsibilities, chief among them being to not be a complete cretin, to not goad and provoke opposing fans, and to generally spend your every waking moment showing the game how thankful you are to be a part of it. It’s not an exaggeration to say that, when you act like a typical footballing idiot on the pitch, like you did last night, you are betraying even further the memory of the man you killed, and giving us all fresh reminder to think of you as the scumbag that most already think you are. All you need to do, Lee Hughes, is keep your head down, and show every fan in every ground in the land, nothing but deference and respect, even if they are Wolves fans who boo your every move. If you can’t manage, and see the moral rectitude in, that, after all you have done, then I worry for your eternal soul.
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Hennessey concedes his normal goal again. Coming out, then getting nervous, ending up in no man’s land to concede a soft header, and then blame someone else. Rather worrying that if Hahnemann got injured he’d be conceding these soft goals in the Premier League
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PeteNuts – Spot on.
All he did last night was show that he was not sorry, that he didn’t care what he had done and that it didn’t matter. All that matters to him is that he was free to show everyone his ugly grin when he scores against a Wolves reserve team jumping around like he was King of the world (Bitter sweat that it made no difference to the result in the end even when he thought he won it for them). He was a disrespectful wimp back then and still is.
I respect Albion for sacking this scumbag. I have no respect for Notts County in the slightest for getting some easy points off signing a convicted killer. No other high profile industry would hire such a person why is football different?
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NO 5. Well said Pete
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Lee Hughes should be ashamed of himself. He is a disgrace to the black country!
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5 PeteNuts.
I’m not defending Hughes’s past in anyway,his behaviour was diabolical,but he was punished under the law of the land,too leniently in my opinion.
I wasn’t at the match obviously,being Blue + White,but I’m sure your fans gave him a lot of stick from the start and after all he’s a Baggies fan,what did you expect? cause he’s going to give it back if it,s dish out.
Adeu
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Hi 10 Kev,
My point is that when you have behaved so despicably and still been welcomed back into the game, then you owe the game, you owe it to display greater levels of sensitivity, respect and humility than the next man – and you owe it to the memory of the people whose lives you have ruined too. You have a moral obligation to show respect to officials, fellow players and fans. The fact that Hughes takes pleasure in goading (former) rival fans tells me that, however rehabilitated he may claim to be, he has not learned a fat lot about respect – a convicted killer who deliberately incites thoughts of rage and violence in others, as he did last night, has learned sweet Fanny Adams. I can’t say for definite as I have not walked in his shoes, but I’d like to think that, with the weight of that much guilt on my shoulders, I would do all I could to be judged more kindly by those whose paths I cross. I certainly wouldn’t be trying to whip up 20’000 strangers into apoplectic rage via the use of a bloody stupid T-shirt.
Yes, the man has served his time, but that time means nothing if you don’t learn from it.
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PeteNuts
Lee Hughes made a mistake, he served time and he’ll be reminded of it every day of his life.
I don’t condone what he did, nor am I his biggest fan but you’re being a hypocrite if you’re implying that it’s justifiable for thousands of people to hurl obscenities and scream abuse at someone, yet not justifiable for them to celebrate if they score despite that abuse.
He served his time and I’m sure he regrets it, you can’t expect him to be glum and subservient to the rest of humanity for the remainder of his days.
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USA
Zubar Cradock Molykolo Mancienene
Henry
Jarvis Guedoruia JVD
Doyle Flecter
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not a great a performance but aleast we are though,as for lee hughes,he should show some respect for the game that has bought u the fame and money.
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@ Warren
More or less addressed all your points in 11. I’m not asking for glum subservience, just the avoidance of complete, spanner-headed idiocy and inflammatory displays of utter disrespect. And if you’re really equating the shouting of abuse at a given player, with getting drunk and then ploughing your car into another vehicle, killing one and grievously injuring two more, then you’re not just wrong (which you are) then you’re crackers as well.
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Lee Hughes is a disgrace to the human race!
He shouldnt of seen another light of day after what he did.
Anyway, tea i would like to see play Villa:
Hahneman
Foley, Craddock, Zubar, Van Damme
Henry
Guedioura, Jones, jarvis
Doyle, Fletcher
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11 PeteNuts.
Hola Pete.
Hughes scored in the 57 minute and I’m sure he received 57mins of abuse,again as a Baggies I’m ashamed of his past but in that instant moment it would’ve being impossible to resist and that goes for any player, from ether side, in a similar position.
Adeu
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Pete Nuts – one of the best, most considered and sensible posts I have ever seen on these threads!
Shame on those Albion fans who are trying to in some way to defend his despicable gloating! All the baggies that I know and work with do not have an ounce of sympathy or understanding for this low life! Regardless of the futile punishment handed out by our toothless judicial system, this pathetic excuse for a human being should see out his remaining years with his head bowed in absolute shame! He has not in any way paid the price!
