Kingy’s Wolves Blog

KITES FLIES FOR WOLVES

23-04-2008

Remember Brendan King’s depression about Wolves play-off hopes and his desire for the season to end? It lasted just 72 hours or so, until last night’s 3-0 despatch of Cardiff.

Wolves gave their play-off chances a huge boost with a 3-0 victory over Cardiff at Molineux this evening. I take back all my sentiments for the season to end, expressed in my previous blog. I’m, once again, hoping for a turn out by Wolves in the playoffs, and a renewed prospect of Premiership glory.

Wolves, for the first time that I can remember this season, achieved an early goal advantage and went on to win by 3 clear goals, thus taking command from the start to the end against this very capable team of FA Cup Finalists.

Keogh redeemed himself from a below par display last Saturday, with a fine-headed goal within 10 minutes of the kick off. And ‘Handy Andy’ went on to make a much better 90 minutes of his 3rd in 7 days run out, by contributing to the other 2 goals.

But it was Michael Kightly that made most significant difference, adding quality and guile in midfield, and showing a killer instinct to match our 23 goal leading striker, that’s been much missed virtually all season. The crafty Kites, in his 60 minutes run out, had a hand (foot actually) in the first 2 goals and scored the 3rd.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (SEB), a minute before half time, became the ‘meat in the sandwich’ between two burly Cardiff defenders, when he received the ball from Keogh almost on the goal line – but still he managed to poke it over – such is the strength and immovability of his massive Sponge Bob Square Pants frame.

So, two up at half time despite Cardiff having most possession and looking the better team. But who cares about the quality at this time of the season, at least we’re winning.

And, as the second half got under way, from a stinging SEB shot blocked by keeper Enkcleman - Kightly was sharpest to the rebound to slot a 3rd Wolves goal home - to roars of mass hysteria from his manic Molineux admirers.

It must be added that Kevin Foley contributed well to both earlier goals, with accurate crosses, and had an excellent game. And with Gary Breen, paired alongside the stalwart Craddock for the first time in a good while for 90 minutes, allowed both to present the opposition with a much improved central defensive partnership.

So, despite a quality Cardiff holding the possession for much of the match, Wolves at last showed the long awaited killer instinct, taking their chances even when looking the least likely to score.

This win moves Mad Mick's men up to seventh in the table with just two games remaining. Now we ‘send our lads to Coventry’ on Saturday, and a victory there just might make the visit of Plymouth on Sunday week another of those over cliched “must wins”.

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