Plenty of Vitality!

By Ivybridge Wolf
April 24 2024

Bournemouth travel up today from the Dorset coast for a 7.45pm KO at Molineux in this rearranged premier league fixture, originally scheduled on 16th March. Bournemouth have recently gained a bit of ground on Wolves in the table, however, have experienced some recent setbacks losing at both Villa and Luton. Wolves form remains rather poor having failed to win at all in our last six fixtures, drawing three and losing three. A Wolves win tonight will extend our league lead over The Cherries to four points and we would leapfrog Brighton into 10th spot, with the Seagulls playing Manchester City tomorrow night. Opportunity knocks …. again!!

As described in the Arsenal match preview, we haven’t not won since March 9^th, which is getting on a bit, however the team performed well last Saturday, albeit ending in a 2-0 defeat versus the title chasing opponents. With injuries continuing to limit O’Neil’s team selection, many fans had pre-match concerns versus the Gunners, nevertheless those who played in Old Gold did not let us down with endeavour on the pitch. Ultimately and sadly, we were beat by a better side, though the late goals in both halves were somewhat galling.

Tonight gives Wolves a fresh chance to send the Molineux faithful home happy with an additional opportunity this Saturday too. Since first meeting Bournemouth in the premier league in 2018/19, the teams have played seven times, Wolves winning 4, drawing 2 and losing 1. The single defeat was at Molineux last season with a Tavernier (unavailable today) goal enough to gain all 3 points v Lopetegui’s Wolves. GON manged to gain victory at Dean Court / The Vitality Stadium earlier this season with goals from Cunha and Kalajdzic after Solanke had put Bournemouth into a 17^th minute lead. An excellent three points which we hope to repeat, though our defence will likely be busy dealing with Solanke again who is currently on 18 goals for the league season - only currently bettered by Haaland and Palmer (20 each) and Watkins (19). Given their league position, that is a terrific effort from the Cherries striker.

In terms of injuries and returns, reports suggest that Mario Lemina, Sarabia and RAN are all available to start tonight and that Bellegarde could be back in the squad after recovering quicker than expected from his knee injury. Wolves also hope Semedo will be back and GON has stated that Cunha is "doing all he can to be involved" which would be excellent. I am uncertain on the Hwang situation, he ended up playing about 50 minutes v Arsenal and struggled to make any impact, I wonder if he is still restricted in terms of minutes per match? Pre and post injury, and after a great early season, Hwang is having a bit of a barren run.

However the team shapes up tonight, I have optimism we’ll do enough to get Molineux feeling like a fortress again and expunge any possibility of a fourth successive home defeat. The support was most certainly there on Saturday night, I hope the team can respond and equal the excellent noise from the terraces! Perhaps we might even score from outside the box? Statistics state we are the only team in the top five European leagues without scoring from outside the penalty area, but at least we’ve had a go ……. 134 unsuccessful attempts so far …... and counting!!

Enjoy the match, whilst it won’t be televised, just a reminder that there is an excellent radio commentary via the official website which I fully endorse with Mikey Burrows and Thommo describing events. Partisan, yes definitely, but they also aren’t slow in offering comment when things aren’t going quite so well. I’m not on commission by the way!!

Please leave your comments and thoughts about the game below in the match thread in the usual way,

UTW!!

2.25pm 24.4.24

Match Thread: Wolves v AFC Bournemouth 24.4.24 KO 7.45pm

Discussion started by Wolves , 24/04/2024 14:25

Wolves
24/04/2024 14:25

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2024:05:18:20:20:45 by Ivybridge Wolf.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 19:11

Subs: Bentley, Doherty, Traore, Chirewa, Cunha, H. Bueno, Holman, Okoduwa, Fraser

A stronger team and a better bench. Hopefully it’ll be enough for 3 points 👍🐺

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 19:45

Wes Okoduwa maintains his place ……. A mere 41 years younger than me!!

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 19:46

Stuart TwAtwell is the ref, everybodies favourite official, especially Nuno.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 19:53

Early deflected effort saved by Sa, this after an early Bournemouth corner. This resultant corner needed to be saved as it looped towards the goal.

