Mixed Feelings After Rollercoaster Ride

So far, so close, and then a draw

Paul Lambert admitted to “mixed feelings” after a rollercoaster ride of a fixture with Fulham ended in a 4-4 draw.

Wolves led early on, found themselves 3-1 down before half time, hit back to lead 4-3 in the 90th minute, but were then pegged back in added time.

It was an unbelievable afternoon, and one which both teams will end up both happy and disappointed to come away with a point.

"It's mixed emotions,” said Lambert.

“I thought we started the game great.

“We got in front and then could have gone 2-0 up when Nouha robbed the keeper and pulls his shot wide.

“Then they go up the park and score and get a couple of wondergoals in amongst it and we are 3-1 down.

“Sometimes you can’t legislate for that – it just happens and was great finishing.

“We are a young team and up against a good footballing side but in the second half we were outstanding.

“When we play like that and get on the front foot are a good side.

“We need a bit of help in January, a bit of know how and players who know the league.

“We have to remember the goalkeeper today is only 19, two of them at the back are 21, Costa and Cavaleiro are early 20s and new into the country.

“We have got a young and talented side here which needs a bit of help but one thing’s for sure – what a place this is when you have a game like that.

“We look a threat going forward but have got be stronger defensively and stronger as a unit and that means everyone.

“That will come.

“They are young lads and we will get mistakes and errors but you also get great desire.

“We just need to marry the two.”

Lambert was particularly delighted with the spirit and character shown by the team having suffered some adverse circumstances prior to the game.

Andy Lonergan joined Carl Ikeme on the injured list, leaving Harry Burgoyne called in for his league debut at 19, and Nouha Dicko was ill the night before the game.

“There has been things going against us with us losing Lonergan to injury and Carl Ikeme already out,” Lambert explained.

“Dicko was sick last night and he managed to get out there.

“So there were things going against us but I thought the lads were brilliant.

“You don’t see this type of game too often.

“It was exciting football and the fans were unbelievable behind us.

“And what a place this is when you've got a game like that.

"It was important to stop (the run of home defeats) and the crowd were a major factor.

"I can't fault the team. That's why you play the game. It's heart attack material."

Lambert also explained why he opted for Burgoyne ahead of fellow keeper Jon Flatt, also yet to make a senior Wolves appearance.

"Flatty has been on the bench recently and he's trained with us a lot,” said the Head Coach.

“But I just felt Harry has played more games.

"He was on a high from the other night with his penalty saves. It was my call and that's what I went with.

"For Harry it was sink or swim. He had a big moment at 3-1 with a double save which was brilliant.

"His whole game was good for a young kid coming in. He's set a marker for himself and hopefully in years to come he'll have a good career.

"His handling and kicking was good. He had no chances with the goals. I always say good goalkeepers keep you in games at big moments and he had a big moment.”

Lambert says the best chance of a return for Tuesday night at Cardiff from his more senior keepers would be Carl Ikeme.

But he would be happy to play Burgoyne again if Ikeme isn’t ready.