What a moment!!

By Ivybridge Wolf
January 10 2025

With a midday kick off on Saturday 11th January, Wolves start their FA Cup 2024/25 campaign 100 miles south at Ashton Gate versus Bristol City in what is a classic banana skin of a cup tie for us. The last Wolves cup match was the tragic capitulation at Molineux against Coventry City, another championship side, who were simply better than us on the day. Many Wolves supporters will look back on that day as an early warning of how form would evaporate, commensurate with the level of performance of the team after that date. It was a tough result to endure, though indicated that if you are still in the hunt, FA Cup glory and passion remains and is an important and desirable objective.

Wolves have won both of their FA Cup ties with Bristol City, 1-0 at Molineux in February 1973 (fourth round) and 1-0 at Ashton Gate in February 2019 (fifth round) after which we got to the semi final in both seasons. Can the portents hold true for a hattrick in 2025, or even one step better perhaps??! Okay, let’s walk before we can run, I’m getting carried away.

Wolves have an excellent record versus The Robins, since 94/95 (all competitions) we have P19 W13 D4 L2 and there have been some classics, 1-5 away win in 1994/95, 1-6 win (and Wolfie v The 3 Little pigs), 1-4 win in 2012 and, of course, the 1-2 victory in December 2017. That 2017 match was incredible, Batth sent off, we go 1-0 down, their keeper gets sent off too, Barry Douglas scores from a trademark free kick and the injury time winner from Ryan Bennett. I was lucky enough to attend all those games, all at Aston Gate, all fantastic experiences but the Bennett goal, the circumstances of the fixture and the sheer drama made it one of my favourite all time Wolves away days.

Bristol City have won four of their last six FA Cup third round matches including beating both of their Premier League opposition, Huddersfield and then West Ham last year. Certainly no mugs and whilst they have drawn 10 of their opening 26 championship games, their recent form is good (P6 W3 D2 L1) and has kept them just 3 points off the Albion and a play off spot. They will provide another stern test for the Wolves players and Pereira, after we lost 3-0 at Molineux to Forest, another performance where our defence was significantly exposed despite creating some gilt edged chances of our own …. We really should have scored 2 or 3. No doubt City will be looking to generate gaps on the break, similar to Nuno’s team. Again, it will be a source of debate and wonder what side Pereira will select, as I felt there were too many changes on Monday, nevertheless this is a cup tie and we await how seriously our new manager will take it. Personally I hope he goes strong with the clear intention of winning this match, though of course Cunha remains unavailable due to suspension.

This third round game will be decided on the day, extra time and penalties taken if necessary as replays have been dispensed with. Another interference in the FA Cup format, one of many over the years which add up to lessening its value, similar to the Bramall Lane 3^rd round match played on Thursday night with a 7pm KO …. Really?! As for our noon kick off, I haven’t been able to identify why this has been arranged, at least we’ll be home early …. I have a ticket ….. unless we witness the agony and anxiety of penalties.

Leave your thoughts and comments about this FA Cup tie in the thread below, let’s hope we can start this years cup with a much needed victory to advance further in the competition.

All the best, UTW!!

Match Thread: Bristol City v Wolves FA Cup 3rd round 11.1.25

Discussion started by Wolves , 10/01/2025 15:44

Wolves
10/01/2025 15:44

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025:01:29:12:02:44 by Ivybridge Wolf.

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Ivybridge Wolf
10/01/2025 15:53

A bit more of the Bennett goal and celebrations!

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Lupy
11/01/2025 11:44

Nice to hear that Vitor seems to value the cup and is also looking to bounce back after last week's defeat. Do we need a Cup run given our current situation?

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Billericay Wolf1
11/01/2025 12:43

1- 2 A Nouri & R. Gomez. Agbadou playing.

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Andy Pandy
11/01/2025 13:58

Quote:

Lupy
Nice to hear that Vitor seems to value the cup and is also looking to bounce back after last week's defeat. Do we need a Cup run given our current situation?

I know what you're saying Lupy, the League takes priority, but I'm old school and I've never gone along with playing weakened sides for Cup matches so I was pleased to see that we went fairly strong and I'm hoping for a good run.

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Billericay Wolf1
11/01/2025 13:59

FT 1-2 Agbadou played well apparently.

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essington wolf
11/01/2025 14:20

Through to next round so got to be happy.
Bossed the game till Bristol pulled a goal back from a stupid free kick given away by the wasteful chan, the least said about him the better I think, let's just say he didn't impress me much.
Not so good second half but I think the game should of been a lot more comfortable in the scoreline but for wasteful finishing.
Rodrigo and sarabia both unlucky striking the woodwork.
Thought the new signing agba looked decent and comfortable on the ball but bigger tests lie ahead.
We are through and that's all that matters.

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Ivybridge Wolf
11/01/2025 17:45

I was very pleased to see a strong side selected pre kick off, and showed intent from Vitor. Don’t think it’s any surprise that I too want a good cup run, and great to get through our first obstacle.Raising confidence is at the centre of Pereira’s approach, and nothing like a win to make everyone happy at FT. Great reception of the team and Vitor at the final whistle from Wolves fans who supported our side very well.

We were so comfortable in that first half and coulda / shoulda scored more. Two really well worked goals the result of hard work on and off the ball and generally playing well. Rodrigo’s goal was so neat, really good finish. We got a bit sloppy in the last 5-10 minutes of the half and punished with a terrific Robins free kick. I didn’t know it was Hwang who fouled the City player, it was rash but from my eagle eyed position (80-90 yards away!!) it looked like a shoulder barge.Overall however, I completely agree with Essington, Hwang was a passenger.Their goal was practically the only thing they did all half.

Frustrating second half, they played better but we still hit the post twice, although got away with a close call late on, I understand it was RAN who hit his own bar (too quick for me to see)but he had to do something to stop City equalising.

We deserved to win that match and great to be in the 4th round, everything crossed for Exeter or Argyle next up! Rodrigo had an excellent match,very impressed by him, Joao and Andre were great and I was also impressed by the Doc who added a bit of guile and composure.Agbadou had a decent debut and isn’t afraid to go for searching diagonal passes. Naturally he will be up against better opposition, and very soon.

Anyway, in summary, very happy with the win and home before tea.

UTW

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Ivybridge Wolf
13/01/2025 07:43

A disappointing away draw v Blackburn but winnable at least. My wish for local opposition evaporated but at least both Exeter and Argyle got terrific home draws.

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