Kingy’s Wolves Blog

LAST GASP FEVER

31-03-2008

For the second game in a row, Wolves left it late... but finally got the result they deserved, winning 3-2 at Charlton. Brendan King reflects on their run into the play-off zone.

Wolves, with a play-off spot still a distinct possibility, and seeming to be running into some kind of winning form, were delivered with the ultimate kiss of death before today’s ‘tay-time’ encounter with Charlton.

Mark Lawrenson, on BBC TV Football Focus, voted Wolves his top-tip to reach Premiership status via the playoffs. With the dreary Lawrey favouring us, we now have a real ‘mountain to climb’.

So what do our two Black Country (Baggies and Wolves) teams have in common? They both won with never-say-die spectacular goals in the dying seconds. If you’re a lover of heart-stopping football, this is the stuff for you.

Captain Henry’s extra time stunner at the ‘Valley’ gave our, now, 90 minute Gold and Blacks, an amazing result that shoots us convincingly into the play-off places. And this is the second last-minute, match saving, goal in successive games.

Making a very bright attacking start, Wolves deservedly forged ahead within just 15 minutes, through a cool Carl Henry forward channeled pass, a sharp Andy Keogh cutback from the byline, and a spectacular Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (SEB) penalty-box loft, sharp turn and volley, into the net.

But despite being by far the better team in the opening half, Wolves defence were caught napping when a deep cross was volleyed home by Greg Halford to make the first half score 1-1.

Then, well into the second half, the human brickhouse, vast-rear-ended tank, known as ‘SEB’, scored again spectacularly, as he took his recent tally to 7 goals in 7 games.

Before the match, he’d refuted criticism that he was overweight (“carrying too much timber”). And vowed to strip off his shirt, to prove he was all strength and muscle, if he scored today.

He rewarded the drooling wenches, and Wolves fans, only after this second goal – and revealed his magnificent torso -- which was well worth the inevitable booking.

The goal itself was one to remember, as he brilliantly did the old nutmeg on his defender, and then fired a sharply angled bullet-volley into the back of the net, that he’s now found 22 times this season.

But, at death, it seemed the Addicks would gain an undeserved point when Leroy Lita headed home to make it 2-2 on the 90th minute.

And then, amazingly, Wolves went straight to the other end and, with the last kick of the game Cap’n Henry, having made a last-gasp gut-wrenching run and stretch, stroked home a wonder cross from the oft-abused substitute, burly Scot, Kevin Kyle (who I rate highly) to spark wild Wolves celebrations and to renew dreams of Premiership glory.

All I can say is Brilliant, Brilliant, and Brilliant. Sky watchers will have screamed their houses down when that third went in. This was Wolves best away game of the season, and the lads are coming good at the right time. SEB’s 2nd goal was the finest of the season so far.

Now the faithful just have to find a song that fits with ‘SEB’ and his name will be chorused at every remaining match this season.