U23 Report: Wolves 1-2 Saints

A goal in each half secured maximum spoils, with Christian Norton and Aaron O’Driscoll both on the scoresheet. Each goal were well worked, and well executed. 

It was no less than the performance merited, and puts an end to a spell of tricky results - Saints rise to ninth courtesy of the victory.

Hosts Wolves did score a solitary goal in response to Saints’ two, but were short of potency in attack, and squandered their chance to capitalise on some first-half pressure.

An entertaining first period included a goal apiece, with Saints deservedly striking first blow.

Jake Vokins was well found wide left by youngster Lucas Defise, before motoring towards the byline and fizzing a cross towards the well-timed back post run of Norton.

The striker had to stretch to connect, but, sliding towards the post, applied the finishing touch and gave the visitors the lead in the 28th minute.

Wolves found quick reply. Forward Benny Ashley-Seal wriggled free in the area, spun Kameron Ledwidge on the half turn, before slotting beyond Tommy Scott for the equaliser.

Christoph Klarer came agonisingly close in first-half stoppage time, directing his header millimetres off target from a corner, before halting his acceleration to avoid colliding with the post.

The hosts perhaps had the better of the half, but Saints defended resolutely, protecting Scott's goal well, as the two sides entered the break all square.

But if Wolves shaved the first 45 minutes, Saints dictated the second. They re-found the lead in the 65th minute via defender O’Driscoll, who rose highest to Callum Slattery’s in-swinging corner.

The delivery was perfectly weighted, with enough pace for the Irishman to deftly flick his head at the ball, and watch it sail into the far corner.

Substitute Kornelius Hansen should have put the tie beyond Wolves moments later, but rather skewed his effort from close range, before Kayne Ramsay had another glorious chance that wasn't converted, but did serve to show Saints' willingness to commit bodies forward in search of another goal, despite leading. 

The visitors saw out the remainder in relative ease, opting to defend as a pack, and will be relieved to pick up their first win since their opening day success over Man City.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  63

  37
• Shots
  13

  9
• Shots on target
  4

  3
• Corners
  4

  4
• Passes Complete
  468

  244