Wolves 3 (Holman 9’,48’, Olagunju 22’) Millwall 2 (Celestine-Charles 53’, Redhead 76’)
Nine-man Wolves earned their first victory in the Premier League Cup after a five-goal thriller against Millwall at the Aggborough Stadium on Monday evening.
Fletcher Holman’s brace and Saheed Olagunju’s header seemed to have Wolves cruising, but after two quickfire red cards handed to Alfie Pond and Olagunju, Wolves’ defensive determination was tested with Millwall's spirited fightback.
James Collins’ side started with intensity and created various chances, Holman capitalised on his opportunity when he found the bottom corner in the opening exchanges.
Dani Angel was next in line to test Lucas Jensen, who denied the Spaniard’s effort, diving low to his right.
Olangunju’s header at the far post doubled Wolves’ advantage on the 22nd minute, with the Old Gold in full control.
Ethan Sutherland’s powerful strike crashed off the crossbar moments before the break as Wolves’ dominance continued.
Half-time | Wolves 2-0 Millwall
Almost immediately after the restart, Holman got his second of the evening with a composed finish past Jensen into the bottom corner.
Wolves were reduced to ten when Olagunju received a straight red card after a challenge on Celestine-Charles and Millwall’s number 11 reduced the deficit from his penalty kick.
Immediately after the restart, Alfie Pond was shown a second yellow card.
Millwall created further opportunities as Wolves defended with nine players present and Lewys Benjamin provided a fantastic reflex save to deny Frankie Baker’s effort on goal.
Amid the pressure from the visitors, Redhead’s finish from close range meant Wolves had to be incredibly careful when defending their lead in the final moments.
The Old Gold’s maturity and game management was perfect in additional time and despite the consistent pressure from the visitors, achieved a well-deserved three points.
Full-time | Wolves 3-2 Millwall
Wolves | Benjamin, Okoduwa, Sutherland, Olagunju, Pond, Bradbury, Lopes (Lochhead 58’), Rawlings (Dayman 81’), Angel (Voice 54’), Holman (White 81’), Ashworth.
Unused subs | Arnold.
Millwall | Jensen, Beaumont, Drake, Forbes (Thomas-Smith 46’), H.Taylor, Dyer, Tsugita Vieira (Payton 84’), Whitby, F. Baker, Redhead (Jacome 84’), Celestine-Charles.
Unused subs | Sandford, Parkes.
