Wolves U21 Dominate Leeds in Big Win

Wolves U21 vs Leeds United U21 – Monday 23^rd September, Aggborough Stadium

Wolves XI: Benjamin, Okoduwa (69), Pond, Voice, Sutherland, Ashworth, Whittingham, Barnett (45), Edozie (76), Esen, Angel (45)

Subs: White (69), Mabete (82), Bradbury (76), Lopes (45), Holman (45)

Leeds XI: Mahady, Richards, Toulson, Debayo (75), Chilokoa-Mullen, Lopata-White, Crew, Chambers (45), Chadwick, McFadden, Thomas

Subs: Grainger, Vincent (45), Moore, Monteiro, Cresswell (75)

After three cup outings in a row, Wolves finally returned to PL2 action on Monday night which also saw the first match of the campaign at Aggborough. It was almost a nightmare start when Leeds had a chance against the run of play but Lewys Benjamin responded with a save down to his left before the rebound was fired wide. Wolves did get a goal soon after when Caden Voice latched on to Dani Angel’s blocked attempt to power the ball beyond Mahady just ten minutes in. Both keepers got chances to show their quality after the goal. Mahady was called in to action to deny Ethan Sutherland a first PL2 goal while Benjamin kept Wolves ahead in spite of Luca Thomas’ best efforts to level the game. Just before half-time Wolves managed to double the lead. If Caden Voice wasn’t already under consideration to aid the first-team’s lack of senior defenders, he might very well be now. Voice found Dani Angel who was forced wide but still managed to apply the finish from a tight angle. It’s not every day you see a goal and an assist from a centre back.

Wolves came back out for the second half with two changes to the forward line and they instantly linked up to create an opportunity. Leo Lopes put in a cross that Holman could only direct on to the post, Josh Esen should have finished the follow-up chance. Sadly, no clean sheet for the Wolves defence. Okoduwa gave away the penalty that allowed Luca Thomas to finally get the better of Wolves’ Welsh shot stopper. Wolves remained calm and quickly fired back as Finn Ashworth battled to win the ball, allowing Lopes and Fletcher Holman to link up once more. No mistakes from the super sub striker this time as he looped the ball over the Leeds goalkeeper. Holman could have had a second but Mahady managed to make an acrobatic save to deny a shot destined for the top corner. Lopes set up the final goal of the day when he slid through Tom Edozie with a pinpoint travela pass. Edozie rounded Mahady and wrapped up the victory and the three points for James Collins’ side.

A real treat for the fans who attended the game with some beautiful football and goals to match. A shame to concede the goal but that shouldn’t take away from an almost perfect game. A first league win of the season puts Wolves on four points and 18^th in the league table, but Wolves are now moving in the right direction after a rocky start. It’s back to cup football next when Wolves welcome AS Monaco to the SEAH stadium, home to AFC Telford and Wolves Women. This will be the opening game to Wolves’ PL International Cup campaign this season and it will be a great opportunity to see not just our U21s in action but the top prospects from across Europe. Be sure to get yourselves to Telford for some continental midweek action under the lights.