BENNETT’S LATE BLUSHES AFTER
Skipper
WOLVES boss Nuno Espirito Santo praised the character of his Championship leaders after Ryan Bennett’s injury-time header earned three precious points against the odds.
Both sides finished with ten men as City had goalkeeper Frank Fielding sent off in the second half for a professional foul that led to Wolves equalising.
But the visitors had lost skipper Danny Batth after just 14 minutes, red-carded for a foul on Hordur Magnusson well inside City’s half.
Santo himself was banished to the stands by referee Peter Bankes soon afterwards, but emerged triumphant from a stressful afternoon. His side sit ten points clear of Derby, who won 2-1 at Ipswich to leapfrog Lee Johnson’s side into second place.
“First of all I was sent from the dug-out because I encroached one foot onto the pitch, not for any disrespect,” he insisted.
“We will appeal the Danny Batth sending-off. I need to look at it again, but I believe I have seen such challenges made against us in the Championship that were not red cards.
“When you get a man sent off so early in a game you firstly have to become compact and defend well, which we did.
“But what character my players showed to also go forward and create the sort of chance that led to our first goal.
“It means a lot for us to win with one man down, there’s no doubt about it. The way the boys worked – they were humble to recognise the situation they were in. They were looking for the right moment and we deserved what we gained.
“It shows a lot of character. It’s our philosophy – team spirit and stay humble. You can have all the talent, all the quality, but if you don’t have the heart to do it, you can’t do it.
“It was the performance of a