MATCH REPORT: Wolves U21 vs AS Monaco B

Wolves U21 1-1 AS Monaco B – Friday 27^th September, Compton Park

Wolves XI: Benjamin, Okoduwa, Mabete, Olagunju, Voice, Sutherland (45), Whittingham, Ashworth (85), Barnett (66), Lopes (66), Holman (74)

Subs: Amos, Igbinoghene, White (45), Edozie (66), Farmer (85), Esen (66), Mane (74)

AS Monaco XI: Benchaouch, Babai, Platret, Nibombe, Kiwa, Cabral, Bamba, Baranik, Tincres, Bouabre, Michal

Subs: Bery, Eser, Boura, Dembaga, Zadi, Etonde, Awragh.

A pair of U18 players stepped up to aid the U21s for their first fixture in this years PL International Cup against AS Monaco. The game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at AFC Telford meaning Monaco now visited Compton behind closed doors instead. Saheed Olagunju was bought straight into the starting line-up while Matheus Mane made his debut from the bench. Alfie Pond was absent from the side, presumably in order to fulfil first-team duties. 

After a subdued start, Monaco broke away in the 10^th minute. The visitors looked likely to score but Lewys Benjamin was up to the task and reached up to his top left to keep the ball out. The first resulting corner was put behind but the second was met by a powerful header from Aladji Bamba that deflected beyond Benjamin to open the scoring. Five minutes later, Benjamin was needed again. Saheed Olagunju headed the ball away from the penalty area but Monaco were first to the second ball as a well-struck volley was unleashed towards Benjamin’s bottom corner. Benjamin did well to get down quickly and put the ball behind for a corner, which he would comfortably claim. Djimi Traore’s young Monaco men would keep peppering the goal, this time an acrobatic volley that the Welsh keeper easily caught, but it would have been impressive had it gone in. The Monaco chances kept coming with an effort from a tight angle that threatened to creep in at the near post next. Benjamin met it well once more. Not much action in the last 15 minutes of the half. Monaco hogged the ball and prevented Wolves from having the slightest sight of goal but didn’t threaten to extend their lead either as the game seemed to slow down.

Wolves came back out for the second half reinvigorated and managed to level the game when debutant Saheed Olagunju fired home from range. Olagunju was caught out at the other end by some French fancy footwork and Amal Boura nearly restored Monaco’s lead but put his chance wide. Wolves’ best chance to claim all three points came when substitute Josh Esen claimed the ball through some high pressing. His effort was deflected over the keeper and trickling towards the goal before it was cleared away at the last opportunity. Monaco put the pressure on till the very end in hopes of a victory but Wolves’ defence stood strong with Lewys Benjamin needed for a few simple stops. The Wolves goalkeeper deserves a lot of praise for his performance and he was a key reason as to why Wolves were able to come away with the draw.

A good result against sold opposition, especially given how much Monaco dominated the first half. A very positive debut for Olagunju while Lewys Benjamin was undoubtably man of the match. Wolves have now played two games this week and there’s no rest for them next week either. They visit Derby U21s on Monday before welcoming Everton U21s to Aggborough on Friday,  both games in the PL2. Season ticket holders can attend Friday’s game for free and tickets for the next Bristol Street Motors Trophy game away at Wrexham on Tuesday 8^th October are now on sale. Wolves don’t return to PL International Cup action until they play Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday 29^th October.