Wolves lose the plot

Wolves 1 v AFC Bournemouth 2

Who’d be a referee heh. Rarely praised when they’ve had a good game, vilified when not, they are always fair game for a verbal shellacking from the cerebrally challenged whose view of proceedings on the pitch, is not always the most objective. In the main most fans recognise that it’s a difficult job and thus tend to give the man in the middle a modicum of leeway when the odd blooper is made. Where they are less understanding is when a crass decision is made, one which ultimately changes the course of a game. Such was referee Mike Jones’ lot today.

It would be wrong to say that this game hinged on Rajiv van la Parra’s dismissal in minute 55 for a clash of heads with Steve Cook. For up until that point Bournemouth had looked a more than capable side, the trio of Matt Richie, Harry Artur and Callum Wilson posing a constant threat whenever they were in possession in and around the Wolves D. Yes van la Parra’s attempt to get the ball was dangerous. But it was a fifty fifty and, had he won it, he would have been through on goal. We will never know whether he hit Steve Cook with the force that caused the Bournemouth defender to go do ground as if he’d been struck by a bolt of lightning. But even taking that into account the offence was one for which a booking, rather than a red card, was in order.

Referee Jones, however, administered the card without a moment’s reflection, not even consulting with his linesman. Wolves, who were 1-0 up at the time, now found themselves with a mountain to climb against a side whose slick passing was beginning to pose a threat. For fifteen minutes they remained resolute until in minute 71 the ball reached Harry Artur on the edge of the Wolves box. His well struck shot, low and hard, gave Carl Ikeme no chance.

Increasingly irritated by a string of poor refereeing decisions – the bulk in favour of the visitor’s – Wolves lost the plot. By the eightieth minute the referee had, to all intents and purpose, lost control of the game. Which of course, played into Bournemouth’s hands. With their heads gone it was only a matter of time before Wolves would concede a second goal and that moment arrived in minute 84 when keeper Ikeme made a string of heroic saves before finally being beaten by the right boot of Matt Richie.

Prior to the dismissal this had been a fairly even encounter. Up front van la Parra’s pace had offered up a more potent threat and with David Edwards restored to midfield Wolves played far higher up the pitch than normal. Their goal in the 40th minute was well worked, James Henry’s in-swinging cross from the left wing finding Danny Graham who back headed it beyond the outstretched arm of Artur Boruc. But, bar that goal, chances were few and far between. They still dwell too long on the ball and lack the speed of thought and quick passing evident in Bournemouth’s game.

I hate to say it but if results are not turned around quickly, Wolves are facing a relegation scrap.

Wolves: Ikeme 7, Iorfa 6, Batth 6, Stearman 6, Docherty 6, Henry 6 Sub Jacobs, MacDonald 6, Edwards 6, Sako 6 Sub Clarke, van la Parra 6, Graham 6 Sub McAlinden

AFC Bournemouth: Boruc 6, Francis 6, Elphick 6, Cook 6, Daniels 6 Sub Smith, Richie 8, Artur 8, Surman 6, Pugh 7 Sub Kermorgant, Pitman 6, Wilson 7 Sub Gosling

Attendance: 20,196

Referee: Mike Jones 3

MB