Wolves were reminded there is still work to do as they lost their 100 per cent pre-season record at Reading.

Mick McCarthy’s mix-and-match side were ultimately second best to Championship opposition who are a week ahead of them in their preparations.

There were few bright spots for McCarthy’s side, however, save for reasonably solid outings from rookie centre-back Danny Batth, who was picked out by McCarthy as the outstanding performer afterwards, keeper Carl Ikeme and a busy showing from Adlene Guedioura.

Poor header

But after reeling off three straight wins, it was a night for the opposition to shine.

“There were some decent bits and pieces but I didn’t think the game was going anywhere until we gave a penalty away,” said McCarthy.

Wolves had the first effort of the game when Nenad Milijas rifled a 25-yarder into the chest of former Molineux reserve Adam Federici after six minutes.

But the visitors contributed to their own downfall four minutes later.

Richard Stearman’s poor header back to Ikeme was easily intercepted by Kebe, who was then held back by Stearman as he tried to force the ball into the unguarded net.

Former Shrewsbury loanee Gylfi Sigurdsson stroked the ball high to Ikeme’s right.

Wolves conceded a second goal in the 72nd minute. when Michail Antonio stabbed home from inside the six-yard box after Andy Griffin’s free-kick had been flicked on.

Matt Jarvis’ free-kick teed-up David Jones to reduce the arrears with an angled drive from 15 yards 10 minutes from time.

Wolves: Ikeme; Foley (Zubar HT), Batth (Winnall 82), Stearman (Hill 62), Elokobi; Guedioura (Halford 69), Henry (Davis 82), Milijas (Jones HT), Hemmings (Jarvis HT); Vokes (Fletcher HT), Doyle (Ebanks-Blake HT). Subs not used: McCarey, Keogh.

By Tim Nash