A first-half Fabian Reynolds double sent Wolves through to the quarter-final stage of the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.
Having dispatched of Rugby Town in the previous round, the old gold were once again up for the battle against their more physical senior opposition and were worthy of the victory.
A young squad was named by James McPike, who started seven of his under-18s, while Palmi Arinbjornsson, Jack Scott, Justin Hubner and Jack Hodnett provided the experience in the side.
In the pouring rain at Coles Lane, it took 15 minutes or so for the players to get hold of the ball in tricky conditions on the 3G surface. The hosts had half a chance when Trea Bertie worked a yard of space, but across came Temple Ojinnaka to make a firm block.
Wolves began to grow into the game and were neat in their combination play – Hodnett in particular picked up clever spaces from his number 10 position.
The width was provided by Josh Esen and Reynolds, and it was the latter who got the ball rolling on 23 minutes. After pressing high up the pitch, Reynolds was able to steal the ball off the Sutton backline before closing in on goal and neatly finishing with his right boot.
A sensational second goal almost followed 10 minutes later when Wolves won a free-kick inside their own half. Hubner was quick to notice that Jonathan Brown was off his line and went for goal, only to see the ball drop just high and wide with the goalkeeper beaten.
However, the visitors were able to make it two on the stroke of half-time when Hodnett played in Reynolds who looked to have pushed the ball slightly wide, but the winger struck back across goal and found the far corner with a smart finish.
Half-time | Sutton Coldfield 0-1 Wolves
With a two-goal lead, Wolves looked comfortable and were not only better than their opponents on the ball, but they also stood up to the physical test.
However, the Royals did create some chances as they looked for a way back into the game. Arinbjornsson was forced into a big save from Bertie, while Patrick Zito struck the woodwork from an acute angle a few minutes later.
Arinbjornsson saved his side again when Rhys Hilton was next to try his luck, but the stopper was equal to his effort, before Ojinnaka was there to make a last-ditch block from the follow-up.
A third goal would’ve put the icing on the cake as Reynolds played in Hodnett who was forced slightly wide on his right foot, with Brown saving well with a strong palm over the bar.
And 2-0 was how it stayed, as the old gold impressively booked their place in the last eight of the competition.
Full-time | Sutton Coldfield 0-2 Wolves
REACTION
James McPike on the 90 minutes
“We played some really nice stuff. We combined quite quickly and effectively and scored a couple of really good goals.
“It was difficult conditions with the weather, but on the artificial pitch the ball moves round really well.”
On competing physically
“That’s what’s great about these games – they get to experience that physicality. We had some younger players on the pitch with a bit of experience too and it was the right balance to compete in the game.
“I was really happy with how they earned the right, how they ran and tackled, but also had some real quality in possession at times.”
On continuing to play football
“I think you have to play in these games. If you start trying to get into a battle playing their game, you’re going to come off second best.
“To be fair to them, they tried to play as well and they weren’t just booming it in behind. They tried to make passes which gave us chance to press, be aggressive and front-footed. Overall, our quality came through in the end.”
On the experiences gained
“They’re just great experiences for them. It’s great for the older, more experienced players to take the lead, support the younger players and give a good account of themselves.
“It’s also good for the young players to experience a cup game against men and having some of the pros in our team get after them and give them a bit of stick.
“That’s a team environment. When it matters to win, you need to feel that.”
On the two goals scored by Reynolds
“They were really nice finishes, especially the second one – really composed from a very tight angle.
“We said it at the start. The surface will help with shots and finishing, you don’t need to smash it because the pitch will take it in.”
On progressing in the competition
“You want to compete in any competitive game whether that’s a league or cup. You just keep taking each game and keep giving the experiences to the players which is the most important thing.”
COMING UP
The under-18s are back in league action on Saturday, as Derby County pay a visit to Compton Park.
NEXT FIVE
- 14/01 Derby County (H)
- 21/01 Everton (A)
- 28/01 Manchester United (H)
- 11/02 Stoke City (A)
- 18/02 Newcastle (H)
TEAMS
Sutton Coldfield | Brown, Sawyer, Todd, Maphosa, Zito, Adegbola (Ceesay 59), Mills, Collins, Bertie (Beresford 79), Hilton (Sutherland 64), Ellis (Hendrie 60).
Subs not used | Hart.
Wolves | Arinbjornsson, Scott, Carson, L. Scicluna (Harper 55), Ojinnaka (Diomande 78), Hubner, Esen, Francis-Burrell (Bradbury 55), Edozie (McLeod 73), Hodnett, Reynolds.
Subs not used | Amos.
