The build up to the match, and rightly so, overshadowed the game itself. 28,000 fans came to show their respect for Sir Jack Hayward with former players and managers on the pitch before the match. The proceedings were fitting for the great man and were done with the upmost respect from both sets of players.
With the crowd showing their respect, it was easy to forget that there was still a game to be played. It seemed that Wolves couldn’t find any intensity to play with in the first half any didn’t create too many chances in opening 45 minutes. The best chance came when in-form Edwards ran clear through on goal but got caught into minds before dragging the ball well wide.
Blackpool came to play for a point and never really offered much going forward. The way to breakdown a resolute team like this would be to stretch them and attack down the wings. Without Sako on the left wing, Wolves lacked any natural width on the left. Both Henry and Van La Parra are nowhere near effective of the left as they are on the right side. As we’ll be without Sako for the next few matches, Jackett really needs to bring in a natural left winger while the Malian is away on international duty.
Wolves played with more urgency after the break and as the Seasiders started to tire, Van La Parra managed to pick out Dave Edwards, who put it in from six yards. Edwards is in a rich run of form at the moment and seems to have a real partnership with Nouha Dicko.
The goal took away whatever what was left of Blackpool’s confidence. Not long after debutant Benick Afobe seized upon a defensive mix up in the Blackpool defence, who had the simple task of stroking the ball into the back of the net. It was great to see him get a goal on his debut, especially when you consider the performance of some of the strikers who have been on the books this season. Still a young man, Benick Afobe still has much to learn. But he looks like he has all the attributes to be an important player for us.
You get the feeling that first Wolves had scored in the first half, we’d have probably scored more than two. Though we have struggled when we have not played 4-5-1 this season, I do think that against bottom of the league at home Wolves should be playing with two strikers from the start. Our goal difference is woeful compared to the teams above us now and we need to be putting more teams to the sword, winning by more than just a couple of goals.
Jamie O’Hara made his return to Molineux after his acrimonious exit last year. Booed and jeered throughout, the odds were on for O’Hara to react. But credit to him (and it really pains me to say it) he showed a lot of strength not to respond as expected of him. I also think he had a good game and showed that although he might not be the greatest person in the world, he was never a terrible footballer.
Now pushing on the edge of the playoffs, Wolves sit comfortably in 8th. The performance wasn’t the highest of quality but Sir Jack would have been delighted with the win and the team, the club, and fans did Mr. Hayward proud on Saturday.
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