AFC B have started the better in the remains of a blue skied Molineux

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 19:55

Good lord, after Wolves errors, Solanke almost gets a free shot, last gasp defensive effort sends the effort wide.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:00

Wolves first effort, excellent left footed drive, well saved by Travers. The corner led to a bit of head tennis then Travers collects again. Better from Wolves

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:02

Solanke beats S Bueno easily, shot straight at Sa

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:05

Another very dangerous AFC attack …. Sa forced again into a very good save.

Bournemouth are very much on top

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:12

Semedo booked for a cynical foul on Kluivert. Mad challenge with a free kick 30 yards out ….. leads to a corner ……. And another …. Comes to nothing.

Other than the Sarabia shot, nothing for the quiet Molineux crowd to shout about

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:15

Fabulous save from Sa from Kliuvert, Semedo defending is creaking, he was clean through ….. more pinball on the edge of the Wolves box …… not great at all.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:19

Hwang crosses, Sarabia swings a boot and misses, out to LEmina whose great shot was headed wide. Our second shot of the night

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:24

Great and powerful Lemina run, RAN hits a curling shot from 18 yards with his R boot, just wide.

There you go, Bournemouth score after a right royal defensive cock up, Semenya scores from close range.

They thoroughly deserve this lead.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:32

Another ridiculous yellow card, this one for RAN for a petulant kick on the ankles.

2 minutes added this half

Reply Quote Report

An angry wolf
24/04/2024 20:32

Bournemouth were pre match favourites and understandably so. Let's hope and pray we can nick a point against superior opposition

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:40

They are superior.

Unbelievably poor effort from the lads. I’d get Semedo off, back to his worst best, and on a yellow. We can’t keep the ball and passing is astray. Th midfield has often been either too far from the track or too far from the defence, depending on circumstances and they are being outplayed. Our defence look like rabbit in the headlights and the movement and pace of the advancing Bournemouth midfield and attack is frightening them to death.

The good news is that we’re only losing 1-0, in part thanks to Sa

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:49

GON has got Doc on, not Semedo but for S Bueno.

That’s interesting??!!! Looks like Semedo has taken Bueno’s position

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:56

Started this a half better at least. The Doc is having some positive influence

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:58

Another great reaction save by Sa, Bournemouth shot which Kluivert diverted towards goal, Sa reacted very well

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 20:59

Cunha comes on for Doyle. Doyle palyed really well vArsenal but not to be tonight. Is Cunha fit enough to change the game? We’ll see

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:04

Semenyo almost score again but Toti deflects wid. Senesi then shoots wide from the corner. Two great chances to make it 2-0.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:08

Doc gets a yellow for leading with his arm. A bit unlucky there.

This half is now starting to more closely resemble the first half. Bournemouth are really on top again.

Traore and Chirewa are on for Gomes and Sarabia. My word! Can this change things?

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:12

Great goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It did change things!! A bit of guile in the new midfield, Semedo with a superb cross and Hwang heads in!!!

Great goal.

Good job Semedo wan’t hooked off, Hwang gets off the mark again.

Hang on, VAR getting involved. Cuhna supposedly hits Kluivert, Atwell is to review.

We know the outcome don’t we.

Goal ruled out.

Utter bollox. I hate VAR with a passion. Cunha h gets a yellow.

Why bother getting excited about football anymore

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:16

Wolves on the front foot and the crowd are up for it.

“It’s not football anymore” “VAR corrupt as f**k” ringing out from the stands

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:18

Stuart Atwell makes good use of his dominant hand, allegedly. At least the South Bank are suggesting it.





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:24:21:19:11 by Ivybridge Wolf.

Reply Quote Report

An angry wolf
24/04/2024 21:18

Quote:

Ivybridge Wolf
We know the outcome don’t we.

Goal ruled out.

Utter bollox. I hate VAR with a passion. Cunha h gets a yellow.

Why bother getting excited about football anymore

Exactly , which is why I don't tbh

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:24

Red card to KErkez on the Doc. VAR to check. Really rash sliding tackle, he’ll be off alright.