Please have the decency and respect for the family of his victims to not in anyway defend or understand him in anything that he does!
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Pete & Others
You will not find an Albion fan anywhere that doesn`t despise what Hughes did, and his cowardly actions thereafter.
He was consequently tried, convicted, and served his time as deemed sufficent by the aurthorities.
He is therefore entitled to seek employment, the same as any other convicted criminal is, because he is a footballer is immaterial.
Hughes did NOTHING different last night that Steve Bull has done several times to Albion fans.
It is reported this morning that Wolves are being investigated because Notts County fans buses were attacked by Wolves fans.
Undoubtedly the moronic perpetrators will blame Hughes.
Those buses were full of innocent people, almost certainly Women and young kids among them.
I am not saying you, but moral decency is a two way street my friend.
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Hi Kev.
I feel I have addressed the “he got loads of abuse” argument succinctly enough. Hughes is a special case, with special levels of social obligation. Whipping up opposing fans into a state of potential violence is not acceptable when you have caused innocent people so much pain. End of story.
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PeteNuts
I’m not the one equating a game of football to killing someone with wreckless driving, that’s what you’re doing by suggesting he hasn’t learnt his lesson and lacks respect for others because he celebrated a goal.
I can see why you’re wound up and this isn’t a personal attack but I think we need to remember this was a game of football.
I don’t know Lee Hughes personally, but from what I read he’s undertaken a fair bit of charity work since what he did. I’m pretty sure he does carry the guilt on his shoulders that you mention.
It might not be the most dignified response last night, but it’s not dignified for thousands of people (some of whom have presumably made big mistakes themselves) to call him all the names under the sun either.
His reaction last night bears no relation to how you/I/we think he’s reacted to his crime, only the people close to him know that.
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Guedioura deserves a start – he looks the most effective and direct midfielder we have.
Team for sat – 4-4-2/4-3-3.
Hahnemann,
Zubar, Craddock, Mouyokolo, Van Damme (or Mancienne)
Guedioura, Henry, Jones (or Milijas), Jarvis
Doyle, Fletcher
Surely this is our strongest team right now? Only Kites or Hunt could improve us man for man. Foley, Ward, Stearman, Berra, Bent are not good enough.
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i think last night showed why berra is an automatic choice he did look our best defender by a mile, elokobi was only out of position towards the end when we were needing a goal , and number 1 if you went to the game you would of seen a couple of deadly crosses by elokobi, despite his down falls he does actually put a good cross in when he gets into that position,
as for hughes, yes he did take stick but to laugh all the time when you are being called a murderer really does make it look like you think its funny to of killed someone.
i was thinking when the county fans were singing his name, could i do that? i dont think so
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Couldn’t make the game last night, but my boy was there – well done Wolves.
To the Albion fans moaning about abuse of Useless – seem to remember some vile abuse directed at Bully, who by the way did nothing similar to Hughes (Wbaforever). If you look at the Blogs, Hughes has received similar at grounds in League 2 so it is not just Wolves fans who can’t forgive a man who served 3 years of a six year sentence.
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You cannot expect to throw in the team last night that only play together in training/ lower level games and perform against a side that sees the Carling Cup as the means of knocking down one of the premier teams. Then if MM does not know that, how can we humble supporters know any better
However, it all boils down to the inability of the majority of Wolves players to pass a ball without first stopping it. At times they play the children’s game of STATUES
The reference to Hennessey with his usual error will keep happening whilst he has defence that is poor to disasterous and to state that Berra is good, well , last night’s level of play is what he can play in., Tie his hands together and he has lost 80% of his abilty as a defender.
Do any of the Wolves employees ever watch such teams as Arsenal, Tottenham , Man City/ Utd how to pass and move ove as a team.
Let us stop blaming the players and lay the blame where it belongs. The manager and coaching staff.
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Malvern
Over the years on these blogs, you know that i have nothing but respect for your good self.
May i suggest you read my post again, because i am likening the actions of Hughes and Bull on the pitch.
You corrrectly state that Bull has got vile abuse, but deny that after he scored he didn`t taunt the Albion fans ?
You are an honest and reasonable person, so is the disdain of Hughes clouding your view ?
On the field and against the Albion Bull responded equally as stupidly as Hughes did last night.
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Before the abuse Lee Hughes got he’d already decided to wear the shirt that read Boing Boing. He is lucky to be back in the game after a hit and run incident where someone’s life was taken. I don’t think it should be a witch hunt but then i don’t think he should be defended either. A moment of madness (the shirt) doesn’t excuse the fans who attacked there coaches. On to the football – We need to be better the algerian should be playing week in week out. Ward one chance to many i think obviously Mick is happy to let him continue to make these mistakes.
