Bend It Like Irwin

Screamer
By Scott Cooper
August 17 2002

Wolves resumed fully working service today as we easily disposed of Burnley. A poachers goal from Blake a fantastic Free-Kick from Irwin and a one-man goal from subsitute Kevin Cooper sealed Wolves` Second win of the season.

Wolves` were unchanged from the side which easily beat Walsall 3-1 mid week, Paul Ince started on the bench and Miller continued his good form as he partnerd Nathan Blake in attack.

Wolves kicked off attacking the "Southbank" end and got off to the best possible start. Cameron`s strike was too hot to handle for Burnleys Michopoulos and Nathan Blake hammerd the rebound in from close range ensuring the fastest goal of the day came from the Molineux.

On 7 minutes Ex Wolves man Cook lunged in late on Wolves player of the season Rae and recieved his Marching orders from the Man in Black, Jeff Winter. Earlier Colin Cameron recieved a nock which will result in him being left on the sidelines for the next few weeks and was replaced by debutant Paul Ince.

Ince became an instant hit and made an immediate impression. His long balls caused the Burnley back line many problems and Burnley had further problems on 37 minutes. Davis handled Millers shot in the box and Winter pointed to the spot. Kenny Miller, who happens to be low on confidence after not finding the net for weeks struck the ball towards the top corner but it was the Burnley keeper who won the battle with a diving save leaving Wolves` 1-0 up at the break.

The Second half was only 4 minutes old when Wolves` recieved a Free Kick on the edge of the box. Denis Irwin struck a fantastic shot from the deadball which shot into the roof of the net which was greeted with great aplause from the Gold And Black faithfull in Molineux.

Wolves then killed the game as chancies died before Jones changed Cooper for the tired Rae and Sturridge replaced Kenny Miller. Both players were to make an impact in the few minutes they had on the pitch.

Cooper found himself with a shot hitting the bar only a minute after he came on but it was Sturridge who played a ball through to the Ex Don on 88 minutes who smartly tucked the ball under the Burnley keeper into the back he net.

Overall a good solid performance, a penalty miss and 3 good goals were good enough to take Wolves into 3rd place in the League.


Wolves 3 Burnley 0