Wolves U21 2-2 Sunderland U21 

Wolves U21 2-2 Sunderland U21 – Monday 3^rd February, Aggborough – Premier League Cup

Wolves XI: Gracey, Okoduwa, Mabete, Voice, Olagunju (87), Sutherland, Rawlings (60), Whittingham (87), Edozie (72), Lopes, Angel

Subs: Keto-Diyawa (87), Igbinoghene, Bradbury (60), Reynolds (87), Esen (72)

Sunderland XI: Cameron, Lavery, Kindon, Bell, Bainbridge, Middlemas, Jones, Whittaker (87), Gerugusain, Walsh (60), Tutierov.

Subs: Metcalf, Holcroft, Lenz (60), Neill (87), Scott

Wolves were without several star youngsters who instead spent deadline day trying to find a loan move for senior football. Olagunju made the step up from the U18s while Aaron Keto-Diyawa began his return from injury off the bench. Qualification was on the line and nothing but a win would suffice for Wolves.

With Wolves needing a result, the worst thing they could possibly do would be to go behind just 35 seconds into the game. This didn’t stop Sunderland though and Ben Middlemas made a run down the left-hand side before squaring the ball back to Finn Geragusian for the quickfire opener. Josh Gracey has been elevated to U21 first-choice with the departure of Lewys Benjamin and justified his position with a succession of saves to keep Wolves’ PL Cup hopes alive. Dani Angel had two golden opportunities to score, firstly spinning his man from a long ball over the top only to drive a powerful effort into the stand. The second miss was a lovely bit of skill from Angel to get in behind and round the keeper, only to strike the post of the empty net. Leo Lopes and Matty Whittingham combined to cancel out the early goal. Lopes with a mazy run before sliding in the former Manchester City man who calmly placed his shot beyond the Sunderland keeper. Tom Edozie nearly took Wolves into the break ahead but his headed effort rose over the bar. A scrappy first half affair that could only get better.

The second half was far better in quality than the first, with Wolves finally enjoying some time on the ball. Dani Angel in particular would have been much happier with his performance in the last 45, scoring to put Wolves 2-1 up just beyond the hour mark. Caden Voice’s ball was allowed to make its way to Angel at the back post who gratefully slammed the ball into the Sunderland goal from point-blank range. Sunderland once more took control of the game after Wolves went ahead, and some valiant defending prevented the visitors from equalising. Filozofe Mabete and Josh Gracey were especially on top of their game, Mabete putting his body on the line with a couple of fantastic last man tackles. Eventually the pressure proved too much for the hosts and Geragusian scored his second of the match to send Wolves tumbling to third in the group. Sunderland very nearly grabbed a last-minute winner, but Josh Gracey got a strong hand on a close range shot that he had no right to save. All of Wolves’ efforts were in vain however, as Sunderland secured their progression to the next round at the expense of James Collins’ side.

Wolves will get a chance at revenge when they visit Sunderland in PL2 action on Friday, hopefully bolstered by a few returns after a hectic transfer window. Tickets for next week’s game against Rochdale are also available on Rochdale’s website. That match on Tuesday night may very well be Wolves’ last of the National League Cup this season and provides a great opportunity to see our young Wolves in action while visiting a fantastic ground.