E&S fans' verdict on Wolves' win over Reading

STEVE PLANT

What's your verdict on the match? Clappers under the seats, modern art style programme cover, certainly different to the 70s and 80s football I grew up with. That said we had a Prince watching from the stand where back in the day King John graced the pitch.

Easily the best first half display so far this season with Coady, Edwards and Mason combining superbly down the right, Teixeira again excellent but much less wasteful than Tuesday and what can I say about Jon Bo?

Never going to be a prolific goalscorer but the effort he puts in combined with more than a little skill will make him a massive cult hero at Molineux.

The only reason Wolves were not out of sight by half time was down to one of the best saves I have seen by a visiting keeper for many a year, but a quality finish from Doherty put a fair reflection on Wolves first half dominance.

Game was over within five minutes of the restart and for once we never looked in any danger of letting the three points slip away.

Who played well - and who didn't impress? Positive performance with all 11 playing their part. If pushed I would give man of the match to Bodvarsson but could easily have gone to any one of four or five.

Shocker must go to the visitors. Worst Reading team to play at the Golden Palace in a long time. Roll on Ipswich!

HEATHER LARGE

What's your verdict on the match? We couldn't have asked for a better first home league game. A very enjoyable match and definitely the best we've seen at Molineux for a long time.

Reading rarely put us under any real pressure and we coped comfortably whenever they did attack. We were in control of the game and never looked like losing it.

Such a fantastic atmosphere in the ground too.

It's still very early days but it was a huge improvement on the uninspiring and forgettable games we witnessed last season.

Who played well - and who didn't impress? I thought it was a strong performance all round. Mason and Teixeira in particular played very well and it was a great goal from Doherty.

But the standout player was definitely Bodvarsson, who didn't stop running all game and always looked like he was going to do something special every time he got the ball.

He definitely deserved a goal and came close with some fantastic shots.

Evans was probably our weakest player and had a few shaky moments. But overall it felt like a really good team effort and you could tell the win meant as much to them as it did to us.

CHRIS HUGHES

What's your verdict on the match? I was worried pre-match having seen the starting XI.

Even having won the game I'm still not wholly convinced by that midfield three as being one that will bring us any great success this season and, against sides with a bit more attacking intent than Reading, I think we may struggle to control the central areas.

I can't recall the last time I saw us look so comfortable in a game having had so little possession.

Reading reminded very much of our dark days under Hoddle and a manager trying to implement a style of play that is beyond the talents of the players at his disposal.

And I don't remember the last time I saw a side take so long to reach the halfway line and then give the ball straight back or one that overhit so many cross field passes directly out of play.

Who played well - and who didn't impress?

Reading were so poor that our entire XI looked good but the front three were particularly impressive with their movement and pressing of the Reading defence and Al-Habsi that caused several errors.

Dadi looks a real find and competed for everything both in the air and on the ground. He's also got a surprising turn of pace for such a big lad.

Teixeira is full of tricks and has very quick feet. I'll be looking forward to his future performances once his match fitness is a bit higher and he can go a little longer before tiring.

Mason's work rate was exceptional and he cause a lot of problems. His goal was a surprise as he's not someone you'd expect to be an aerial threat, especially when he's not even got off the ground!

He does need to work on his finishing though. Two chances today follow the one at Rotherham last week where he just doesn't strike the ball with enough power.

Perhaps Doherty can give him some tips after his rocket for the opening goal (or even the kid on the pitch at half time - he struck all three of his attempts with more venom than Mason).

No one was particularly bad but I feel that, against better sides, that midfield trio of Saville, Evans and Edwards will struggle.

There's a distinct lack of pace out of possession and all three tend to slow down attacks too often.

I'd like to see two of them taken out for Price to come in and Teixeira to come inside to a more attacking midfield role, with Wallace or Henry back in out wide.

RUSS EVERS (HATHERTON WOLVES)

What's your verdict on the match? It's nice to come out of the ground slightly disappointed that we only won 2-0.

A solid defence, compact and competitive midfield and a forward line that threatens goals.

The main difference between this game and last season was the passing, which seemed natural and assured rather than forced and nervous.

As one of our more loyal followers - Pete Davies - remarked it's started to become a pleasure again rather than a force of habit to go to the match. Amen to that.

Who played well - and who didn't impress? All 11 can be pleased with their individual performances, non more so than the bag of tricks Teixeira.

