Wolves 5 Blackpool 0
When the weatherman says it’s rainin’, you’ll never hear me complainin‘.
Yes, the forecast called for a dry, cloudy evening but it was pouring goals at Molineux tonight with Wolves making a splash.
Our second string side lacked any pace or width so it was all about picking Blackpool off with fluid passing through the lines. One paced at times but ultimately very effective.
It suited the likes of Doherty, Sarabia and Jonny to a tee. They luxuriated in stroking it around and waiting for the right moments.
Pablo showed how effective he can be – albeit against meagre opposition – with incisive runs in behind and lots of disguised through balls.
Fabio and Sasa both profited from his work, finishing calmly to all but settle the game inside 25 minutes.
Blackpool had their say, hitting the woodwork twice and blocking Wolves in their defensive third for extended periods. They were probably worth at least one goal on the balance of play, but were ultimately restricted to pot shots from distance before being soundly punished on the counter as the game developed.
Matt Doherty, playing at walking pace for much of the contest, picked his moments like the seasoned pro he’s become and showed the quality in front of goal we know he possesses. I think he should be in the team on Sunday.
It was great to see Nathan Fraser get what I believe is his first goal in professional football and several other youngsters get minutes under their belts.
Less pleasing was Joe Hodge pulling his hamstring, which almost certainly rules him out for a spell and further reduces Gary O’Neil’s ever shrinking options in midfield. Please do something about that Jeff.
Boubacar Traore did some good and not so good things but I can forgive him for being rusty with such limited game time in recent months.
Wolves were wasteful in possession at times and Traore, Toti and one or two others will have to sharpen up if they’re to force their way into first team contention.
But, we scored five, we didn’t concede and we’re through to the next round.
I ain’t complainin’.