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I know Ward didn’t play last night just wanted to say as i do to anyone who will listen. He’s not a good defender or midfielder as an attacker no not there either. Mick will probably give him a go in goal soon so he can still play him. He must be blackmailing McCarthy somehow!!!!!
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I cant belive most of the post on here are about Lee Hughes…. why waste your time writing about him ??
He’s not worth it !
Write about our players not him !
read the posts about our team and reply.
why let him get too you fellow WOLVES fans.
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PeteNuts – Well Said
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John De Wolf
Did you see Mouyokolo play last night??
And you want to put him in the team for villa!
GET REAL MATE!!! He was useless!!!!
I hope its fitness because i was not impressed with him at all.
People go on about Berra but we missed him last week at spurs!
I was worried last night because he looked exhausted
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lee hughes got wot he deserved last night i was at the game he as no remorse for wot he done the guy should still be locked up and the trouble after the game was mindless and gives wolves a bad name the thugs should grow up as for the game doyle& flecher stood out and guedioura was brilliant there class showed so on sunday come on wolves j.s wednesbury
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PeteNuts
You wrote this in response to NCFC, the Notts County fan, on the other thread:
“your argument is circular and repetitive and your thinking cretinous. Come back to me when you have something boasting any intellectual rigour to offer, rather than blind indignation and wall-headbutting returns to the same tired argument”.
How dare NCFC disagree with such an intellectual genius as yourself.
If NCFC’s argument is cyclical and repetitive, then what is yours given you’ve posted over 5 posts on 2 threads, arguing exactly the same thing and refusing to acknowledge the point of others?
You accused me of equating shouting abuse at Lee Hughes to him killing someone at the wheel (which I didn’t if you re-read my posts), yet your argument is wholly based on somehow linking his past to his actions at a football match.
Lee Hughes’ actions last night might render him a certain type of character emotionally, but it doesn’t justify the physical actions of a few afterwards, whatever you think of Hughes.
This forum’s about opinions Pete, not everybody is going to agree with you.
So far as I can see nobody’s been personal with you on either this or the other thread, so for you to label people cretinous and to engage with them in such a condescending manner only serves to make you look arrogant rather than profound and intelligent.
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i agree with chris wolves mouyokolo wot a waste of two & half million js wednesbury
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team for villa should be
hahnaman
foley craddock barra ward
jarvis henry jones edwards
e banks blake doyle
i think it was harsh to leave blake out the spurs game because he has looked sharp this year
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22. John De Wolf: bang on the money with that team.
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Chris. Are you impressed by any of the signings this season? What with injuries and lack of fitness and indifferent performances I can’t see a good player if you welded them all together.
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I do wish my fellow Wolves fans would stop saying what players they want in the team and what players they don’t. Can’t you see that muppet Mick reads these blogs and does exactly the opposite either to antogonise the fans or further enhance his self-created image as a maverick.
So if you want Ward out of the team, call him terrific. If you want Guedoruia in the team, slag him off incessantly. Just remember that we are dealing with a man here who thinks that scoring first and then losing the game is “Terrific”.
So come on Wolves fans, wax lyrical about the garbage in our squad and rubbish the quality players, I think that is the only way muppet will pick the right team.
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Who ever attacked the coaches are deplorable & should be banned from the club when identified.
Not even going to blame Hughes for inciting the crowd.
However, what I find houmourous is all the post from those who worship the sparrow on their chests, somehow trying to defend their ‘hero’ as just having a bit of banter with the crowd being a life long Albion fan and all that.
Is this the same Lee Hughes who has a tattoo on his chest covering a previous one, that just happens to be a…………….WOLVES HEAD????
I know, I know I’m disgusted too, that this spineless cretin once professed to be a supporter of the mighty Gold & Black.
Still at least he has found his level in life & lots of people that worship him, as well as a sparrow.
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Grace – who on here is putting lee hughes up as a hero ??
No albion fan would defend what happened in 2003, and I think most would admit that the t.shirt thing was stupid – but its the wolves fans who cite the t.shirt as an excuse to throw brick, flares and punches who have been addressed by the albion posters.
I’m glad to see you don’t blame hughes for what happened, but read your fellow wolf posters and you will see the point i make.
As for Hughes ever being a wolves fan…. I’m not sure about that, but i do know Steve Bull grew up an Albion fan – it happens !!
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p.s – our badge is as much a sparrow as yours is a dog head !!
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Happy
Isn’t that what you lot refer to us as anyway???
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p.s.
Great win last night!!!!
Fair play to you
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Grace – I admit it has been known …. lol
Thanks for your very grac-ious words.
all the best.
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Happy
It’s there on his chest a v close friend of mine, was in the same hotel in Majorca about 9/10 yrs ago, he was on a stag & all his mates were giving loads about it
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