Wolves Under 18s held at home by Sunderland

Wolves U18s were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland U18s in their second PLU18-North game of the season.

Wolves U18s 0

Sunderland U18s 0

Report: Elliot Jackson

 

Sunderland had the best of the chances in the first half as Wolves ‘keeper Jamie Pardington twice denied the Black Cats from taking the lead.

Wolves, searching for their first win of the new season, also went close to breaking the deadlock as Jaden Forrester saw his effort cleared off the line.

In the second 45, Ryan Leonard came close to putting Sunderland in front but he missed blazed over from close range as the score remained level.

Wolves switched to a back four as they went in search of a winner. Taylor Townsend was sent through on goal but he couldn’t keep his left-footed strike on target.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Wolves had their best chance of the game in the 90th minute. It was again Forrester who was again denied, this time by the crossbar after his volley cannoned off the woodwork following neat play down the right.

It turned out to be the final action of the game, with Wolves claiming a hard-fought point.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH:

Although Wolves might have won the game late on, they were indebted to their goalkeeper Jamie Pardington for keeping them in the game. His save just before half-time kept Wolves level, which was crucial just before the break. 

QUOTES:

Wolves manager Darren Ryan was pleased with his side’s performance and felt a draw was a fair result. 

He said: “I thought we started the game well but we let them into the game and they had a couple of chances. We were probably lucky to come in at 0-0 but in the second half, we were much better.

“It’s just about getting that balance and having control with and without the ball. We just need to show a better understanding and make better decisions during the game.

“Overall I thought a draw was a fair result.”

COMING UP:

Wolves take on Manchester City at home next Friday, looking for their first win of the campaign. They then take a trip up North as they face Newcastle United.

NEXT FIVE:

24/8 – Manchester City (A)

1/9 – Newcastle United (A)

15/9 – West Bromwich Albion (H)

22/9 – Stoke City (A)

6/10 – Middlesbrough (H)

TEAMS:

WOLVES (3-5-2): Pardington; O’Sullivan, Crabtree, Richards; Thompson, Parker, Campbell (Joseph, 90), Cundle, Townsend; Forrester, Abbey.

Sunderland (4-4-2): Patterson; Harrold, Tomlinson, Oro, Juith; Leonard, Evans, Neil, Devine; Best (Juxthen, 76), Kiernan.