Wolves vs Bray Match Report

[Bruno]

Looks as if a number of you have been able to follow the game via radio etc, but I don't see anywhere else a match report from anyone at the game. So apologies if it's somewhere else.

Staring line-up as follows:

Murray
Edwards
Ward
Mulgrew
S Ward
Potter
Henry
Jarvis
Keogh
Eastwood

First half was more of a workout for the team rather than anything resembling a competitive match. Bray had more than their fair share of the possession, and at times looked quite threatening down their right flank - couldn't work out whether their RW was tasty, or whether Mulgrew was making him look good. Watched Mulgrew very closely as we were sitting right on the touchline on his side. He looked quite nervous I thought, to the point that I started to feel sorry for him. He's very comfortable on the ball though, and on several occasions in the first half distributed the ball really nicely, particulely down the left channel where, on one occassion in particular Eastwood should have done much better. Interesting to see Darren Ward talking alot to Mulgrew and almost coaching him at times. On that point, Ward looked completely at home, and probably could have played forever last night without anyone getting past him. Looks very solid, very strong in the air and has the authority of someone who's been around a bit. His experience is very obvious and clearly an asset in a team of relatively inexperienced players. Alongside Ward, Breen was also very comfortable, although the opposition didn't really have much bite to go with their possession.

In middle Henry and Potter ran the midfield. Potter in particular had a lot of the ball and knocked it around neatly most of the time. Henry was another who looked very comfortable, doing the things well that we all know he can. Upfront Freddie was taking it fairly easy and I felt was using the game purely as exercise rather than anything else. Although he didn't do an awful lot in the first half, in my view at close range he has that swagger that you want to see from a striker. Doesn't lack in confience basically. Alongside him Keogh worked tirelessly as he always does, but nothing much came off for him and never really looked like it would. On the flanks Stephen Ward did a job, but didn't really shine, and on the right hand side Jarvis looked very sharp and was a constant concern for their LB. In total though we had very few opportunities in the first half, but at times kepth the ball very comfortably, knocked it around and looked to be in control as you would hope and expect.

Murray had little to do, but dealt with a couple of crosses very well, and kicked well, although was never under pressure.

In the second half, shortly after Keogh had balloned a sitter over the bar after having been put in by unselfish work by Eastwood, Neill Collns and Craddock came on for Breen and Ward, Jay came on for Keogh, Glesson for Potter, Kites for Jarvis and Dan Jones for Ward. Later on Little came on for Edwards. Within a few minutes the class of Bothroyd started to show, and therafter he was easily the best player on the pitch, scoring an incredible chip whilst on the run from way out on the left outside the box.Their keeper wasn't the tallest, but nevertheless it was still quite a special goal. His second was neatly finished by bending it around the keeper from the edge of thebox after neat build up play from Kites (I think). Eastwood also chipped in with a couple, one a 6-yard tap-in and the second a nice finish from the edge of the box, picking the corner and drilling it past the keeper.

To be perfectly honest the Bothroyd/Eastwood partnership looked very tasty, and based on that perrformance should be given more time to establish itself. I am as big a fan of Keogh as anyone, but even in a friendly like last night you could see the difference of having two genuine goal-scoring threats upfront rather than one threat plus a hard-working team player. If MM can get the best out of Bothroyd now that he has to fight for his place with Keogh, Eastwood, Ward and now Elliott, he could have a winning partnership there.

To complete the assessment, Kites played like a man possessed when he came on - 110% commitment to the very end. Looked sharp, full of running and added a dimension with Bothroyd which looked very tasty. On the other side Dan Jones didn't offer an awful lot to be honest, but maybe didn't have much of any opportunity. Similarly Gleeson looked tidy and did the simple things well, but didn't really have the opportunity to stamp his authority on the game in the same way Potter had. Same also for Little. At the back Neill Collins looked class, and, whilst having relatively little to do, he did it well and efficiently.

