Kenny Jackett admitted to feelings of frustration again after Wolves were pegged back in their final away game of the season at Nottingham Forest.
An excellent Joe Mason goal capped an impressive spell at the start of the second half, but Gary Gardner’s equally clinical free kick levelled things for Forest after a controversial free kick awarded against Dave Edwards.
The game finished 1-1, Wolves’ sixth draw in the last nine games, with Jackett keen for a winning finish against play-off bound Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux on Saturday.
“A draw was probably the fair result in the end but having taken the lead you are always disappointed not to win,” said Jackett.
“After a tight first half we had our best spell at the start of the second half.
“It was a great strike from Joe and we had opportunities then to go 2-0 up.
“But it was an excellent free kick that got Forest the equaliser.
“The players thought the decision was soft – sometimes they go against you away from home and you can’t do a lot about it.
“We have conceded a couple now with Snodgrass at Hull as well and it gives the opposition that opportunity.
“It would be nice for us to get into some similar scoring positions and get some free kicks ourselves.”
Jackett felt there was a good battle in the game with Wolves’ more youthful team against Forest’s greater experience.
“I think we have got some inexperience and some naivety in the team and in the squad,” he said.
“And it was that edge that Forest had over us.
“We did have some youth and energy and that showed in the second half.
“We are keen to show we have got some good players here and can finish off strongly going into next season.
“It is another draw for us and we couldn’t quite get over the line to getting the win.
“We have drawn too many games in this run and that is frustrating.
“We have to keep going and find the right balance in the team because we have some good players.
“At times we look inexperienced for the division and sides like Forest have got that experience.
“We need to address and adjust now - we have lost a lot of forwards and a lot of creative players.”
Jackett revealed that Kevin McDonald was left out the squad on selection, but that Bjorn Sigurdarson (groin) and Adam Le Fondre (side muscle) were unavailable.
He was pleased with Mason’s display as he notched a fine goal, and also James Henry, in the number 10 position working behind the January signing.
“It was a good goal from Joe and he has to keep persevering,” said Jackett.
“And for us we have to find the right combinations around him.
“If we do that he can score goals and he has shown that and he is a player that gets chance.
“I was pleased with James Henry as well.
“Physically he worked very hard to try and support Joe and had a good chance as well at 1-0.
“He is in a good place right now – he has had a good season and is showing a lot of enthusiasm to want to play for Wolves.”
Wolves were supported throughout by a terrific sellout away following of almost 2,000, and Jackett is keen to sign off with a positive result next weekend.
“The fans were great again today and it is a credit to them how they get behind the team,” he added.
“It was a terrific following which we all appreciate and we are disappointed we didn’t win the game.
“We look forward now to next week’s game and trying to finish with a win.
“We want to show optimism for next season and we want to win the game.
“Giving young players experience is good but those young players have to be good enough to play in the Championship.
“Right now sides like Forest have a little bit more experience and nous than us but at different times in the game our athleticism showed up very well.”
