WOLVES U21S V Valencia CF Mestalla

Wolves U21 0-1 Valencia CF Mestalla – Tuesday 10^th December, Aggborough (PLIC)

Wolves XI: Gracey, Hubner, Pond, Meupiyou, Ojinnaka, Sutherland, Cundle, Ashworth, Lopes (80), Whittingham, Chiwome (45)

Subs: Amos, Igbinoghene, Carson, Mabete, Reynolds (80), Homan (45), Angel

Valencia XI: Abril, Moreno, Serradell, Alos, Fadal, Tejon (59), Santana, Perez (68), Gurendal (76), Otorbi, Nunez

Subs: Ruiz, Caro (45), Calvo, Blazquez (59), Cerda (76), Abajas (45), Lopez (68)

Wolves were already out of the Premier League International Cup going into their clash with Valencia, but the visitors were second in the group with a game in hand on the sides around them. The Spanish side needed the result more, but Wolves did not make it easy for them. Five changes from James Collins, notably Leon Chiwome coming into the starting XI after his return from injury last week. 

Ali Fadal had a chance to give his side an early lead but was denied by some great defending from Bastien Meupiyou. Josh Gracey has been the U18 keeper for most of the season but swapped with Lewys Benjamin this week, with the Welsh shot stopper playing Monday night’s FA Youth Cup game with AFC Wimbledon instead. Gracey took the step up in age like a duck to water however, making a fine save to deny Jose Luis Perez. Alfie Pond couldn’t trouble Vincent Abril at the other end either, his effort easily saved. Temple Ojinnaka was in a new right-back role and was still adjusting when he was caught flat-footed and gave away a penalty late in the first half. No worries for Wolves though, Josh Gracey was down well to keep out Martin Tejon’s spot kick and ensure Wolves went into the break level.

Chiwome was only deemed fit enough to complete a half, replaced by Fletcher Holman at the interval. Still Valencia pushed and Carlos Alos came close when he hit the post. It looked like Wolves may hold out for a point, but Valencia broke through with 10 minutes remaining. Aimar Blazquez from the substitutes bench was the hero for the Spaniards, though David Otorbi did the heavy lifting to pick him out with a picture-perfect cross. Wolves could not find a reply, some poor officiating from Jacob Viera didn’t very much help them, and the game fizzled out allowing Valencia to take all three points.

Not quite the same PLIC campaign that Wolves had last time but still some highlights for the young group. For this game in particular, a star-making performance from Josh Gracey who really capitalized on his opportunity to play U21 football in recent weeks. His performance was reminiscent of Lewys Benjamin’s heroics against Hertha BSC last season in the same competition, which was when he really established himself as U21 no. 1.

One or two of these players are still finding fitness while others will no doubt be searching for loans and possibly even transfers away from Wolves.

The U21 group are next in action on Saturday, visiting Aston Villa in the PL2. This will be a welcome return to league action after back-to-back PLIC losses. After that it’s two senior opponents in Forest Green Rovers and Rochdale. Tickets for the Forest Green game are available on their website.