So in sumary, my starting XI based on form shown last night would be

Murray
Mulgrew (it seems there isn't any other option)
Ward
Collins
Edwards (although not happy about it as we all know he isn't good enough)
Jarvis
Potter
Henry
Kites
Bothroyd
Eastwood.

Big Gerge wasn't there so couldn't include him.

Final word on the crowd - it was quite a small ground but at least half were Wolves fans - I'm guessing around 500. Nice atmosphere all round.

So - reasons to be cheerful..... good result, decent performance (particualrly second half), no injuries that required substitution, impressive goals from Eastwood and Bothroyd, solid performance from Ward at the back.

Reasons to lie awake at night and worry - fullbacks. Weren't really tested last night, but we're no better off than we were at our worst in that area last season. For those that saw the 6-0 home thrashing by Southampton, which was embarrassing in the full-back area, you are right to be concerned.

[Elvis Wolf]

Many thanks Bruno for this excellent report, the E & S could do with you !!! :)
EW

[wanderer24]

Excellent report, thanks. A lot of confirmation of what we already thought but good to see we have an exciting partnership brewing with Bothroyd and Eastwood. Nice to hear Ward looks the part and Neil Collins might be winning the race to partner him. Shame about the full back situation, somebody needs to make the place their own.

[BridgnorthWolf Inc]

Thanks for such an in depth report Bruno. Much appreciated.

[Scott.Cooper]

Thanks Bruno.

I will be there for the Bho's game on Sunday and hoping for more of the same.

I said in a post after the Grays game that I thought Bothroyd would finish as our leading scorer and by the sounds of it I may not be too far off the mark.

[UNCLE REMUS]

Looks as if a number of you have been able to follow the game via radio etc, but I don't see anywhere else a match report from anyone at the game. So apologies if it's somewhere else.

Staring line-up as follows:

Murray
Edwards
Ward
Mulgrew
S Ward
Potter
Henry
Jarvis
Keogh
Eastwood

First half was more of a workout for the team rather than anything resembling a competitive match. Bray had more than their fair share of the possession, and at times looked quite threatening down their right flank - couldn't work out whether their RW was tasty, or whether Mulgrew was making him look good. Watched Mulgrew very closely as we were sitting right on the touchline on his side. He looked quite nervous I thought, to the point that I started to feel sorry for him. He's very comfortable on the ball though, and on several occasions in the first half distributed the ball really nicely, particulely down the left channel where, on one occassion in particular Eastwood should have done much better. Interesting to see Darren Ward talking alot to Mulgrew and almost coaching him at times. On that point, Ward looked completely at home, and probably could have played forever last night without anyone getting past him. Looks very solid, very strong in the air and has the authority of someone who's been around a bit. His experience is very obvious and clearly an asset in a team of relatively inexperienced players. Alongside Ward, Breen was also very comfortable, although the opposition didn't really have much bite to go with their possession.

In middle Henry and Potter ran the midfield. Potter in particular had a lot of the ball and knocked it around neatly most of the time. Henry was another who looked very comfortable, doing the things well that we all know he can. Upfront Freddie was taking it fairly easy and I felt was using the game purely as exercise rather than anything else. Although he didn't do an awful lot in the first half, in my view at close range he has that swagger that you want to see from a striker. Doesn't lack in confience basically. Alongside him Keogh worked tirelessly as he always does, but nothing much came off for him and never really looked like it would. On the flanks Stephen Ward did a job, but didn't really shine, and on the right hand side Jarvis looked very sharp and was a constant concern for their LB. In total though we had very few opportunities in the first half, but at times kepth the ball very comfortably, knocked it around and looked to be in control as you would hope and expect.

Murray had little to do, but dealt with a couple of crosses very well, and kicked well, although was never under pressure.

