Vitinha’s bit of magic is just enough for Wolves
A STUNNING strike from Vitinha proved the only difference as Wolves edged out non-league Chorley 1-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
The Portuguese youngster netted with a powerful, swerving long-range effort after just 12 minutes of a hard-fought tie at Victory Park.
But the Premier League side failed to convert their obvious superiority into further goals as the National League North part-timers made life uncomfortable.
Defender Andy Halls went close to claiming an equaliser with a header that was tipped over the bar by John Ruddy.
The Magpies pushed until the end but Wolves held out without major alarm to book a date with Southampton or Arsenal.
Chorley fielded the same team that beat Derby in the third round, but the challenge facing them this time was completely different from a fortnight ago.
Whereas the Championship side were forced to field a youth team after a series of Covid-19 infections, Wolves were laden with Premier League experience.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo may have made six changes from the side beaten by West Brom last time out, but the challenge was not taken lightly.
Current England international Conor Coady and European Championship winner Joao Moutinho were among their headline starters, as was £37m signing Fabio Silva.
There was also no doubting the quality of Vitinha, the 20-year-old midfielder on loan from Porto.
Vitinha struck a goal of such quality that it was a credit to Chorley that they did not allow their heads to drop.
Chorley started positively but Wolves soon settled and, although Chorley were quick and strong into the challenges, looked comfortable on the ball.
Coady created an early opening with a long ball from deep which led to Patrick Cutrone having a shot blocked.
The goal came when Vitinha collected a short pass and took a couple of touches before unleashing a ferocious drive from 35 yards. The ball dipped and swerved in the air, giving Chorley goalkeeper Matt Urwin little chance.