Port Vale 2 Wolves 1
Michael Kightly's busy comeback climaxed a night of plusses on a night when Wolves' first pre-season defeat in over 12 months was the only negative. Michael Kightly's busy comeback climaxed a night of plusses on a night when Wolves' first pre-season defeat in over 12 months was the only negative. Although Academy keeper Daniel Wright – making his senior debut in place of Carl Ikeme and Marcus Hahnemann, who were both protecting minor injuries – saw his side twice fall behind, Wolves showed plenty of signs of moving on from their early summer rustiness. Kightly's comeback – he made his first appearance since breaking his foot on March 21 – and encouraging performances from fellow wingers Matt Jarvis – who scored – and Elliott Bennett and the continued bedding in of Ronald Zubar were just some of the highlights of a worthwhile evening at Vale Park. "I was disappointed we conceded in the last few minutes and I didn't want to lose, but it was another good workout," said manager Mick McCarthy. For pictures click here Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Michael Kightly's busy comeback climaxed a night of plusses on a night when Wolves' first pre-season defeat in over 12 months was the only negative.
Although Academy keeper Daniel Wright – making his senior debut in place of Carl Ikeme and Marcus Hahnemann, who were both protecting minor injuries – saw his side twice fall behind, Wolves showed plenty of signs of moving on from their early summer rustiness.
For pictures click here
Kightly's comeback – he made his first appearance since breaking his foot on March 21 – and encouraging performances from fellow wingers Matt Jarvis – who scored – and Elliott Bennett and the continued bedding in of Ronald Zubar were just some of the highlights of a worthwhile evening at Vale Park.
"I was disappointed we conceded in the last few minutes and I didn't want to lose, but it was another good workout," said manager Mick McCarthy.
"It was a bit like the Walsall game in that Port Vale put a load of fresh legs on and we got done by a good bit of pace and a great finish."
Wolves were the better side throughout, even if the majority of opportunities were half chances.
Dave Edwards drilled wide after Sam Vokes had turned a searching ball from Kevin Foley into his path before Bennett saw a rising long range effort fly narrowly over.
Vale enjoyed better luck to take the lead a minute before the break when Doug Loft stormed in unchallenged to head home a deep centre from the impressive Louis Dodds.
Wolves got the goal they deserved in the 56th minute – albeit benefitting from a mistake – when Jarvis confidently slotted home after dispossessing John McCombe following some sloppy play at the back.
Wolves' progress was checked by eight new arrivals in the 69th minute, although by then they had their own key addition with the arrival of Kightly five minutes earlier.
Kightly, Vokes and Jarvis were involved in a sweeping move that saw Ward's cross hacked away in front of the line before Vale broke for the winner.
Substitute Robert Taylor showed Foley a clean pair of heels before driving across Wright three minutes from time for Vale's winner.
