Tigers Tame Wolves

Wolves Premiership aspirations were dealt a blow last night as they went down 1-0 Hull City thanks to a second half Dean Windass penalty at Molineux.

The loss leaves them in 15th place, equidistant on points from relegation and promotion.

Manager Mick McCarthy was in no mood to mince words following his sides third defeat in 6 games.

'All of us need to look at our performances - including me. We've got to stop giving penalties away. "

'We had three good chances in the first half. If we'd have scored from one of them it would have completely changed the game.' He said post match.

It`s hard to criticise any player who works as hard as Andy Keogh, but he was most culpable in front of goal, and his starting place may now be up for question.

That first half was dominated by Jay Jay Okocha, who sent out a warning to other Championship sides that he isn`t at Hull for a handsome pay day. Pulling all the strings, he orchestrated almost everything the Tigers did of worth .

With Hull unable to capitalise on Okocha`s inspired display, and Wolves incapable of taking their chances the sides went in all square at the break, but it didn`t stay that way for long.

Five minutes into the second period Neil Collins was adjudged to have felled Richard Garcia in the box, and Dean Windass sent Wayne Hennessey the wrong way from the resultant spot kick.

Wolves were galvanised by the introduction of Michael Gray and Jay Bothroyd, with Gray nullifying the threat of Okocha, and Bothroyd adding renewed imputus in attack, and they finally found their rhythm after a Freddy Eastwood rocket had shaken the woodwork, but there was a sense of déjà vu as Wolves piled forward searching for an equaliser in vain.

At the full time whistle a chorus of boos rang out, which McCarthy acknowledged was no more than the result deserved.

'I understand their frustration and their reaction to the performance as it was poor. It was not good enough." He told the clubs official site.

Personal mistakes and poor finishing have now led to three defeats in 6 games, 2 of those at home, and has forced Mick McCarthy into considering wholesale changes to his side.

'I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't consider making changes for Norwich.' he said.

Whatever those changes are, they have got to bring instant results. Anything less than a win against Norwich on Saturday could see Wolves edge perilously close to the relegation zone for the first time in McCarthy`s reign.

With the clamour for defensive strengthening growing, McCarthy may now be forced into the loan market to find a means of providing solidity at the back, and hope his investment in attack starts to pay dividends.

And soon.

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