Playing at Molineux gives under-23s a lift, says Edwards

Rob Edwards was pleased with the performance of his under-23 side as they booked their place in the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup with victory over Oxford United at Molineux on Friday night.

Goals from Niall Ennis and Paulo Alves sealed the 2-0 win, but the score line did not flatter Wolves who dominated large portions of the game and had several chances to extend their advantage in front of almost 1,000 supporters.

Edwards spoke about how playing in front of a larger crowd at Molineux gives his players a lift as they look ahead to the last 16 of the competition.

On dispatching Oxford

“I’m pleased with that. I’m pleased for the players, it’s always great to play at Molineux and I thought the first half in particular, the performances were really good.

“The two goals didn’t flatter us, and we shouldn’t have really been allowing them to push towards the end as they tried to get back in the game, it should have been a lot more than it was.

“However, we’ll take the clean sheet – there was good desire right at the end from ourselves to block one on the line but there was good desire at a late stage.”

On Pedro Goncalves’ miss from six yards

“Players have to pick themselves up after missing chances like that. I said to him that the next time you get that opportunity you’ll put that in the back of the net. He’s been outstanding for us this year, he’s a really good player and no one means to miss an opportunity.

“The good thing is he was in the right place at the right time, just put the shot a few inches wide; the actual move itself, and the build-up – which he was heavily involved in before – was excellent.”

On playing at Molineux

“We’ve had two good nights here so far this year; against Manchester United and then this game tonight. It does give the players a lift and it’s great, it’s what it’s all about.

“We want them playing here in front of 30-odd thousand, that’s got to be the plan, and it’s got to be their plan, and all we’re looking to do is continue to work them really hard, stay focused, stick to the plan and keep doing what we do, and then good things will happen.”

#WolvesAcademy