Edozie’s Late Winner Seals Victory for Wolves U21s Against Burnley

Burnley U21s vs Wolves U21s – Monday 18th August, Lancashire FA County Ground (PL2)

Wolves U21s begin a new PL2 season away from home against newcomers Burnley. The Clarets only gained their category one status in May, spending last season in the Professional Development League, losing in the semi-final. Both sides played their first competitive matches last week in the National League Cup, each suffering 2-1 losses with Wolves beaten by Wealdstone and Burnley beaten by Rochdale. Wolves were boosted by the return of two players with senior experience in Alfie Pond and Dexter Lembikisa.

Wolves had a bright opening 15 minutes, with most of the possession but only a couple of chances to show for it. Fletcher Holman looked the most likely to open the scoring when he was given far too much time in the opposition’s penalty area, but his shot went straight at the keeper. The former Solihull Moors striker was causing all kinds of problems for the Burnley defence, finding space twice just after 20 minutes. Unfortunately both attempts were blazed over the bar.

Burnley had an ambitious attempt shortly after. A free kick that looked much too far out to shoot from was merely a challenge for Manuel Benson, who could only find the top of the crossbar with his audacious effort.

Holman was rewarded for his hard work midway through the half. A touch of fortune perhaps, the ball bouncing fortunately back into his path as the goalkeeper came out to meet him, but a much deserved goal nonetheless. Wolves cruised to half-time with a 1-0 lead and never really got out of second gear. The hosts would have to change something to rescue a result whilst James Collins would no doubt want his side to kick on and put the game to bed in the second 45.

HT: Burnley U21s 0-1 Wolves U21s

This match was the first outing for Wolves U21s under the new rule that allows PL2 fixtures to be broadcast at the same time as senior Premier League fixtures, though you still would have missed some of the second-half due to the ever reliable Wolves app.

The first 15 minutes of the second-half were more of the same. Wolves had all of the ball but failed to create any chances.

On the hour mark a tempting ball from Ty Barnett was met by Luke Rawlings whose close-range header hit the bar and went over.

A controversial equaliser for Burnley with 15 minutes left. The Burnley trialist slipped through Michael Mellon who lifted the ball over Gracey and into the net. This all stemmed from a throw-in which Wolves were unprepared for. Two separate Burnley players were set to take the throw with Wolves setting up for the wrong one. The goal stood despite protests from those in Old Gold.

A long ball over the top from Okoduwa caught Charlie Casper in two minds. Holman was able to beat him to it and round the keeper, only for the Burnley defender to catch up and block the shot, allowing Casper to gather the loose ball.

Two substitutes combined to grab a stoppage time winner. A clever set-piece routine as Bradbury found Edozie who spun his man and curled his shot into the bottom corner beyond Casper. It could have been three as Bradbury created another chance from nothing. Casper parried away Mane’s initial effort and the rebound was put wide by Dani Angel. 2-1 it finished, with the 94th minute Edozie goal proving the difference. 

Full Time Burnley U21 1 -2  Wolves U21s

Overall a solid performance from Wolves. They could maybe do with being slightly more clinical to avoid such close scrapes, and the Burnley goal is a lesson that you play until the referee’s whistle, but a dominating display with the lion’s share of possession is very positive.

Credit to James Collins, whose subs made a world of difference. Makenzie Bradbury in particular provided some much needed energy to the game. Holman and Mane are an attacking combination that Wolves fans can get excited about. Both are so tidy on the ball and Holman has no problem finding the net. They’re not too dissimilar to the Larsen and Cunha pairing that Wolves grew accustomed to last season. Mane’s tricky skills are the perfect compliment to Holman’s more physical forward presence that has been moulded by his time in non-league. Wolves have a quick turnaround now, with Stoke U21s visiting Aggborough on Friday. Hopefully they can make it two wins from two in front of home support.

Burnley XI: Casper, Blackie, Pimlott, Campbell, Ashton, McEvilly (64), Benson (64), Leuluai (77), Mellon, McCoy, McMahon-Brown (77)

Subs: Chester, Trialist (64), Masara (64), Tweedy (77), Ryan (77)

Wolves XI: Gracey, Lembikisa, Okoduwa, Pond (46), Olagunju (72), Sutherland, Griffiths (82), Rawlings, Barnett (82), Mane, Holman (89)

Subs: Dayman (72), Voice (46), Bradbury (82), Edozie (82), Angel (89)