MAGIC MARTIN KEEPS WOLVES TOOTHLESS
WOLVES fans and players will have left Molineux wondering how they didn’t manage to take all threepoints following a dominant performance against Karl Robinson’s MK Dons.
The home side will rue their missed opportunities after they controlled the game for all but 90 minutes, although a resilient man-ofthe-match performance from Dons keeper David Martin also had its part to play.
Wolves manager Kenny Jackett spoke after the game of his disappointment that his side couldn’t make the most of their opportunities, he said: “It’s ultimately two points dropped rather than one gained, some draws are very good like the one at Ipswich last weekend, although we’re all disappointed to let two points slip through our fingers.
“Our finishing wasn’t there, I believe finishing is the most important part of the game and we just didn’t have that, despite how well we played over the course of the game.”
Karl Robinson praised his Dons side’s resiliency despite their performance being not quite up to par: “We’ve come back from this game with a very hard earned point, I’m so proud of them for coming away with a clean sheet.
“That being said we certainly got more than we deserved, but my side’s togetherness and desire shone through. I don’t think any one of them has anything left in their body, they’re physically exhausted. But for us to come here and take a point makes me so happy”
The first opportunity of the game fell to Wolves after winger Jordan Graham waltzed through the Dons' defence before being brought down on the edge of the box by Samir Carruthers. Graham’s resulting free kick came to nothing.
Wolves continued their early dominance of the game with Karl Henry and Dave Edwards linking up fantastically before Henry’s leftfooted effort was seen just wide of the mark, minutes later the hosts squandered the best opportunity of the early stages after a low cross from Graham was stabbed just wide by Henry. Talisman Benik Afobe found himself unmarked and in on goal on 21 minutes but his close-range effort was thwarted in the final seconds.
The visitors continued to withstand heavy pressure from a Wolves side intent on turning around their mixed fortunes of late, Jordan Graham proving to be a real thorn in the Dons’ side, his flurry of chances all well saved.
Afobe missed a golden opportunity to put Wolves one-up just before the end of the first half, although he saw his fierce shot go agonizingly wide from close range.
The second half saw Kenny Jackett’s side come out with just as much attacking intent as they had shown in the first, Afobe again threatening on the break on 55 minutes, but Martin again produced a fine save.
On 60 minutes Dominic Iorfa produced some outstanding footwork to cut through the Dons’ defence before playing the ball through to Kevin McDonald who missed.
Despite continuing to enjoy the lion’s share of the ball Wolves frustrations on goal continued as the second half progressed with Batth, Henry and Ojo all failing to convert their chances.
Down the other end of the pitch second-half substitute Carl Baker, proved to be the visitors only real threat but his shot was saved well by Carl Ikeme.
And, despite their best efforts, Wolves couldn't manage to grab a decisive goal late on.