Express & Star

Wolves gunning for U23 league title

Rob Edwards has called for his players to stay calm as they set about trying to win their under-23 league tomorrow night.

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Victory for Wolves away at Manchester United will see them all-but claim the Premier League Division 2 crown. Rivals Reading and Southampton are level with Wolves with one game remaining but have an inferior goal difference, with the Royals on +13 and the Saints on +12 compared to Wolves' +22.

Fans are being offering coach travel to Leigh Sports Village for the 7pm kick-off, with a £5 contribution to the Wolves Foundation earning a ticket a travel, with accompanying children able to go free of charge.

Promotion will see Wolves join Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the top tier of under-23 football.

Boss Edwards said: "I'm looking forward to it.

"We feel prepared, we've worked how we normally work, we realise what's at stake but it's important we try and treat it like any other game, at the same time knowing it's a bit of a cup final now and we know the situation if we get the win.

"We want them learning how to win games and deal with pressure.

"We want to keep them calm but at the same time we know it's important. It's that fine balance.

"It's more around the togetherness, attitude, work rate and not leaving anything out there.

"It's got to feel like a cup final and we have to make sure we give everything.

"Don't come off that pitch feeling 'what if'. That's going to be the key message.

"Manchester United away, you couldn't ask for a better tie to go into your final game.

"They've got some wonderful individuals, some who've had first-team experience this season.

"We know the task at hand but at the same time our players have got to be confident. They're top of the league for a reason."

Defender Ed Francis, who joined from Manchester City partway through the season, scored the winner when Wolves beat Stoke City 2-1 at Molineux earlier this month in front of 3,000 fans.

It set them up perfectly for tomorrow's finale. If Wolves do slip up they'll keep a close eye on Reading's game at Stoke which kicks off at the same time.

Southampton then host Sunderland on Monday.

"One last push to win the league, all or nothing," Francis said.

"We're expecting a tough game. When Manchester United have a full team they're going to be a good side.

"It's sort of like a cup final, we've got one chance to win it.

"All we've done this season comes down to this one game.

"It's been easy for me to fit in, everyone's made me feel welcome, I fit into the system pretty well.

"There'll probably be a few nerves but the way we prepare, we've trained really well, just do the same things because we've done well all season."