Henry provides some Christmas cheer

Wolves 1 v Reading 0

Prior to this evening’s game Wolves had slipped to within four points of the relegation places. Two heavy defeats to opponents from Yorkshire added further pressure on Coach Jackett who I gather is currently on the receiving end of some social media opprobrium. Why we should bow to the influence of these people is a mystery but then memories of fifteen tweets scuppering Steve Bruce’s tilt at the Wolves’ Manager’s job possibly provides them with succour.

Social media aside Jackett needed a win if he was to restore much needed confidence. The task was achieved but whether Wolves deserved the victory was questionable. Reading dominated the second half, with at least 75% of the possession and more than enough chances to score. The second period was barely underway when Oliver Norwood struck an upright with a thunderbolt of a strike. And in the 70th minute Nick Blackman gave Carl Ikeme palpitations when his shot was spilled by the Wolves’ keeper who could only watch as the ball went agonisingly wide. Up to that moment Reading had enjoyed a fifteen minute spell of total domination and by game’s end their tally of 24 attempts on goal to Wolves’ 3 (you read that correctly) confirmed their superiority. One must therefore be grateful that in football only one statistic matters and in this particular instance it fell in the home side’s favour.

The goal came in the 17th minute, following a short spell of territorial advantage, which ended with Wolves forcing a free kick on the right edge of the Reading box. Jordan Graham, who had another promising game, was provider, picking out James Henry who, unchallenged, headed home from inside the six yard box. Ten minutes later Benick Afobe was bearing down on goal only to delay his strike far too long allowing the ball to be stolen from his possession. Would that he scored half the chances with which he is presented. But he does not, which is why he’s at Molineux rather than the Emirates. If Norwich return I would bite their hand off.

But we are not here to discuss rumours of player transfers. At last a home win, the first since October 3rd and an end to a poor run. For a fleeting moment at least, Coach Jackett can enjoy the evening’s turkey sandwiches.

Wolves: Ikeme 6, Iorfa 6, Batth 6, Ebanks- Landell 6, Doherty 7, Henry 7 Sub Byrne, McDonald 6, Coady 6, Edwards 6, Graham 7, Afobe 6 Sub Holt

Reading: Bond 6, Gunter 6, McShane 6, Hector 7, Quinn 6 Sub Sa, Norwood 7, Williams 6, Blackman 7, Vydra 7 Sub John, McCleary 6 Sub A Taylor, Robson Kanu 7

Attendance: 21,147

Referee: Simon Hooper 8

©Mark Brennand