Wolves vs Honved Anniversary
December 13, 1954 – A landmark date in football history. On this day, Wolves hosted Honved at Molineux in a game that became instrumental in paving the way for the creation of the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League. Played under newly installed floodlights, the match was broadcast live on the BBC, an unusual spectacle at the time.
Setting the Stage
The encounter featured Honved, a team renowned for their dazzling, attractive football, spearheaded by Hungarian legends Ferenc Puskás and Sándor Kocsis. Wolves, determined to compete, made preparations to level the playing field—quite literally. Club staff and apprentices, including a young Ron Atkinson, helped make the pitch as boggy as possible to disrupt Honved’s style of play.
One person captivated by the televised match was a young George Best, who wrote in his autobiography that he had been kicking a ball outside his neighbor’s house just before seeing Wolves. Awed by winger Peter Broadbent, it marked the start of his admiration for the team.
The floodlights, installed at Molineux in 1953 for £10,000, enabled this iconic game to take place. It was only the seventh match played under lights at Molineux, a rarity given how few stadiums could host night matches at the time.
Classic Match Report
The contest was a tale of two halves!
First Half:
Wolves had a rocky start, struggling to deal with Honved’s tactical versatility. The Hungarians shifted seamlessly between wing play, long passes, and intricate short passing—leaving the Wolves defence stretched.
Wolves goalkeeper Bert Williams stood firm under pressure yet was beaten twice in four minutes:
- Sándor Kocsis headed home from a free-kick taken by Ferenc Puskás after a handball by Ron Flowers.
- Ferenc Machos doubled the lead following a precise cross from the right.
Despite attempts by Wolves players Ron Flowers, Dennis Wilshaw, Peter Broadbent, Roy Swinbourne, and Les Smith, Honved keeper Lajos Faragó ensured his side reached halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Halftime Adjustments:
Furious with the first-half performance, Wolves manager Stan Cullis made adjustments, instructing ground staff to further disrupt Honved’s rhythm and demanding a more direct, aggressive approach.
Second Half:
Wolves came out revitalized, and early pressure paid off.
- Johnny Hancocks seized on an opportunity when Honved’s János Kovács fouled him in the box. Hancocks calmly converted the penalty down the middle (49’) to make it 2-1.
Buoyed by the crowd, Wolves piled on the pressure. Their determination bore fruit:
- Roy Swinbourne equalized in the 76th minute with a header, courtesy of a cross from Dennis Wilshaw.
- Just two minutes later, Swinbourne struck again, slotting home after a brilliant run by Les Smith, completing Wolves’ remarkable comeback.
Despite Honved’s attempts to rally, Wolves’ sheer grit and Cullis’s tactical adjustments secured a 3-2 victory.
FULL TIME WOLVES 3 HONVED 2
THE TEAMS
Wolves Team: Bert Williams, Eddie Stuart, Bill Shorthouse, Bill Slater, Billy Wright, Ron Flowers, Johnny Hancocks, Peter Broadbent, Roy Swinbourne, Dennis Wilshaw, Les Smith.
Goals: Johnny Hancocks Penalty (49), Roy Swinbourne (76,78).
Manager: Stan Cullis
Honved Team: Lajos Farago, Tibor Palicsko, Janos Bozsik, Gyula Lorant, Nandor Banyai, Laszlo Budai, Sandor Kocsis, Ferenc Machos, Ferenc Puskas, Zoltan Czibor.
Goals: Sandor Kocsis (10), Ferenc Machos (14).
Manager: Jeno Kalmar
Attendance: 55,000
WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM WOLVES ICONIC MATCH WITH HONVED
The Legacy
The match showcased the potential of club football on an international stage. Wolves’ victory sparked debates about which team could claim to be the best in the world. Journalists and governing bodies alike began envisioning a European club competition. This vision materialized in 1955 with the launch of the European Cup, now the UEFA Champions League.
PROGRAMME WOLVES V HONVED
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FAN MEMORIES
Bostin Brian – Southampton
My dad lived in Paternoster Row opposite the Catholic Church. Near to what is now the subway under the ring road. Obviously, that was not there then, and he overlooked Molineux from his bedroom.
After the war and the resumption of play he started watching them. He went to the 1949 cup final against Leicester when he was 18 after his sisters and he took turns in the queue around Molineux to get a ticket for him.
He then lived through Wolves most successful period winning three titles in the fifties.
He went to all the European floodlit games at Molineux including the Honved game.
He married my mom on his 21st birthday in 1952, my brother came along in March 1954, and I followed later in September 1955.
So, you can do the maths……the Honved game was December 13th 1954, and I was born 9 months later. I think my dad did a lot of celebrating that night!
He went to the 1960 cup final, and the next day was my first experience as a Wolves fan when he took me and my brother to Wolverhampton to welcome the team home.
My maternal grandad was also a massive Wolves fan.
My son and his two sons are also Wolves fans. So, the family is now on its 5th generation of Wolves fans.
Lesley Whitehouse
I remember my dad attending the famous Wolves vs Honved game with my uncle. Both were lifelong supporters and season ticket holders in the Waterloo Stand. That night, they braved the rainy weather, dressed in long, double-breasted macs, as they joined the crowd under the floodlit skies of Molineux.
I can only imagine the excitement and celebration at the final whistle, surrounded by jubilant Wolves fans after that incredible comeback win. It was more than just a match—it was a defining moment for Wolves and football itself.
That game marked the beginning of something special for me and my family. Inspired by that legendary night, my dad started taking me to Wolves games at Molineux, passing down his love for the team. Now, I proudly carry on the legacy as the 14th-generation family member to support Wolves. I even share this tradition with my son, Karl, who writes for Always Wolves, keeping our connection to the club alive.
Molineux isn’t just a stadium for us—it’s a place full of history, family memories, and Wolves passion that continues to thrive through each generation.
MEDIA & NEWS REPORTS FROM THE TIME
ARTICLE BY KARL WHITEHOUSE
I’ve been a passionate Wolves fan for over 30 years, supporting the team through the highs and lows of the 80s, 90s, and 00s. I’ve followed them both home and away, and my love for the game has grown into a keen interest in analyzing Wolves’ matches, especially diving into the stats behind their performances in the Premier League.
I’m also the go-to person for stats on Wolves games when contributing to podcasts, and I enjoy exploring football history for deeper insights. Over the years, I’ve completed the journey to all 92 Football League grounds—a milestone I’m proud of.
Currently, I’m working on an eBook that celebrates fans’ favorite matches, complete with personal stories, match reports, and, where possible, detailed game stats. Supporting Wolves isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion.