Sheff United 0 Wolves 1 (Jimenez 90)
Raul Jimenez came off the bench to hit a 90th minute winner and spark delirium in the Bramall Lane away end, as Wolves returned to winning ways at the expense of Sheffield United.
The Old Gold had to be patient on Sunday afternoon. But having passed up a number of big chances to open the scoring earlier, they finally made one count at the death as Jimenez turned home at the back post to earn a big victory on the road.
A goalless first half won’t have been expected by many, but it wasn’t for the want of trying at Bramall Lane, with Wolves coming close on a number of occasions, firstly through Fer Lopez whose effort from an Adam Armstrong cross deflected just wide.
Marshall Munetsi had a big chance to open the scoring too, but while he caught his shot well from Rodrigo Gomes’ cross, he lacked direction, shooting straight at Michael Cooper.
Gomes dragged his own effort wide of the near post with his left foot later in the half, and Munetsi headed over a Hugo Bueno corner. The Blades offered little in front of goal, with Japhet Tanganga forcing Jose Sa into a comfortable save.
Half-time | Sheff United 0-0 Wolves
It had the feel of a big 45 minutes and, in truth, both sides had chances to win it after the break. Nasser Djiga headed over from inside the six-yard box ten minutes into the second period, while Sydie Peck tested Sa.
Bueno and Jordan Ayew both flashed efforts wide for their respective sides, before Cesar Peixoto rang the changes and introduced Jimenez and the returning Kieran Trippier amongst others which helped turn the tide.
As the game went on, Sheffield United visibly tired and Wolves were getting their chances. Mateus Mane had an effort blocked, while Jimenez sliced an Armstrong knock down wide.
But the Mexican would prove to be the match winner. Andre’s switch engaged Trippier, whose cross found Tommy Doyle, and the midfielder helped the ball to the back post where Jimenez was waiting to gleefully tap in from close range and cause bedlam in the away end. Wolves with the late show in Sheffield.
Full-time | Sheff United 0-1 Wolves
Sheff United | Cooper, McCallum (Norrington-Davies 85), Arblaster (Rothwell 81), Tanganga, Choudhury (Doherty 781), Kitching, Brereton Diaz (Ayew 64), McGuinness, Phillips (Cannon 64), Peck, Bamford.
Unused subs | Davies, Donovan, Shackleton, Riedewald.
Wolves | Sa, Tchatchoua (Trippier 70), Djiga (Toti 70), Krejci, Bueno, Andre, Munetsi (James 63), Lopez (Doyle 70), R Gomes (Jimenez 63), Mane, Armstrong.
Unused subs | Virginia, Konan, Traore, Neave.