SARAH CONNOLLY

What's your verdict on the match? A vastly improved performance from Tuesday night.

Wolves seemed to have taken their motivation from their previous second half performances and turned it into a 90 minute one.

We looked confident and assured throughout the game and the team played as a cohesive unit. We rarely looked troubled and looked to have built some solid foundations from which further positive performances can be built.

We were exciting going forward, which is a refreshing change from last season and we could have scored more than we did, save for an excellent performance from Al Habsi.

Although Reading were poor, you can only beat what is in front of you and we did the job well.

I'm not getting too carried away, but if we continue to play in that way, I think we can enjoy a very successful season.

A nod to Zenga, who waved to the South Bank after asking his bench what they were saying. Brilliant.

Who played well - and who didn't impress? I think most of the team had a really good game, however the two standouts were clearly Bodvarsson and Teixeira.

To see creativity and chances created from midfield is exciting and Bodvarsson worked tirelessly - on another day he would have scored two or three goals. Two very exciting players to watch.

Iorfa's transition to centre back was seamless and Coady had another good game at right back.

The only player who didn't really offer anything for me was Evans. Although he didn't do much wrong, he didn't do much right either. The highlight of his match was an awful shot! Maybe another spell at a lower league club for him?

ROB CARTWRIGHT

What's your verdict on the match? I can't remember when I last enjoyed a game so much at Molineux. Certainly not last season!

We have to give Walter credit for having such a positive impact on what is essentially the same group of players.

I was surprised that Jack Price didn't start and also was expecting to see more of Helder Costa, who stayed on the bench.

A Wolves win here was never in doubt. Happy to allow Reading to play the ball around their own box, but when we gained possession we moved the ball forward positively.

The stats tell you we had 14 shots with seven on target. Did we ever see that last season?

This could have been a 5-0 win, but for some great goalkeeping and a little shooting practice for Mason, Teixeira and Saville.

I have to say, the moment Doherty picked up the ball and teed up his shot, I would have guaranteed you a goal.

Final word to Walter - "I repeat my wish to see this stadium full." Hear, hear!

Who played well - and who didn't impress? This was a very good team performance, with many individuals upping their game.

My man of the match was Teixeira for his positive movement, trickery with the ball and creating chances for others.

Of course, being from Benfica B means he's not good enough for Wolves. Lots of humble pie needed for our keyboard warriors!

Bodvarsson again stood out for his overall contribution.

No individual deserves criticism but there are two things the team must improve on.

First, Teixeira apart, our forward movement was a little slow paced.

Second, another set piece free header on 64 minutes could easily have conceded a goal and this has been a regular feature in all three games so far.

PETER ABBOTT (LONDON WOLVES)

What's your verdict on the match? A very Happy Wanderer 'ere. Thoroughly enjoyable team performance and boy, did we unnerve Reading's rather strange back three setup.

How did we not manage to get more goals? So much activity around their box and tremendous positivity, couldn't believe Al Habsi's two world class saves and then what a belter from Matt Doherty, he seriously battered that one.

Loving our approach play, final pass not quite bringing the rewards our play deserved.

Joe Mason played brilliantly and so pleased he scored the second, whilst all action Bodvarsson again showed how big and strong he's going to be for us this season.

Plus, I must give credit to our defending particularly early second half when Reading swarmed forward after their substitutions.

Really pleased that Danny Batth stood out especially as he was on the opposite side of the box to normal.

And have we converted Conor Coady to an attacking full back?

Who played well - and who didn't impress? Man of the match - no doubt whatsoever - goes to the whole team jointly.

And, finally, sheer comedy "Walter, Walter, give us a wave"...who on the bench told him that he needed to react?!

RUSS COCKBURN

What's your verdict on the match? Wow, what a great performance.

Intensity and tempo blew Reading's possession football to pieces and we were unlucky not to notch a few more goals.

Tex's ingenuity was at the heart of most of our good stuff and Bodvarsson continues to impress with his hold up play, quick feet and eye for goal.

It was also a much improved performance from Mason, who looked like he had found the confidence that had been deserting him in the first two games.

Another noticeable element was the feelgood factor around the club and that transmitted itself into a very good atmosphere…just a shame only 20k wanted to join in the revolution.

Who played well - and who didn't impress? Special mention to Coady, who had another impressive game at right-back.

He's adapted to the role well, although the key test will be when he comes up against a proper winger with pace to burn.

No one played badly. The only criticism would be not taking enough of our chances.