League Update (Disappointing)

With the team sitting 2nd on the table, we had some work to do to achieve direct promotion. So going into the Swansea match, a lower rate opponent, we had to make sure we didn't fall into the complacency trap, as we have done on countless occasions.

Up against Swansea, we had one change, that being Karl Henry in attacking midfield, and Shackell playing in Henry's original spot. Despite being the higher ranked team, we were on the back foot, conceding early on. Keeping the score at only 1-0 down, was keeper Hennessey, who was playing brilliantly.

Early on in the second, we scored, courtesy of Knightly, from an Ebanks-Blake cross. Running rampage of our defence, was opposition striker, Febien Brandy. Jarvis set up a brilliant chance for Ebanks-Blake, however, he couldn't finish. Brandy then scored the winner on 86, following horrid marking. Following a horrid match from Wolves, another loss. 2-1. Very disappointing for a team destined for the Premier League.



Going into the match against Nottm Forest, I declared Matt Murray still unfit to start this match. The next home game will be his next chance. Only one change made, Keogh playing in AMC with Karl Henry back in his original spot. Within 4 minutes, Ebanks-Blake tested the keeper, showing off his prowess, before two minutes later, Jones scored from a cross. On the 7th, Jarvis scored from a Jones cross, in almost the same fashion as Jones. Karl Henry had two chances to score his first goal this season, but on both occasions, blasting it over the bar. Half time, 2-0.

Once again, a horrid start to the second, letting Earnshaw behind the defence to make it 2-1. However Martin conceded a penalty on the 53rd, slotted home by Ebanks-Blake. A number of shaky defensive corners followed, all coming close, before Collins almost scored at the opposite end. 3-1 final score. Still, not fitting of what Wolves could have achieved.



With Preston a slow side, I hoped to use Ebanks-Blake to my advantage, however, this match was no easy task, but another must win game to ensure we are still in the title race.

An almost horrible start to the match, with Preston going one-on-one, saved by Hennessey, before Davidson scored on 3 minutes. With no shots at 35 minutes, Wolves looked in serious danger when Mellor scored. Being the better side, and not using the team's major player to their advantage, when Brown scored, the game just looked horrible.

One-on-one, Keogh once again squandered a great ball, before doing the same 10 minutes later. Vokes set up Ebanks-Blake in the box, which was blasted over. Full time, 3-0 loss. A horrid performance for a side looking to be promoted. It seems the finishing expertise of new striker Gary Taylor Fletcher will be needed.



Falling down to 5th after looking so promising is such a disappointment. At the end of the season, some serious squad shuffling will be in order. Matt Murray will make his return against Sheff Wed at the Molineux.

A new tactic was employed for this match, being a famous Barcelona tactic. Hopefully, this will work. A corner on the 29th was the first attack, but as usual was squandered. A minute later, Ebanks-Blake used his pace, and scored a blinder. 1-0 at half time.

Knightly's cross for Davis almost found the net, before Ebanks Blake scored another on 61 minutes, before his third on 62. And what a goal it was. Dribbling past almost all defenders, before rounding the keeper. Goal of the month in my biased opinion. Beevers found the net on 80, following a horrid defensive lapse. I don't think Wolves have had one clean sheet this season.An own goal by Watson on the 84th sealed the match, following a Knightly cross.Davies missed a sitter on the 83rd, before full time. 4-1. Ebanks-Blake played one of the best matches of his career. If only we had results like this every year.



Clawing our way back to second spot following the match, on equal points with Preston, and two from Norwich, Cardiff, and Southampton. A very tight table. Just randomly I'd like to add, that I just saw the most interesting and controversial sounding result, Cardiff u/18 vs (Unknown) U/18 side - Goal scored from Penalty, 90+8 minutes. Interesting sounding result ey?

Following a series of disappointing results, and still being 2nd on the table, it shows that we are able to achieve much more. Reading seem runaway leaders now, and only injuries and a string of bad results can stop them. More interestingly, two promotion favourites, Birmingham and Charlton are now in relegation danger.




My new tactic is as of below. Using a single striker but a lot of midfielders seems crazy, however the pace of Ebanks-Blake will be good, as balls will be fed through to him.



Squad



Upcoming fixtures should be easy, but a tough road is ahead for promotion. Doncaster next up before Bristol and Charlton. Complacency will be something needed to guard against. New players will be welcomed, and if you can tell me some great new young players or just good cheap players, it will be much appreciated.



Meanwhile, in the Premier League



West Brom, recently promoted, have take 6th, while undefeated Man Utd are chart topping. Nothing else quite notable except West Ham destined for the Championship next season.