In the second half, shortly after Keogh had balloned a sitter over the bar after having been put in by unselfish work by Eastwood, Neill Collns and Craddock came on for Breen and Ward, Jay came on for Keogh, Glesson for Potter, Kites for Jarvis and Dan Jones for Ward. Later on Little came on for Edwards. Within a few minutes the class of Bothroyd started to show, and therafter he was easily the best player on the pitch, scoring an incredible chip whilst on the run from way out on the left outside the box.Their keeper wasn't the tallest, but nevertheless it was still quite a special goal. His second was neatly finished by bending it around the keeper from the edge of thebox after neat build up play from Kites (I think). Eastwood also chipped in with a couple, one a 6-yard tap-in and the second a nice finish from the edge of the box, picking the corner and drilling it past the keeper.

To be perfectly honest the Bothroyd/Eastwood partnership looked very tasty, and based on that perrformance should be given more time to establish itself. I am as big a fan of Keogh as anyone, but even in a friendly like last night you could see the difference of having two genuine goal-scoring threats upfront rather than one threat plus a hard-working team player. If MM can get the best out of Bothroyd now that he has to fight for his place with Keogh, Eastwood, Ward and now Elliott, he could have a winning partnership there.

To complete the assessment, Kites played like a man possessed when he came on - 110% commitment to the very end. Looked sharp, full of running and added a dimension with Bothroyd which looked very tasty. On the other side Dan Jones didn't offer an awful lot to be honest, but maybe didn't have much of any opportunity. Similarly Gleeson looked tidy and did the simple things well, but didn't really have the opportunity to stamp his authority on the game in the same way Potter had. Same also for Little. At the back Neill Collins looked class, and, whilst having relatively little to do, he did it well and efficiently.

So in sumary, my starting XI based on form shown last night would be

Murray
Mulgrew (it seems there isn't any other option)
Ward
Collins
Edwards (although not happy about it as we all know he isn't good enough)
Jarvis
Potter
Henry
Kites
Bothroyd
Eastwood.

Big Gerge wasn't there so couldn't include him.

Final word on the crowd - it was quite a small ground but at least half were Wolves fans - I'm guessing around 500. Nice atmosphere all round.

So - reasons to be cheerful..... good result, decent performance (particualrly second half), no injuries that required substitution, impressive goals from Eastwood and Bothroyd, solid performance from Ward at the back.

Reasons to lie awake at night and worry - fullbacks. Weren't really tested last night, but we're no better off than we were at our worst in that area last season. For those that saw the 6-0 home thrashing by Southampton, which was embarrassing in the full-back area, you are right to be concerned.

While I agree with the fact that we need full backs, I do think that we are now developing a nice spine to the side, therefore it would be nice to "attract" a good experienced mid-fielder who can break up a loy of attacks before they start.

I know how people feel about Henry, but always fealt last season that we lacked a good "engine room"

Good report, but would like to see us against sterner opposition and not in a friendly, your observations about a "run out" are right.

[Brusselswolf]

Nice report Bruno, simply and effectively written.. thanks a mill

[cooper_J]

Thanks for taking the time to write that Bruno, great report.

[Del Woppio]

Superb report, many thanks. Perhaps you and Kenny might like to discuss this going on the Vital Wolves site?

[Oldgold Wolfcub]

Thanks for sharing that with us Bruno.

[Gloster_Wolf]

Fully agree with Bruno's report. A decent second ahlf with Both on fire. Keogh grafted hard too.
Good crowd there last night and suspect that we had 700 or 800 supporters there.
The craic is great and I'm not going to waste any more time sat in the Internet Cafe today. Pass the Guinness landlord!! :)
See you at the Bohs game if you're coming over.

[wolves85nb]

Cheers for that. Any ideas why Olo wasn't involved?

[Kenny-11]

Cheers for that. Any ideas why Olo wasn't involved?

