Simon Osborn scored with a stunning 86th-minute free-kick to salvage a point
for Wolves and keep Sheffield United at bay in the battle for promotion.
Brazilian Marcelo thought he had won for United with a 68th-minute goal. Lee
Morris burst down the left and played a terrific ball into the danger area. Petr
Katchouro dummied and the ball fell for Marcelo who had the simple task of
finishing from close range.
But, after having claims for a penalty turned down when David Connolly was
fouled inside the area, Osborn curled home from just outside the area over the
wall with just under five minutes to go.
Wolves were often on top and in the opening minutes Michael Gilkes tested
United's resolve with a teasing cross which picked out Havard Flo, but the
header fell just wide.
Morris responded for United with a good run and a shot which looked to have
hit Dean Richards hand but referee Robert Styles waved away the penalty appeal.
Kevin Muscat was next to go close for Wolves, hitting a terrific shot which
Kelly did well to palm over the bar.
Another Flo header flew just wide from Osborn's corner as Wolves began to turn
the screw.
But at the other end a searching cross from Rob Kozluk nearly played in
Jonathan Hunt but at the last moment Richards diving header put the ball out of
play.
Flo did well to pick up Robinson's pass and turn away from Olivier Tebily but
the shot was fired wide. Flo found Connolly on the edge of the area and a nice
interchange saw Robinson burst through the home defence but Kelly dived to his
left to make a great save.
In the final few minutes Kozluk was sent off for United as frustration began
to tell and the defender pushed Gilkes and was dismissed for a second bookable
offence.
Teams:
Sheff Utd: Kelly, Kozluk, Quinn, Woodhouse (Jacobsen 90),
Sandford, Tebily, Morris (Derry 88), Campbell (Katchouro 40),
Marcelo, Devlin, Hunt.
Sent Off: Kozluk (88).
Booked: Quinn, Woodhouse, Devlin, Marcelo.
Goals: Marcelo 62.
Wolverhampton: Stowell, Muscat, Gilkes, Sedgley, Richards, Curle,
Robinson, Emblen, Flo, Connolly (Corica 83), Osborn.
Subs Not Used: Simpson, Naylor.
Booked: Muscat, Richards.
Goals: Osborn 86.
Att: 21,761
Ref: R Styles (Waterlooville).