So honours even at the Hawthorns today after a competitive and entertaining derby if never really a classic.
That was certainly good news for Wolves, after barely threatening to get close to Albion during last season’s two visits to the Hawthorns.
And also in a way for Albion too, as it was enough to lift them back into the top two ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Plymouth.
Injury worries for both teams however, with Baggies striker Ishmael Miller out for four to six weeks with a knee injury and Wolves facing an anxious wait over talismanic winger Michael Kightly, who left on crutches after picking up an ankle problem.
A few quick thoughts from the gold and black perspective:
1. After such a bad week for English football on the international front how refreshing to see two fully committed teams really giving it a go (albeit in club football’s second tier!) The game produced a fascinating clash of styles with Albion’s free-flowing passing pitted against Wolves more earthy brand of pragmatism combined with pace on the break.
2. Jody Craddock and Darren Ward. What an impressive performance from Wolves’ experienced centre back pairing. Genuine pre-match fears about how they would cope with Miller’s power and pace and yet they used all their wiles to great effect. The fact that Craddock was almost out of the door a couple of months ago doesn’t bear thinking about.
3. Darren Gibson. Doesn’t half look a player. No wonder it’s very much a loan deal when it comes to Manchester United allowing Wolves to have Gibson. Has got all the touch and poise of a United player, and should be of massive benefit to Wolves if they can keep him for the season. Also possesses a powerful shot which should see him snaffle a few goals as he beds down in the side.
4. Wayne Hennessey. Was there a calmer presence among the 27,000-plus audience than the clean sheet king? This really was Wayne’s World with his first penalty save for Wolves following an even more impressive stop from Felipe Teixiera shortly after the break. And carried out his post-match interviews in such low-key fashion that you’ve have thought he was talking about a trip to the shops rather than his new-found status as a Wolves’ latest derby hero.
5. No crowd trouble reported as yet. Good news. Both sets of supporters traded ‘insults’ over last year’s play-off semi finals without it ever spilling over.. Although the Wolves fan throwing the ball at the prostrate Ishmael Miller was perhaps a bit naughty. Still, the crowd of 27, 493 surpassed the 26, 539 at the recent Second City derby. Fair play.
6. I am now £1 poorer after taking a punt on Leon Barnett as mentioned in my previous blog. Actually. Make that £2 because to even things up I had a pop on Darren Ward as well. As did Teixeira in the second half. Still, perhaps every derby needs a bit of spice from time to time.
So that’s it for now, until March 8 anyway.
Unless of course they meet in the FA Cup. Again. Surely not………