Guess - Started Pre Season a week later then the rest. Will no doubt play 60 mins min v Bohemians on Sunday

[footyaddict]

Or maybe lookin at alternatives playing together for when olo goes to african cup of nations

[Moira Stewart]

Pleased to hear about Bothroyd, problem is how do we keep his motivation up past when the clocks go back??

[N. Herts Wolf]

Thanks for taking the time to write that Bruno, great report.

Agreed, thanks Bruno.

Share your concerns about FB's though. That has to be No. 1 priority.

[Timbli]

was Murray wearing #1 ???

soo Hennessey goes to #20 as shown in website photos?

[Bertiewolf]

Cheers Bruno more of the same please - great report :D:D

[Bromsgrove_Wolf]

quality write up there mate, very pleasing read. With so many forwards demanding a 1st team place do you think that we will lose anyone? Out of the 5 we have i would have to say that Ward is at the bottom of the list, bus if MM is playing him on the wing this could keep him happy ( seeing as we only have 3 other wide men ( as in wingers, not fatties ) in jarvis, kites and jones ), so it looks like a battle of the 4 strikers each week to me. From what i saw and and what i thought last season i would fancy Eastwood and Keogh, from what ive read this morning and heard from wolves fans watching the pre-seasons id have Bothroyd and Eastwood, truely the 1st season in years that im happy with the manager, the squad and the attitude, come on me babbies

[Bruno]

was Murray wearing #1 ???

soo Hennessey goes to #20 as shown in website photos?

Didn't notice Murray's number but I don't think the squad numbers were used as Freddie was wearing 10, whereas isn't he being given the number 23? The shirts didn't have names on the back - so I didn't pay much attention to it.

[Timbli]

Ohh yeh fair enough, cheers for that. Amm the numbers they wear on their training kits seem to be the correct ones that will have for the season and yeh only seen the pick of Hennessey with number 20 soo that must mean Murray to 1.

What was Bothroyd wearing then haha?

[Ettingshall Wolf]

cheers for the post and putting in the effort Bruno, a great read.

[Bevan]

Cheers for the report.

The E&S recently reported we're after a Premiership left back (Traore maybe?), but there has been nothing about a right back.

Unless we end up with Frazer Richardson from Leeds, who are we going to play there? In the 2 friendlies so far it seems Mick is not going to play Henry at right back this season unless it's an absolute emergency, so we can forget that option.

Who else? Little? Edwards?

Personally, I'm happy with neither. We desparately need some fullbacks.

If we end up with Richardson and Traore, then great.

3.5 weeks to go.

[HICKO]

A coherent report Bruno, well done and thankyou.

[Hatch End Wolf]

Well done Bruno. You should be taken on by the E&S as a reporter.................on the other hand you're probably too well informed for our local rag these days!

[Big Mack]

Mirror the other thanks on here Bruno. Cheers.

[IrchyWolf]

just wanted to add my voice of thanks.
Ta, for a great report. A model for the rest of us.

[EasternWolf]

Same congats and thanks Bruno.

[Berkswolf]

Excellent thanks Bruno.

[WorcesterWolf]

Flew out yesterday morning and got back a few minutes ago.

Arrived at Dublin airport and was completely unaware of where we were :D We drove around for a bit till we found a map then drove to the AUL Complex where the team was training.

It was a good two hour work out. Firstly Kunle (spelling? The fitness bloke anyway) was just making them run from one side of the pitch to the other before for a good half hour or more Mick took over the session - the squad was segregated into three teams (yellows, oranges and blacks). Two teams played at once where one had to reach the half way line and the other had to score past Matty in goal.

They appeared to be working quite hard..noticable things -

- Keogh easily looked the fittest.

- Mick kept effing and blinding at something, not sure what - at one point I just heard him refer to something as 'a pile of $$$$e'. Fair enough.

- Freddy looked pretty unfit - Mick kept yelling at him to work harder and his head completley dropped.

At the end of the session the lads were messing round playing a keepy uppy game where they each had two lives and once they miss controlled it they lost a life. Once they lost all their lives they had to have their ears flicked by each member of the team!

