Fabio Silva’s smart finish couldn’t inspire Wolves under-23s, who lost for the first time in seven matches at the hands of Sunderland. The Portuguese, gaining valuable minutes for James Collins’ men, took his opportunity well on the stroke of half-time, finishing impressively on his left foot.
That cancelled out Will Harris’ opener, but the Sunderland striker had the final say, bagging the crucial second soon after the interval, before completing his hat-trick in added time, with Wolves committing bodies forward in search of a draw.
Although there was plenty of interest in Silva’s presence, it was Sunderland who started brightest and got themselves an early lead. With what was the Black Cats’ first attack, Harris collected the ball 18 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful effort, which flew high into the net.
What came was a positive response from Collins’ men, who came close to a leveller through Chem Campbell, before an effort from Harry Birtwistle, who has been amongst the goals this season, was blocked by Kenton Richardson at close range.
However, they would find their equaliser before the half was out and Silva would get his goal. Played through by Birtwistle, the Portuguese showed his quality, producing a smart left-footed strike from inside the box.
The striker threatened a second just after the interval, but his disappointment was compounded as the visitors retook the lead. Denver Hume was the creator, as his cross was brought under control by Harris and finished for 2-1.
Stephen Wearne twice had opportunities to create a two-goal cushion for the men from Wearside, but neither his low drive nor free-kick could find a way past Louie Moulden. Those misses kept Wolves’ hopes alive and Luke Cundle thought he’d salvaged a point, but his swerving effort was turned over the bar.
Then, as Wolves earned a series of late set pieces, goalkeeper Moulden joined the attack in search of a late equaliser, but as the ball was cleared, Harris was able to carry the ball away from danger and have the simplest of tasks in completing his hat-trick to end Wolves’ unbeaten home start to the campaign.
COMING UP
Having started the week in action, James Collins’ side finish it too, making the short trip across the West Midlands to Aston Villa on Friday evening for a 7pm kick-off at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.
NEXT FIVE
01/10 Aston Villa (A)
05/10 Shrewsbury Town* (A) PJT
08/10 Swansea City (A) PLC
18/10 Southampton (H)
20/10 Coventry United (A) BSC
*indicates first-team opposition
TEAMS
Wolves | Moulden, Birtwistle, Richards, Scott (Harkin 89), Estrada, Nya, Hodnett (Carty 75), Hesketh, Silva, Cundle, Campbell.
Unused subs | Agboola, Hubner, Lembiksa.
Sunderland | Carney, Richardson, Almond, Younger, Hume (Kachosa 61), Sohna, Taylor (Kelly 78), Scott, Wearne, Dyce, Harris.
Unused subs | Newall, McIntyre, Jessup.
