LETT BIRTHDAY PARTY BEGIN

Junior hits winner to give boss Warnock perfect gift for his 70th

JUNIOR HOILETT brilliantly capped a superb Cardiff comeback to mark Neil Warnock’s 70th birthday in style.

The Bluebirds boss can toast his big day today after seeing his side respond to going behind and climb from the drop zone to 15th.

That looked in doubt after Matt Doherty’s opener for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves – Warnock’s nemesis last season.

The pair had a touchline bust-up while battling for promotion in April, but last night there was a warm prematch handshake.

Wolves were not as accommodating on the pitch initially despite four defeats in five games before kick off.

Santo’s slick passing side led at the break and Cardiff failed to have a shot on target. But they threw everything at Wolves in the second half.

Aron Gunnarsson hooked in from close range to level and Hoilett thumped in a screamer off the bar.

Cardiff had started the brighter and Joe Ralls lashed a fierce shot just past the post from outside the area.

The hosts managed to pin back Wolves with a spell of sustained possession and high balls into the box.

But it was Wanderers who took the lead against the run of play in the 18th minute.

Adama Traore won a corner which Joao Moutinho delivered and Ruben Neves’ header brought a good save out of Neil Etheridge, diving to his left.

But Doherty, making his 200th league appearance for Wolves, was at the far post to fire in the rebound.

Cardiff gradually got back into the match with Wolves seemingly content to hit them on the break.

Hoilett shot wide and Harry Arter hit a post in the 36th minute after a corner was not fully cleared.

City had another opening before the break but Victor Camarasa’s attempt to smash home the ball ended in an embarrassing air shot.

After the break , Cardiff went even more direct and enjoyed considerable success.

They won a corner when Arter’s goal-bound shot was deflected wide off Conor Coady but Sean Morrison helped the ball back into the box and Gunnarsson (left) lashed in from close range on 65 minutes.

And when Wolves again failed to clear their lines, Hoilett pounced with a screamer from the edge of the box.

The night got even worse for Wolves late on when key midfielder Neves picked up a booking, his seventh of the season, which will see him suspended.

And while they may have taken points off the likes of Manchester City and United, Wolves have to learn how to grind out scrappy results too.