Neill Collins was the unfortunate one, followed by Lee Collins. Potter and Olofinjana gave arguably the largest 'flicks' :D Was quite hysterical actually.

Then they all ganged up on Breeny who was, to my suprise, at the centre of the banter. Potts and Breeny got into a dispute over whose fault it was for letting the ball touch the floor..Karl Henry instigated the 'WHO VOTES BREENY?' campaign in which most of them put up their hands (actually Little put up both hands..).

After the session I met Kights (who said he had a sore calf), Little, Hennessey, Keogh, Potter and Henry who were all very friendly. Karl told us that the team was going to change around on the 60th minute and alas he was right.

Got loads of pics to upload from training and the match. Will do a match report in a bit :)

[Bahama Wolf]

Flew out yesterday morning and got back a few minutes ago.

Arrived at Dublin airport and was completely unaware of where we were :D We drove around for a bit till we found a map then drove to the AUL Complex where the team was training.

It was a good two hour work out. Firstly Kunle (spelling? The fitness bloke anyway) was just making them run from one side of the pitch to the other before for a good half hour or more Mick took over the session - the squad was segregated into three teams (yellows, oranges and blacks). Two teams played at once where one had to reach the half way line and the other had to score past Matty in goal.

They appeared to be working quite hard..noticable things -

- Keogh easily looked the fittest.

- Mick kept effing and blinding at something, not sure what - at one point I just heard him refer to something as 'a pile of $$$$e'. Fair enough.

- Freddy looked pretty unfit - Mick kept yelling at him to work harder and his head completley dropped.

At the end of the session the lads were messing round playing a keepy uppy game where they each had two lives and once they miss controlled it they lost a life. Once they lost all their lives they had to have their ears flicked by each member of the team!

Neill Collins was the unfortunate one, followed by Lee Collins. Potter and Olofinjana gave arguably the largest 'flicks' :D Was quite hysterical actually.

Then they all ganged up on Breeny who was, to my suprise, at the centre of the banter. Potts and Breeny got into a dispute over whose fault it was for letting the ball touch the floor..Karl Henry instigated the 'WHO VOTES BREENY?' campaign in which most of them put up their hands (actually Little put up both hands..).

After the session I met Kights (who said he had a sore calf), Little, Hennessey, Keogh, Potter and Henry who were all very friendly. Karl told us that the team was going to change around on the 60th minute and alas he was right.

Got loads of pics to upload from training and the match. Will do a match report in a bit :)


Look forward to that Worcester!

[mr_j_007]

sounds like there is a good atmosphere in the camp then. thanks for the report of training. like to see the players get on well and there genuinely is a good atmosphere in the club, you hear players saying things but you do wander how much is just P.R and how much there is clics. from that it sounds like everyone mucks in and has a good $$$$ take

like the sound of MM having a go at freddy certainly shows the other players that there is no faverouts and freddy that he is not a big fish in a small pound any more. obviously his bollacking in training worked.

in MM we trust, keep the faith.

[dr cool]

thanks for the report....

drc

[The Bear]

Yeah cheers Worcester. Look forward to seeing the pics.

[Gloster_Wolf]

Against my better judgement, we went up to the AUL yesterday (Thursday) to see the lads. Took the bus up towards Swords and got off close the airport and thought we'd walk the rest. Thankfully we came across Kealys bar and had a pint or two. Asked about directions to the AUL and was told it was a nightmare to get to on foot. We called a taxi and got to the AUL at about 11:30 only to be told that Wolves had cancelled the session! The cab driver took us back to Kealys bar where a couple of pints and lunch was consumed.
According to one of the serving wenches who claims she's a friend of Wardy's (Steven, that is) he is a regular there when he's back home.
Nice to make that connection!

