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'We didn't get the goals or decisions': MATCH REPORT AND SLIDESHOW
SHEFFIELD UTD 1 v WOLVES 3: "IT'S JUST like Cardiff again," Wolverhampton Wanderers' jubilant supporters chanted as they filed out of Bramall Lane.
On this evidence the visitors, Sheffield United's conquerors in the 2003 play-off final, are likely to take the shortest route possible into the Premier League.
But the one facing Kevin Blackwell's side threatens to be more convoluted unless they can replicate the ruthlessness last night's opponents demonstrated in front of goal as they took their tally for the season to 44 goals from just 19 outings.
The quality of Wolves' finishing proved to be the difference between two teams with genuine top-flight aspirations.
Chris Iwelumo enhanced his reputation with a strike in each half while Sylvan Ebanks-Blake confirmed a win which leaves Wolves six points clear of second placed Birmingham City.
United, who stay fourth, were Wolves' equals in terms of chances created but, with Carl Ikeme producing a miraculous save to deny Matthew Kilgallon and Brian Howard foiled by what appeared to be a refereeing mistake, failed to make the most of openings which came their way.
Sam Ellis, Blackwell's assistant, rued their "bad luck" and "breaks" but United must stop being hostages to fortune if they want to overhaul the gap between themselves and the automatic promotion positions.
"The corner was in," Ellis said, referring to Howard's 49th minute set-piece which appeared to he helped across the line by substitute keeper Wayne Hennessy before being scrambled away to safety.
"There's no doubt about it.
"That would certainly have made a game of it but the luck didn't go our way.
"It doesn't do to moan though – it might have made a difference but let's concentrate on the things we can affect.
"Two things change games - goals and decisions - and perhaps we didn't get our share of either."
Ellis' assessment of a full-bloodied encounter which left the dressing rooms looking like a scene from Emergency Ward 10 was correct – United more than contributed to an absorbing evening's entertainment, but, having now been beaten by all of the three clubs above them in the table, they are fast discovering that profligacy equals pain in Europe's most competitive division.
Their frustrations were compounded by news that Gary Speed is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Ipswich after straining his back during the early exchanges.
But identifying a foil for James Beattie, United's most potent forward, rather than a possible replacement for the veteran midfielder will be the most important item on the agenda tomorrow.
Mick McCarthy, Blackwell's counterpart at Molineux, insisted that Wolves' achievements so far mean "diddly squat". "It's a nice place to be but it just means that we're in front of people. Nothing is won at this stage," he says.
"I've got a player who's dizzy, a keeper with a gash in his shin and another lad with a broken nose," McCarthy revealed. "So we've definitely earned it.
"But that's not a complaint, that's how it is.
"We always knew it was going to be tough because United are a damn good side.
"You need plenty of different qualities to win a football match and I thought we were stoic and resolute at the back when we had to be because they really came at us.
"We expected a storm and that's what happened."
Had Howard's equaliser stood then United, laying siege to Hennessey's penalty box at the time, could well prevented Wolves from securing a seventh straight victory.
But while Blackwell should be pleased with their endeavour and industry, he will be disappointed by the defending which handed Wolves a fifth minute lead.
Kightly's pass sent Iwelumo scampering past two markers and the Scotland international waited for Paddy Kenny to go to ground before sliding home from the most acute of angles.
Ikeme saved bravely at Beattie's feet as United responded and Greg Halford flashed a header wide after a fine cross from the impressive Kyle Naughton. Matthew Kilgallon thought he had levelled when, pouncing on Halford's long throw, he unleashed a thunderous volley which Ikeme somehow parried but the young goalkeeper was forced to retire five minutes before the break after hurting his leg in a challenge with Billy Sharp.
"It was an unbelievable save," McCarthy later admitted.
Hennessey, Ikeme's replacement, seemed to have bundled the ball into his own net from Howard's corner and Beattie rattled the woodwork after seizing upon Richard Stearman's error.
But just as Wolves' rearguard started to wilt, Iwelumo produced a strike worthy of Karl Henry's superb 58th minute centre to put them in the driving seat.
Ebanks-Blake made it three five minutes later but Matthew Spring drove home from range with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.
Both United and Wolves rattled the woodwork as they continued to trade chances but the hosts' efforts were in vain. The knowledge that the scoreline failed to reflect their contribution their only consolation.
"We were actually quite pleased with the performance," Ellis said. "We made a decent start but we hesitated for a moment and that let them in."
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SAM ELLIS' VIEW: "Two things affect games - goals and decisions - perhaps we didn't get our share of either.
"We were quite pleased with our performance.
"We more than played our part in the game.
"Gary Speed has hurt his back."
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Blades Watch 08-09 - The Season So Far
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
