Richard Stearman says it was a time for being leaders and being men as Wolves came through a tough test to pick up a first win in ten at Queen’s Park Rangers on Thursday.
Wolves produced an impressive second half display and were two goals to the good before Joel Lynch dragged QPR into the game seconds from full time.
There followed seven nervy minutes as the hosts piled forward and got the ball into Wolves’ box, but the defence held firm to secure a first victory since late September.
“We had gone a few games without three points so it was a great feeling to get the win,” says Stearman.
“We went to QPR, fought hard, dug deep and came away with the three points that we feel we deserved.
“It is typical of us what happened at the end.
“We had several one-on-ones and could have been out of sight but their keeper was brilliant.
“They are a good team and were always going to put us under pressure.
“They stuck one chance away and we had to really dig deep in the seven minutes of extra time.
“We had to be men at the end there, be leaders, and I think we stood up to what they were throwing at us superbly well.
“I think their gameplan was to stick it on us and make us defend.
“I thought we handled that well, especially at the end when they were throwing caution to the wind and weren’t too bothered about defending
“I thought we did very well defensively.
“We knew we were under pressure going into the game having not won for so long.
“I thought we were solid and stood up to the test.
“At the other end we moved the ball well, got it out wide and created a lot of chances.
“We were at the back, watching the boys go through and just hoping they would put in in the back of the net to make it easier for us to see it out.
“But it didn’t go that way!
“We are just delighted to come away with the three points.”
After such a long winless run Stearman, recalled to the side for the last two games, said the value of the three points could not be over-estimated.
“It is a massive win for us,” he explained.
“Historically we haven’t been great in November and the gaffer had said we were going to need to show experience and leaders out on the pitch to dig us out of the trouble we have found ourselves in.
“We are in trouble – we are near the bottom of the league.
“We needed to be like men on the pitch and really push to get ourselves out of trouble.
“I have missed that feeling of putting my body on the line and digging deep for the team.
“Hopefully I have reminded the boys what I can do and rewarded them with my performance.
“It’s not just me though – there are plenty of lads out there in the team who can do that job.
“I thought everyone was superb.”
There is some frustration for Stearman though having been part of an improved defensive display at Loftus Road.
He must now step immediately out of the team as Wolves next fixture is against his parent club Fulham, at Molineux next Saturday (3pm).
“It is so frustrating after waiting patiently to get my chance in the team,” he said.
“We have picked up a win and then through no fault of my own I am straight back out!
“I will be working hard in training and will be there at the game to see how it goes!”
