FK Jablonec – 1
Wolves - 0
Wolves started the game on the front foot and were presented with a chance almost immediately, Ruben Neves found the run of Bright Enobakhare in behind the Jablonec back line and the forward beat his man to cross low from the byline but his cross was smothered by Roman Vales.
Neves was the architect again as Wolves looked to break down the left flank, he picked out Barry Douglas’ diagonal run and the full-back crossed first time but, again, it was just too close to the goalkeeper who claimed at his near post.
The Czech First League side’s first opportunity came just after 20 minutes as Martin Dolezal rose to meet a cross from the wing but his looping effort fell wide of Will Norris’ upright.
Jablonec had as sight of goal again minutes later, Vojtech Kurista found himself in space 25-yards out but his eventual shot was not caught well and bobbled wide the untroubled Wolves goal.
Matt Doherty then found the run of Nouha Dicko who got to the pass just ahead of Vales, the ball presented itself to Doherty who then found Enobakhare on the edge of the box. The forward hesitated before shooting but Ivan Cavaleiro was on hand to follow-up - he shot low but it was smothered by the goalkeeper at his feet.
Jablonec were next to venture forward, Ondrej Mihalik picked out the run of Jaroslav Divis with an accurate chipped pass, the latter struck the ball first time but couldn’t keep his effort down and missed over the crossbar.
Wolves did have the ball in the back of the net a matter of minutes later but Cavaleiro’s effort was ruled out as the linesman’s flag had long been raised.
Jaroslav Zeleny had the last chance of the half as he rose to meet a cross but his looping headed effort missed over the crossbar and the sides would go into the break level.
Half time: FK Jablonec 0-0 Wolves
The sides picked up where they left off at the end of the half and it continued to be a balanced game until Jablonec were presented with an opportunity five minutes in as Romain Saiss conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box.
Michal Travnik stepped up to take the set-piece and curled his effort over the wall, half time substitute Harry Burgoyne got across to it but just couldn’t keep the effort out.
Wolves then had an opportunity to level from the same means, Neves stepped up to take a 30-yard free-kick but he just couldn’t keep his effort under the crossbar and his shot missed over.
The Czech First League side almost doubled their lead just after the hour-mark as Mihalik was picked out on the edge of the Wolves box but Ryan Bennett did well to get across and block his low goalbound effort.
Sylvain Deslandes was presented with a chance as Wolves chased the game, the ball sat up for him inside the box and he looked for goal with a low, left-footed strike but his shot missed just wide across goal.
Connor Ronan looked bright after being introduced into the action and came close to releasing Joe Mason in behind the Jablonec back line, but the forward’s pass was just too strong and allowed the goalkeeper to get off his line and claim.
As the game progressed Wolves continued to control possession but struggled to break down the opposition.
Roderick Miranda would be the next player in gold & black to test the palms of the Jablonec stopper, he broke free in midfield and shaped onto his right before seeing a thunderous shot claimed at the second time of asking.
That would be Wolves’ last real opportunity of the game as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men fell to their first defeat of the 2017/18 pre-season campaign.
Wolves: Norris (Burgoyne 45’); Doherty (Simpson 62’), Batth (Bennett 62’), Coady, Boly (Miranda 62’), Douglas (Deslandes 62’); Neves (Price 62’), Saiss (Edwards 62’); Enobakhare (Mason 62’), Dicko (Zyro 62’), Cavaleiro (Ronan 62’).
Subs not used: Jo. Ruddy, Ja. Ruddy.
