Sheff Wed 0 Wolves 1 - verdict

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's fifth minute goal – his 23rd of the season to match his Championship Golden Boot tally last term – put Mick McCarthy's leaders in firm control at Hillsborough.

Ebanks-Blake netted with a simple downward header from Michael Kightly's left-footed cross.

Wolves went on to reproduce the dominant performance that saw them end their five-match winless run at Crystal Palace in midweek, in a game where defence was largely on top.

Midfielders Dave Edwards and George Friend both headed wide for the visitors, before Edwards whistled a 20-yarder inches wide as Wolves attempted to turn the screw in another confident display.

But it was Wednesday – who included former Wolves players Michael Gray and Leon Clarke – who wasted the best opportunity of the first period, when Jermaine Johnson ballooned over with only keeper Wayne Hennessey to beat.

Earlier, the excellent Jody Craddock made a goal-saving tackle on former team-mate Clarke after he was left one-on-one.

But nothing should be taken away from Wolves as they pretty much controlled play from start to finish and played some excellent football on a difficult, bobbly pitch.

Chances were few and far between in the second half which saw Hill and substitute Andy Keogh and Richard Stearman booked.

The only save of the second half saw Hennessey smother Johnson's angled, side-footed effort after Wednesday's 12-goal top scorer Marcus Tudgay crossed following a mix up between the otherwise excellent Christphe Berra and Hill.

Wolves, who made just one change from the side that beat Palace, made light of the enforced absence of skipper Karl Henry as the recalled Dave Jones formed an impressive alliance alongside the energetic Dave Edwards in central midfield.

McCarthy's side now have the incentive of two home games to look forward to, starting with a visit of Ipswich on Tuesday, having picked up a maximum return from their last two matches.