Bradford 0 Wolves 0

Great Game
By Scott Cooper
August 11 2002

How would Wolves` fair after the collapse of last season? Would Ince make his debut, would Sturridge make the game?, so many questions, so many answers.

Dean Sturridge who was the only doubt for Wolves today missed out on the game whilst Irwin and Ingimarsson both made debut`s. Paul Ince however is still not match fit so a place on the sofa at home was where he would spend his Sunday afternoon.

Wolves today lacked the grit and determination they showed at the start of last season and only managed a point in a boring lifeless game at Bradford.

Wolves played with a 4.1.3.2 formation with Irwin, Naylor, Lescott, Butler(c) along the back. Ivar Ingimarsson played in a holding role behind Cameron, Newton, Rae with Miller and Blake in attack.

Bradford had the best of the early chancies as Wolves failed to settle down. Wolves seemed to lack the coolness they showed last season and couldnt keep the ball for long spells as they would have liked.

Miller and Blake both had good chancies whilst Ashley Ward missed an easy header for the home side.

Wolves couldnt settle and the game was goaless come the Half Time whistle.

The second half was very similar to the first. Once again Wolves couldnt settle and were clearly not physically strong enough. Colin Cameron had a nightmare whilst Ivar Ingimarsson was solid and put in the best performance from Wolves who for the first time, donned the new White Away shirt.

It was a dissapointing afternoon for Wolves fans however we must stay posotive and remember we only took a point from the first game of the season last season.

Next up is walsall and fingers crossed Ince and Sturridge are passed fit.

Oakes - 6 - One great save however he`s still having problems comanding his area.

Naylor - 6 - At times played well however made some stupid mistakes.

Butler - 6 - Once again at times played well and also made mistakes.

Lescott - 7 - Solid performance as per usuall

Irwin - 7 - Good performance and brought stability to the back

Ingimarsson - 8 - Held the ball well, wasnt scared to shoot and passed the ball cleanly and quickly. MOM

Cameron - 4 - Wasnt strong enough. Passes were, at times awful and in my opinion lacked fitness.

Rae - 7 - As usuall played well

Newton - 6 - Better than in previous games but still making poor mistakes

Miller - 5 - Had some good chancies but shooting was poor.

Blake - 7 - Tried hard but didn`t have the right chancies

SUBS

Ndah - 6 - Only played for a few minutes and missed Wolves` best chance

MOM - Ivar Ingimarsson