Wolves’ big earners make difference in hard-fought clash

Photo: Pictures: ALAN HOWARTH

Athletic’s Christian Montano is denied by Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.

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Wolves 2, Athletic 0

ATHLETIC were always going to be up against it at Molineux, home to fast cars and clinical finishers.

Shortly after the visitors had settled into their dressing room, the squad overheard Bakary Sako being ticked off for leaving his Ferrari blocking an entrance.

This was a battle of haves and have-nots: Kevin Doyle – annual salary £2million, more than the whole of Athletic’s squad – started on the subs’ bench.

In a tight game, Wolves had the men to make the difference. Sako did little all night other than supply a cross which was spilled by Mark Oxley, in soaking wet conditions, to the foot of James Henry, who gave his side the lead in the 50th minute.

Though that goal ruined Athletic manager Lee Johnson’s to keep the game tight before unleashing a couple of attackers at the hour mark, the superiority of Kenny Jackett’s men was underlined when Scotland international striker Leigh Griffiths took advantage of Jonathan Grounds’ slip to fire home a second to put the game to bed after 66 minutes.

Johnson has already proven this season that he is not afraid to tinker with a winning line-up. and so it was again last night.

His hand was forced by the loss of Charlie MacDonald, but the inclusion of Carl Winchester and Cristian Montano, with Adam Rooney also dropping to the bench, was a major surprise.

So too was the non-appearance of Kirk Millar – one of the outstanding turns in the 1-0 defeat of Carlisle three days earlier.

The idea was to spring forward with precision. Instead, Montano headed over when well-placed in a dour, damp opening in which Athletic gave at least as good as they got.

As Wolves spluttered into life – and as torrential rain pounded the pitch – Oxley beat away a Sako free-kick before Danny Batth headed over the crossbar

It was imperative that Athletic began the second half as they had the first.

Carl Winchester’s run and shot indicated promise, before Henry profited as Sako’s cross was put on to his foot by Oxley.

Jonson Clarke-Harris and Rooney were introduced as Athletic reverted to a 4-4-2 formation. But it was now an uphill struggle.

Sako’s through ball from his own half may well have been cut out by Grounds but for a slip at a crucial moment. Griffiths took the ball into the box and rifled home a second to seal the three points.

This game perfectly illustrated the difference that Wolves’ extra spending power, still at parachute payment level from their recent Premier League days, provides.

The best players, of which Wolves have plenty relative to League One, make the most of the opportunities they are given.

Athletic set up to play like Barca, but lack a Lionel Messi or anything close to him.