Wolves joined Manchester City at the top of the First Division after a solid
performance saw off Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Fine goals in each half from Dean Sturridge and Shaun Newton proved the
difference between the two sides as Wolves moved second behind Kevin Keegan's
men on goal difference.
The visitors opened confidently and went ahead after 13 minutes with a
top-quality strike from Sturridge.
Ex-Eagle Kevin Muscat took a quick throw-in on the right touchline and
Sturridge was given just enough space to turn and arrow a 25-yarder past Alex
Kolinko for his 11th goal of the season.
The speedy Mark Kennedy stretched the home defence on a number of occasions
and should have got on the scoresheet himself but shot wide from 10 yards.
At the other end Michael Oakes saved brilliantly from David Hopkin and Dougie
Freedman had a shot cleared away at the foot of the post.
Freedman saw another shot blocked and Palace new-boy Ade Akinbiyi could not
quite force the ball over the line in the ensuing scramble. Clinton Morrison
also went close as Palace pressed to get on terms.
After the break Wolves again started the more promising side.
Kennedy shot wide after being left in acres of space but Wolves were duly
rewarded for their superiority on 65 minutes with another excellent strike.
Nathan Blake held the ball up well before crossing over to Shaun Newton who
fired a left-foot shot from 15 yards out which flew past Kolinko.
Wolves were looking very comfortable while Palace were clearly out of sorts
and their performance deteriorated as the second half progressed.
Akinbiyi, making his debut following is £2.3million move from Leicester, had a
poor game against one of his former clubs.
Kennedy again missed a good chance but Wolves were not threatened again as
they cruised to their ninth away win of the season.
Teams
Crystal Palace: Kolinko, Fleming, Mullins, Murphy, Granville,
Hopkin (Gray 73), Riihilahti, Rodger, Freedman, Akinbiyi,
Morrison.
Subs Not Used: Austin, Berhalter, Carasso, Kirovski.
Booked: Riihilahti.
Wolverhampton: Oakes, Muscat, Butler, Lescott, Camara,
Newton (Miller 89), Rae, Cameron (Andrews 46), Kennedy,
Sturridge, Blake (Ndah 87).
Subs Not Used: Pollet, Murray.
Goals: Sturridge 13, Newton 65.
Att: 18,475
Ref: E Wolstenholme (Blackburn).
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