Scott Sellars believes Wolves Under-23s are benefitting from working as a settled group after taking seven points from their first four games of the season – and ran Chesterfield’s senior team close in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Another late goal helped bring about a positive result on Friday night, Morgan Gibbs-White securing a 2-2 draw at West Ham United after Christian Herc had opened the scoring in the first half.
And that made it two wins, one draw and one defeat from the opening four Premier 2 fixtures of the season.
“There are players at West Ham who they have spent a lot of money on and Feghouli who has had an illustrious career,” said Sellars.
“Alongside the good young players that they always produce we knew it was going to be a tough test for us and got a bit of a dubbing down there last season.
“I didn’t think we were at our best in terms of with the ball but without it we were really good, especially in the first half.
“We got in front with a fantastic goal from Christian just before half time, showing great technique and carrying on with the form he has been showing.
“We started the second half well and should have gone 2-0 up with a couple of half chances where with a bit more desire and devilment we might have found the net.
“We then conceded an unfortunate goal with an own goal from a set piece and that seemed to affect us a little bit, but West Ham then scored a decent goal to go 2-1 down.
“But the lads kept going and kept battling and after some good perseverance from Niall (Ennis) he set up Morgan for another really good goal.
“It ended up being a really good point for us and showed another side to our game with the character and the spirit.”
Wolves have now finished strongly in all of the games in which they have produced positive results.
Gibbs-White notched a late winner at Aston Villa, three goals in the last 22 minutes saw off West Bromwich Albion, and even in the one defeat – 4-3 against Swansea – it was Wolves pressing for an equaliser in the closing stages.
“We work together as a group on the physical side and do have targets every day on the GPS to make sure we are working hard enough and also not overworking,” Sellars explains.
“That is working well, and in each game we have seen that we have been strong in the final stages
“The lads showed a fantastic attitude to their work in pre-season and we had a good week for team spirit in Holland when everyone really pushed each other.
“We have got some good young players and they are showing good attitudes.
“Ask any player how they feel when they are 3-0 up or 3-0 down it is different and that is nothing to do with fitness or ability.
“It is about character
“And when you are 1-0 down or 2-1 down with ten minutes to go, have you got the spirit to keep going and get something from the game?
“They have shown that so far.”
Wolves are currently fourth in the early table (Click here to view) and next up on Monday are Middlesbrough – currently unbeaten in second – at Telford’s New Bucks Head (7pm).
“We need to maintain this start as we started quite well last season but didn’t keep it going,” added Sellars.
“It is about maintaining the spirit and the quality that we have shown so far.
“The lads not being able to go out on loan now – unless we decide there is a good non-league opportunity – does mean we have a settled group, which is good.
“The first team squad has increased as well so we don’t lose as many to them and it gives us a good sized group to train with and do our work.
“Middlesbrough are next on Monday and that is always a tough game.
“They are a good side, especially on the counter attack, but it is a good challenge for the lads and one we are all looking forward to.”
