Bothroyd Stunner Kills Off Leeds

By Scott Cooper
September 16 2006

A WONDER goal from Jay Bothroyd in the second minute of injury time at Leeds United earned Wolves three valuable points at what McCarthy had previously classed as the toughest test yet for his new look Wolves side.

The result may have put Wolves joint-top of the Championship but Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was keen to ensure the fans don't get carried away and even branded his side "hopeless at times" during the goalless first half.

Wolves and Leeds were both staring a point in the eyes until half-time substitute Jay Bothroyd smashed a 30 yard screamer past Tony Warner, a goal fitting of goal of the month as well as all three points at a sun-kissed Elland Road.

The McCarthy regime has taken off better than most expected and whilst expectations amongst the fans aren't too high it's difficult not to smile about the side the former Sunderland boss has created.

What the side lack in ability is made up by sheer determination, hard work and endeavour and McCarthy's side have now gone over six hours without conceding a goal.

Matt Murray is one key part of the Wolves rearguard and the big goalkeeper was on top form again today after making superb first half saves from both Ian Blake and Sebastian Carole.

The tireless Jemal Johnson again put in a great shift but it was half-time substitute Jay Bothroyd who granted Wolves their fourth win of the season. Bothroyd had been lively in his 45 minutes after replacing Cort at the interval but his 30 yard screamer deep into injury time was something else.

"We were just saying among our staff that we thought it was going to be a good point away from home at Leeds," said McCarthy in his post match press-conference.

"We would have taken that (a point) all day long and then, well it's a fabulous strike. I don't know where it came from because he's been hopeless all week and he'll verify that. But he saved one for the day, which is nice."

"That's been evident throughout his career, I think I'm fortunate now to have him at Wolves. He's got great self-belief and that's fantastic, but that has to be backed up by ability week in, week out and staying fit, which if he does, we've got a very good player.

"I'm delighted to have him. He's great about the place. I like self-belief in players."

The last time Wolves had a tough gruelling match with a quick turn around resulted in Wolves only defeat of the season to date - Mick McCarthy will be hoping his side can recover in time for the visit of Derby County on Tuesday.