Edozie’s Late Winner Seals Victory for Wolves U21s Against Burnley

Monday, August 18, Burnley U21s vs. Wolves U21s, Lancashire FA County Ground (PL2)

The Wolves U21s play Burnley, a newcomer, away to start the PL2 season. After losing in the semi-final of the Professional Development League the previous season, the Clarets only earned their category one classification in May. In the National League Cup, both teams played their first competitive games last week. Burnley lost to Rochdale, and Wolves lost to Wealdstone, both teams losing 2-1. Alfie Pond and Dexter Lembikisa, two players with senior experience, returned to Wolves, giving them a boost.

Despite having the majority of the possession in the first fifteen minutes, Wolves only managed a few opportunities. After being allowed far too much time in the opposition’s penalty area, Fletcher Holman appeared to have the best chance to open the score, but his effort struck the goalkeeper squarely. Just after 20 minutes, the former Solihull Moors striker found space twice, prompting the Burnley defense to struggle. Both attempts, regrettably, were unsuccessful.

Soon after, Burnley made a bold approach. Manuel Benson was only challenged by a free kick that appeared to be way too far out to attempt, and his bold attempt only managed to hit the top of the crossbar.

Halfway through the half, Holman was rewarded for his efforts. Perhaps it was a bit of luck that the ball happily bounced back into his path as the goalie came out to meet him, but it was still a well-earned goal. Having a 1-0 lead at the interval, Wolves never really got out of second gear. James Collins would undoubtedly want his team to start and end the match in the second half, but the hosts would need to make a substitution to salvage a result.

HT: Wolves U21s 0-1 Burnley U21s

The Wolves U21s played their first game under the new regulation that permits PL2 games to be shown concurrently with senior Premier League games. However, because of the dependable Wolves app, you would still have missed a portion of the second half.

It was much of the same for the first fifteen minutes of the second half. Despite having the ball, Wolves were unable to generate any opportunities.

At the hour, Luke Rawlings met an inviting ball from Ty Barnett with a close-range header that struck the bar and went over.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Burnley scored a contentious equalizer. Michael Mellon hoisted the ball over Gracey and into the net after the Burnley trialist slid by him. All of this resulted from a throw-in for which the Wolves were unprepared. Wolves were gearing up for the incorrect throw, and two different Burnley players were scheduled to take it. Those in Old Gold protested, but the goal stood.

Okoduwa caught Charlie Casper off guard with a long pass over the top. Casper was able to collect the loose ball after Holman beat him to it and rounded the keeper, but the Burnley defender caught up and blocked the shot.

Two replacements united to grab a stoppage time winner. Bradbury found Edozie, who twisted his man and curled his shot into the bottom corner beyond Casper, in a brilliant set-piece routine. Bradbury made another chance out of nothing, and it could have been three. Mane’s initial effort was deflected by Casper, and Dani Angel missed the rebound. Edozie’s goal in the 94th minute proved to be the difference as the game ended 2-1.

Burnley U21 1 -2 Wolves U21s Full Time

Wolves put on a strong show overall. A dominant display with the majority of possession is really positive, but they could need a little more clinical play to avoid such near calls. The Burnley goal is also a lesson that you play until the referee blows the whistle.

James Collins deserves praise since his subs had a huge impact. In particular, Makenzie Bradbury gave the game some much-needed vigor. Wolves supporters can be thrilled about the attacking combo of Holman and Mane. Holman has little trouble finding the goal, and both are really neat with the ball. The Larsen and Cunha combination that Wolves became used to last season is not all that different from them. Mane’s clever skills are the perfect compliment to Holman’s more powerful forward presence that has been sculpted by his experience in non-league. Wolves now have a short turnaround since on Friday, Stoke U21s will be visiting Aggborough. In front of home fans, hopefully, they can win two straight.

Blackie, Pimlott, Campbell, Ashton, McEvilly (64), Benson (64), Leuluai (77), Mellon, McCoy, and McMahon-Brown (77) comprise Burnley’s starting lineup.

Subs: Ryan (77), Tweedy (77), Masara (64), Chester, and Trialist (64).

Wolves XI: Sutherland, Griffiths (82), Rawlings, Barnett (82), Olagunju (72), Gracey, Lembikisa, Okoduwa, Pond (46), and Mane, Holman (89)

Subs: Angel (89), Bradbury (82), Edozie (82), Voice (46), and Dayman (72).