Wolves ended their season on a high to complete an 18-match unbeaten run with
a resounding victory over Sheffield United at Molineux.
It brought to an end United's already faint play-off hopes while for Wolves it
was a case of what might have been.
Kevin Cooper and Kenny Miller, who has signalled he may be willing to come off
the transfer list where he has been for a year, scored the goals that separated
the teams after they emerged from the break level at 2-2.
Wolves have been one of the form teams in the division in recent weeks and
their fortunes have been transformed since the arrival of Glenn Hoddle in
December on a six-month contract.
However, Wolves could themselves have been in the playoffs but for the high
number of drawn matches under Hoddle - 15 in all, including five in a row in
February.
The Blades' disappointing season saw them enter the final day hoping for the
unlikely scenario of a resounding victory coupled with heavy defeats for West
Ham and Reading to have any chance of claiming the fourth and final play-off
spot.
Although they picked up and seemed to be on the brink of another challenge the
Blades picked up just five points from a possible 15 and will again ply their
trade in the Championship next year.
Danny Webber and Lee Naylor had given notice of both sides' attacking intent
before Wolves took the lead in the 12th minute.
A free-kick just outside the area came back off the wall and Seol Ki-Hyeon was
first to react, with Paddy Kenny pulling off a one-handed reflex save but Joleon
Lescott was first to react and converted from close range.
United hit straight back however when Phil Jagielka played the ball to the
fast-advancing Alan Quinn who hit an emphatic half-volley into the net from 20
yards.
In the 16th minute Nick Montgomery nearly made it 2-1 to the visitors but
goalkeeper Michael Oakes got a hand to his shot from the right of the area after
he stole in unnoticed.
Then Jagielka picked up the ball and hit a curling shot from 25 yards which
beat Oakes but cannoned back off the crossbar.
However, it was Leon Clarke who restored the lead for Wolves when he slotted
home following slick play that dissected the Blades defence.
United seemed to be deflated but after 37 minutes Webber played in Andy Gray
who was given far too much room and shot beyond the goalkeeper to level.
Miller missed a golden chance to restore the lead just before half-time when
he nudged the ball through Rob Kozluk's legs but then hit wide from the penalty
spot with just Kenny to beat.
The second half sprung into life in the 50th minute when Miller played in
Cooper with a ball that split the defence to find the substitute unmarked and he
slotted past Kenny with the aid of a deflection.
Although not as relentless as the first half, there was always the sense of
more goals to come and the sixth of the game came in the 60th minute.
Rohan Ricketts found Clarke in the area and his cross-cum-shot across goal was
bundled home by Miller for his 21st of the season.
Teams
Wolverhampton Oakes, Edwards (Bischoff 45), Lescott, Craddock,
Naylor, Seol, Ricketts, Olofinjana (Cooper 45),
Cameron (Cort 67), Clarke, Miller.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Cornes.
Booked: Miller.
Goals: Lescott 12, Clarke 23, Cooper 50, Miller 60.
Sheff Utd Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Bromby, Geary,
Quinn (Shaw 63), Montgomery, Jagielka, Tonge,
Webber (Forte 82), Gray (Sharp 82).
Subs Not Used: Harley, Thirlwell.
Booked: Montgomery.
Goals: Quinn 13, Gray 37.
Att: 27,454
Ref: P Walton (Northamptonshire).
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