Lua Lua Sinks Wolves

Never Scored At Mol
By Scott Cooper
August 3 2002

Newcastle United were the hosts at Molineux today in what was a very exciting game with a great atmosphere, the sun was shining and it was good to be back.

15,000 Wolves fans sang to the tune of the liquidator today as Wolves played hosts to the Champions Leagues Newcastle United.

With Wolves` underperforming in recent friendlys it was important that a brave and battling performance was put it, and it was.

Wolves were nearly 1-0 after the first minute. New boy Denis Irwin broke free and put a pin-point cross onto the head of Colin Cameron who headed over from close range.

Wolves had made a bright start and at times completley outplayed the experienced shearer an co, however after 6 minutes Lua Lua picked up the ball to pass the ball past Oakes into the far corner of the net from 10 yrds.

Again Wolves had great chancies as Nathan Blake was denied by a fantastic diving save from Toons shotstopper Stever Harper and Rae shot well wide from around 25 yrds.

Newcastle then had a 5 minute spell to show us why they would be taking part in the Champions League next season. Keiron Dyer took the ball past oaks but shot into the side netting and Solano lobbed the ball onto the post from a spectacular 30yrd effort.

Wolves still one down came back into the game and had the better of possesion. Steve Harper pulled more World Class saves off against both Newton and Blake and Sturridge shot just wide.

However with 29 minutes on the clock Dean Sturridge went down after a nastly looking challenge from the Toons Titus Bramble. The Wolves` forward was then sent to hospital needing 8 stitchies and will miss the first game of the season.

Kenny Miller replaced Sturridge and made an imediate impact as his running confused the Newcastle Defence and caused them many problems.

H/T Wolves 0 Newcastle 1

Denis Irwin was rested for the second half and Captain for the Worcester game, Sean Connelly replaced the Champions League winner.

Chancies came few and far between in the second half as the rain poured.

Most of the play was in the centre of the field however both teams had chancies.

Kenny Miller shot well wide down the Newcastle end as Alan Shearer missed a header down the Wolves end` however the second goal came after 68 minutes.

Lua Lua again picked the ball up and fired a spectacular shot from a close acute` angle into the inside side netting. The goal was greeted with cheers from the Toon Army supporters and light harted applause from sporting Wolves fans.

Overall Wolves` played well and the game gave massive hope to Wolves fans for the comeing season.

Congratulations Newcastle and Good Luck representing England in the Champions League.

Wanderers Way`s Scott Cooper will be travelling to our final friendly on Tuesday against Burton Albion.

Final Score from Molineux... Wolves 0 Newcastle 2