Welcome to Winter Wonderland

Last updated : 18 August 2002 By David Clark

Star Geezer - Steve Davis
Ten against eleven for the best part of eighty five minutes was never going to end in success for the Clarets, and like lambs to the slaughter, Wolves coasted to a ninth successive League win against a well beaten Clarets side. After a four hour coach journey courtesy of the M6 car park, to watch a game all but over by ten past three, it was to say the least a frustrating afternoon. Still, Clarets did win the toss and the annual battle of St Peters Road, the match policing around the ground once again defying belief.

So back to the game and Stan rang the promised changes following last week's capitulation against Brighton. Banished to the subs bench went Blake and his diver's boots plus Ian Moore, missing were Branch and Grant the latter due to injury, returning from suspension was Alan Moore and from the wilderness in came Paul Cook and Mark McGregor, representing the kids Stan was talking about introducing.

After a little head scratching as to how this lot assembled into a formation, it became clear that Stan's mind was along defensive lines, 4-5-1 seeing McGregor drop into an unaccustomed left back berth, with Cook, MooreA, Weller, Little and Briscoe packing midfield and Gareth Taylor leading an isolated attack against the three central defenders of Wolves. Hmm, that was at least the plan, the players doubtless getting a "keep it tight" message as they entered the heat of Molineux's stadium and a tannoy system designed to keep the whole of the black country awake.

Well the plan lasted all of ninety seconds, and after Trapdooros fumbled Cameron's weak long range effort, Blake was on hand to tap home the loose ball. Cue the deafening music as the entire Clarets defence gaped in amazement at our keepers latest cock-up. So on to five past three then and Rae's dribble down the left hand touchline saw him unceremoniously upended by Paul Cook, desperate for his first touch, though seeking retribution from last seasons encounter at the Turf.

Over comes Mr Winter to give the expected yellow card, only for amazement to ensue, as a straight red card was presented, apparently for foul and abusive language. Now he either has the hearing of a bat, or the proceedings did not unfold as witnessed by 2,000 Clarets, but this was a strange set of circumstances to say the least, as the midfield was hastily rearranged.

Cameron was replaced by debutant Ince, to who Mr Winter was to say not one word, despite constant back chat, and as the game progressed, Taylor entered Mr Winter's book for, you've guessed it, back chat to Mr Winter! An accidental clash of heads on the quarter hour, left Alan Moore writhing on the ground and he left the field with a nasty cut over his eye, being replaced by his namesake, who plodded on and continued to plod around for the remainder of the game.

Clarets reshuffled team saw two effective lines of four keeping Wolves at bay and as a game, it was becoming a non-event, Wolves' moves up field more often than not running out of ideas as Clarets snuffed out the few signs of danger. There was though more from Mr Winter and a rather harsh penalty was awarded after Davis was adjudged to have handled a shot cum cross. Nicos Foronceos guessed correctly and parried away the shot to his left as mine along with many other houses went to new owners in the bets placed on Nico failing to save the penalty.

The frustrations on the pitch were being echoed around the stadium as Wolves' fans began to shout in frustration as the half time whistle approached. For the Clarets going forwards there was precious little to watch, the damage limitation policy ensuring that Taylor was, for the most part chasing shadows, if not lost causes. The Clarets fans though did respond to the team following the penalty save and for a short while it looked and sounded like there was a game on. So on to the half time whistle and the teams left the pitch to muted applause, before tannoy man turned up the volume one more time. Hi ho Wolverhampton!

Star Gazer - Ian Moore
Into the second, and once again, the game had barely got underway, before another goal was conceded. A harshly awarded free kick to Wolves twenty five yards and centre of the goal, saw Nico arrange his wall for Denis Irwin's free kick. Up steps Denis, who cleared the wall with ease and hey presto, Nicos Stoodstillos as the ball went in straight down the middle of the goal. Well struck and well watched by all, particularly, those in dark blue shirts. Cue the music, ah the joys of Molineux.

Clarets briefly responded and Little was clearly pushed in the back whilst dribbling in the box, nothing given, thank you Mr Winter, as two to the good, Wolves and their fans basked in the comfort of the lead and a stroll in the sunshine as the game meandered along at it's slow pace, the result in no doubt.


The match degenerated into one of a boring, futile nature, yet there was over half an hour still to play. Sensing there was no point in risking attacking football, Stan replaced Weller with Cox, before Rae was replaced by Cooper then Papa..... came on for Little. Papa.... was immediately upended by Ince, but surprise surprise, he was not even spoken to. Briscoe's laughable free kick was caught in Row Z, as Clarets briefly moved up field.


Ian Moore had a back header cleared from the line as Oakes was caught clearing the sleep from his eyes, before normal service was resumed. Arthur was booked for an innocuous foul, before Stan reshuffled his midfield for one last time as
Davis moved forwards, Cox backwards, Cox clearly uncomfortable playing in the centre of the pitch. Miller was replaced by Sturridge before McGregor's mis-control allowed Cooper a free run on goal, Nicos taking advantage of poor ball control and kicking clear to save further blushes.


Davis
' stirring run from the half way line saw a twenty five yard at least make Oakes scurry across goal as the game petered towards the final whistle. There was though one last moment of embarrassment as Cooper was allowed to run unchecked for thirty yards from Newton's pass inside and though there seemed to be enough Clarets in attendance, they only watched and Nicos Obligedos knelt on one knee, as Cooper tapped the ball home unchallenged for a pathetic final move producing a score line that reflected the comfortable nature by which Wolves collected the points.

Att:- 25,031.


Star Gazer

Ian Moore. I'll plat sawdust or similar materials if he woke up this morning and says he gave his all during the game. A going through the motions performance if ever there was one. Clearly had a pair of Robbie Blake boots on and ambled around, happy to take his marker with him, delivering a series of passes that were both short and imprecise. Obviously not a happy bunny at being placed on the subs-bench in the first place.


Glass Half Empty

Is it just possible we could make the opposition work for their points or at least try and finish with eleven men? The two games to date have seen the points meekly conceded and the team currently needs to be aware that the season has actually started and is for real. Despite many shuffles of the pack, we appear to have no central midfield players capable of winning the ball fairly and the distribution department has many vacancies on offer.

Star Geezer

Steve Davis. The guy never let's his head drop and led his team mates on in what were very difficult circumstances against our current bogey side. Along with Arthur he defended superbly in the first half and still had the energy and desire to go forwards in the latter stages of the game. An inspiration to them all.


Glass Half Full

The pitch looked good.