by Peter Westwood
After their 10-1 victory in last Sunday’s friendly, this proved a tougher challenge with Wolves finally coming through after a tight game against Cardiff City Women on Sunday, a late goal proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The game was a tight affair with both teams creating early chances. Laura McQuilkin shot just over the bar for Wolves while Cardiff were denied by a save from Sophie Glenny in the Wolves goal.
The first real chance of the game fell to Jade Cross in the 26th minute after the keeper fumbled the ball from a McQuilkin shot, but Cross’s effort went wide.
Keeper Glenny was then forced off through injury, handing a debut opportunity to Katie Clarke.
Play was stopped again as Abi Phillips had to be stretched off and was replaced by Ruby Meeson.
There were few chances before the break until Cardiff saw a shot head over the bar. But it was Wolves who had the last chance of the half, with a McQuilkin shot on the volley going just wide.
Wolves were straight out of the blocks in the second half and created a host of chances with McQuilkin coming close again, Butler’s header going wide and Leanne Robinson hitting the post.
Robinson, pictured, then went close again in the 65th minute after Anslow’s deflected cross fell into her path, but her shot was easily saved by the keeper.
Manager Tim Dudding then made several changes with Rachael Howard and Amee Taylor coming on for their debuts. They both had an impact on the game, and Taylor’s shot from outside the box went just wide.
Despite some late pressure from Cardiff, it was Wolves who got the decisive goal in the 81st minute.
After some great wing play Howard crossed the ball in to Robinson, who hit it first time into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
Cardiff pressed on looking for an equaliser but Wolves held firm for the victory.
Manager Tim Dudding said “We played in the way that we wanted to today and achieved the outcome we set for the game.
“It’s nice when that happens and you come away with the win. The girls have certainly earned that today.
“Again it was great to see the young talent doing well alongside the more experienced players and I know there’s lots to build on from today.”
* Wolves Women continue their pre-season build up this Thursday 10th August when they take on Shrewsbury Women. The game will be played at Shrewsbury College of Technology and Arts, London Road, SY2 6PR with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Wolves Team: Glenny (Clarke), Phillips (Meeson, E Cross) Anslow (Criddle) McQuilkin (Howard), Butler, Widdal, E Cross, Jones (Jones), Robinson, J Cross (Taylor), Haynes. SUBS: Bavington, Simpson
PICTURE: SIMON FAULKNER
