Wolves 2 Bristol City 0

Coca-Cola Championship pacesetters Wolves continued their impressive start to the season by brushing aside Bristol City in a high-tempo encounter to secure their best start to a campaign for nearly 60 years.England under-21 international Michael Kightly kick-started a man-of-the-match performance by opening the scoring after 17 minutes when his looping free-kick from the touchline deceived the City defence and nestled in the top corner.

The Robins did have chances throughout an entertaining clash and looked dangerous on the break, however Sylvan Ebanks-Blake made sure of all three points with a fantastic overhead kick midway through the second half.

Victory over last season's play-off finalists extended Wolves' unbeaten start to the season and stretched their lead at the top of the table - and also meant the Black Country outfit have now registered an amazing 23 goals in their first eight games.

Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme made his first league start for Wolves with Wayne Hennessey serving a one-match ban, while Matt Murray was named amongst the substitutes for his first squad appearance since the final day of the regular 2006/07 season.

Andy Keogh also came in for suspended top scorer Chris Iwelumo in attack.

City made one change from the side that started last weekend's 4-1 win over Doncaster, Marvin Elliott coming in for Bradley Orr.

But it was the hosts who flew out of the blocks in the opening stages, buoyed on by a boisterous Molineux crowd.

Counter-attack

Keogh and Dave Jones both rifled chances over the crossbar in the first five minutes while wingers Kightly and Matt Jarvis were causing all sorts of problems down either flank.

The Robins were enjoying the odd counter-attack but it was no surprise when the home side took the lead after just 17 minutes.

Kightly's 35-yard free-kick from the left-hand touchline deceived everyone, including stranded City keeper Chris Weale, and flew into the net.

The visitors responded in positive fashion, Ivan Sproule forcing a good save from Ikeme before the goalkeeper was again called into action to parry a Dele Adebola header over the crossbar.

Wolves continued to dominate with Ebanks-Blake missing two clear-cut chances, although City still provided a threat up to half-time.

Mick McCarthy's side started the started half in very similar fashion to the first and Weale had to be at his best to first deny Keogh with a superb stop before again keeping out Ebanks-Blake's effort in stunning fashion.

However, the Robins should have pulled themselves level just minutes later when former Wolves man Michael McIndoe flashed a great chance wide from close range - much to the amusement of a relieved home crowd.

In a free-flowing second half, Weale again had to turn Keogh's effort around a post before McIndoe and Adebola went close at the other end.

Wolves finally did grab the second goal of the game after 68 minutes courtesy of an acrobatic effort from the lively Ebanks-Blake.

Jarvis' cross was only half cleared by the City defence and as the ball came back into the penalty area, Ebanks-Blake slipped but still managed a fantastic overhead kick to direct the ball into the bottom corner.

Wolves continued to create chances as the game entered the closing stages with the superb Kightly key to every move.

And there proved to be no way back for the Robins as their 77-year wait for a win at Molineux was extended.

Teams:

Wolves: Ikeme, Foley, Stearman, Collins, Stephen Ward, Kightly (Gray 90), Henry, David Jones, Jarvis (Edwards 81), Keogh, Ebanks-Blake (Vokes 86). Subs Not Used: Murray, Shackell. Booked: Kightly. Goals: Kightly 17, Ebanks-Blake 68.

Bristol City: Weale, Skuse, Carey, Fontaine, McAllister, Sproule (Williams 75), Elliott (Orr 90), Johnson, McIndoe (Trundle 75), Maynard, Adebola. Subs Not Used: Basso, Webster. Booked: Skuse.

Attendance: 24,324

Referee: Phil Crossley (Kent).