Red card confirmed after a wait that any idiot could have sen after 1 second

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:33

2 minutes to go and we’re giving it a go. 2nd corner on the trot. Comes to nothing.

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:34

Here we go, 10 minutes added time, minimum.

We still have a squeak

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:36

Fraser on for Toti, 8 minutes to go of the 10

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:40

4 minutes left.

We are not opening them up at the moment and the clock ticking

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:43

Kilman scores!!!!!!!

No he’s offside and he is offside

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:45

VAR with another massively long review. So much closer than I thought, but Kilman is offside

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
24/04/2024 21:55

FT

Wolves 0-1 Bournemouth

Bournemouth were the better side overall, however yet another match which will be remembered for yet another VAR intervention. A superb goal, out of the blue, from Hwang chalked off due to an off the ball incident spotted by the VAR techocrat in the bunker and who ensured the pace of the replay was so ffing slow that Twatwell had no option to agree with his mate.

Even when they were reduced to 10 men, we still couldn’t score a goal.

Overall, a thoroughly disappointing evening for Wolves and one which will could sink our confidence further. The 4th Molineux match in a row we have lost.

To repeat an earlier statement, I absolutely hate VAR

UTW

Reply Quote Report

An angry wolf
24/04/2024 22:00

Even if we had scored a legitimate goal it would have been ruled out - we're cursed. I would be top of the prediction league if it wasn't for VAR with the decisions this season, once again cheated tonight. Take note Cheshire

Reply Quote Report

Andy Pandy
24/04/2024 22:06

The only football I watch these days involves Wolves. I have supported this club since 1967. Watched my first match live in 1971. Anyone who has read my book knows I am a Wolves nut, some of the best days of my life ( I admit I am very sad ) but VAR has finished me with this sport. I don't care who I upset. Anyone who thinks this pile of@#$%&is any good for the sport shouldn't be walking around without a helmet. Switch it off and consign it to the nearest skip. I am currently writing a history of the club from 1877 onwards. I was going to keep going with it until I pop my clogs but now I will carry on for another three years ( 150th anniversary ) as that is so close. I am now done. VAR has well and truly finished me with football. It has been a pleasure knowing you all although not personally and I would like to pass on to you my very best wishes. God bless and good bye.

Reply Quote Report

essington wolf
24/04/2024 22:17

This isn't football anymore.
This isn't the game I love anymore.
You can't celebrate goals anymore.
In fact I don't think I want to go anymore.
F**K VAR THANKS FOR KILLING THE ONCE BEAUTIFUL GAME!

Reply Quote Report

An angry wolf
24/04/2024 22:17

TC Andy, I only post on here mainly out of habit and lost interest ages ago due to VAR and other factors which I won't repeat again. It isn't enjoyable or actually a sport any more and a waste of time bothering with.

Reply Quote Report

Lupy
25/04/2024 08:03

Sorry to see you go Andy and I share many of your sentiments the game is being ruined and will probably get worse.

Reply Quote Report

Billericay Wolf1
25/04/2024 10:21

I agree. However I am going up to Molineux on Saturday with my son and grandson for my annual
visit, so I hope we play better as it's a 12 hour round trip from Billericay, and I'm 80 this year!

Reply Quote Report

Ivybridge Wolf
25/04/2024 17:37

Agree with all the comments, the spectacle of a goal being scoring is (has) being completely ruined to satisfy TV and money - all in the name of progress. Andy, if you change your mind, please remember there’s always a home for your great comments here …… but to enjoy football is becoming a challenge. I was at Molineux for the Kilman disallowed header v West Ham. Whilst we waited for the inevitable VAR decision against us, I stood there with such a feeling of disengagement and utterly passive at the whole ffing sh$t show, it was like watching events proceed from a parallel universe.

Having said that, I too am up this weekend v Luton Town and looking forward to the day, so let’s see what happens at 3pm. Glutton for punishment but I had a ticket for last night too, but wisely cashed it in when the date was rearranged. What a relief.

Reply Quote Report

Risca TM
01/05/2024 06:51

All the best Andy. In a nutshell as to why football is disconnecting from its fans.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net