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WINNING DEBUT
Matteo's first stint as manager nets all points
Shea scores a sitter, Henry makes an aggressive challenge, Jarvis scores the opener
Fixture 1: nPower Championship
Wolves v Barnsley
3-1
Jarvis 13'
Doyle 33'
Hammil 45'
Shea 62'
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Caution: Henry (Wolves) Hamill (Barnsley)
Sent Off: None
Injured: Hume (Barnsley)
Johnson Peoples, wolves.uk
Molineaux Stadium - Lam Matteo's name has been sung throughout the streets near the stadium, the youngest manager in the club's history at aged 30, has surpassed all expectation and taken Wolves to a comfortable victory over a strong Barnsley side 3-1.
Before the match Matteo was not expected to get off to a great start considering the side had look weary after a so-so preseason, which ended with a 2-1 loss to Getafe. Nonetheless, Wolves pressed forward, and each surging attack was led by American midfielder, Chris Pontius. Pontius was selected as man of the match for his work effort, being part of each goal Wolves scored. The offseason transfer from the MLS was listed as a high for his career, and he proved it today.
Wolves went ahead on a beautifully designed free kick play where Pontius played a short pass to a diagonal runner in Kevin Doyle, who's one touch pass to Matt Jarvis was enough for the Wolves faithful servant to blast from outside the box. The ball technology played tricks on Steele as the ball was struck with venom, but dipped at the last second, no chance for the Barnsley keeper.
Twenty minutes later, another strong breakaway for the Wolves attack, led by the piercing run of Ebanks-Blake, who sped into the penalty box, before cooly slotting a perfect pass to a wide open Kevin Doyle. The Irish international could not have had an easier goal, and it was 2-0 to Wolves; Molineaux Stadium was in tears of joy.
The visitors did manage a goal back when Hammil found just enough room at the top of the box, letting fly a hard curving, dipping ball with the outside of his foot. The ball screamed pass Hahneman, and Barnsley were within one goal at the end of the first half.
Matteo's instructions for the second half was obviously to defend the lead, but to counter when the chance arose.
The orders were heard loud and clear in the 63rd minute when Chris Pontius played a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Kevin Doyle, who had the speed to get into the box, and then seeing Shea's curling run into space, finding the American for the third goal of the match.
The final whistle was not audible, but the motion of the referee putting the device to his mouth was enough for Molineaux to erupt like a volcano of cheering for Wolves and Matteo - all mixed into one chant that signified how Wolves want to start this year.
"We put up a good fight today, and won. There is no better feeling than scoring two goals quickly - and then another for insurance. On top of that you get three different players scoring goals, it was a great day for Wolves."
Next Match: v Crewe Alexandra FC (Home - League Cup, 1st round)
Injury Notes: ST Roberts, 30 days till recovery (torn MCL)
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Glory with Wolves
As a player he flourished with them, now manager?
"There is a lot of unknown tradition with Wolverhampton. They are seriously a rags to riches story, as a player I was honored to play with them, now I can truly make a difference as a manager though. I just hope they keep chanting my name in a good way."
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