[WorcesterWolf]

Onto the match - the thread starter did a pretty in depth report so I'll try not to go on too long

First half was much more even and the Bray players were definitely up for it, however most of the time they were just chasing as we had the majority of the possession. They did look dangerous in spells, especially their right winger Paddy Kavanagh who was tearing Mulgrew to pieces. They had a great chance handed to 'Tarzan' O'Brien on his testemonial but he blazed it high over the bar.

We didn't do much of note to be honest. Potter in particular just kept passing it sideways and not to much affect. Keogh did well though showing his class - I know we've got five strikers now but he would be one of the first names on the team sheet as far as I'm concerned. He linked up well with Freddy too.

Jarvis made some good runs and tried hard on occasions to chase a lost cause. I didn't go to Grays so it was the first time I'd seen him (apart from training) - he looked very, very quick. Darren Ward was completely assured at the back and barring an injury I think he's a cert to start against Watford. Freddy looked much sharper than he did in training.

We did have one clear chance when I thought it was in - an Edwards header at the far post cleared off the line.

On to the second half then and it carried on where it left off in the first. Bray chasing us and us not doing too much.

The game completely changed with the 60th minute subs, particularly Bothroyd and Kightly. Freddy's first was a simple goal as Bothroyd I think it was already did all the hard work.

Kights ran through too and added another but it was disallowed correctly I think for offside.

Bothroyd's first was an absolute beauty, took the ball really early and did a perfect chip over the keeper from about the same distance where he scored against Leeds. His second showed good technique too, curled it with his left foot around the keeper from an angle.

Freddy's second has completely whetted my appetite for the season if that's the kind of thing we've got to look forward to - it was from a good distance out (edge of the 'D') and he controlled it before smacking it in the bottom corner.

We could have had another too as Kights hit a lob over the keeper (basically identical to the one he scored against Derby on boxing day) but it hit the bar and bounced back out.

Overall it was a decent game for a friendly. It's odd being so close to the pitch when you're used to sitting half way up the North Bank but I saw Murray was very animated on the pitch and gave lots of encouragement to the team...

Highlights were Kightly (brilliant as ever), Bothroyd (staking a claim for a place in the starting line up), Murray (made some good saves) & Henry (back from injury and playing as if he'd never been gone).

Lowlight was Mulgrew and now I'm a bit concerned about the left back position. I'm not going to completely write him off - it was a friendly after all - but he looked very dodgy and lacking in confidence. Definitely need another left back, if not to replace him then at least for cover.

Turns out I've rambled a hell of a lot actually

Pics now (apologies for poor quality) -

Training:

http://file023b.bebo.com/1/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5024943494l.jpg

http://file023b.bebo.com/7/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5024972772l.jpg

http://file023b.bebo.com/7/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5024972611l.jpg

http://file023b.bebo.com/7/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5024972950l.jpg

[WorcesterWolf]

The game: (couldnt include all the pics in that post)


The game:

http://file031b.bebo.com/14/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025101289l.jpg

http://file031b.bebo.com/14/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025102035l.jpg

http://file014b.bebo.com/6/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025132032l.jpg

http://file014b.bebo.com/6/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025132365l.jpg
PITCH INVASIONN! It was mainly little kids having a laugh but the police still got a bit cranky about it.

[WorcesterWolf]

And one more..

http://file014b.bebo.com/6/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025132524l.jpg
The field of dreams!

Hope those worked :)

[Wivey Wolf]

Worcester - you are a star! Thanks for that little lot...

[Merlin]

The game: (couldnt include all the pics in that post)


The game:

http://file031b.bebo.com/14/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025101289l.jpg

http://file031b.bebo.com/14/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025102035l.jpg

http://file014b.bebo.com/6/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025132032l.jpg

http://file014b.bebo.com/6/large/2007/07/19/21/1390375100a5025132365l.jpg
PITCH INVASIONN! It was mainly little kids having a laugh but the police still got a bit cranky about it.

You were right by us by the looks of things....we were the loud ones at the back!