Wolves 0 Valencia 1 (Blazquez 81)
Wolves under-21s fell to defeat against a tough Valencia side in the Premier League International Cup at Aggborough Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Despite the visitors having the majority of the possession, the Old Gold did create chances of their own but were unsuccessful in finding the back of the net in their final game of the competition this season.
James Collins made five changes from the recent Ajax defeat with Josh Gracey, Justin Hubner, Matthew Whittingham, Leon Chiwome and Leo Lopes all introduced into the starting eleven.
Miguel Angulo’s side started the brighter of the two and tested the Wolves backline consistently in the first 15 minutes. Ali Fadal had the best chance to open the scoring but some brave defending from Bastien Meupiyou denied his attempt.
Gracey was called into action five minutes later and caught Jose Luis Perez’s effort from close-range with ease - the hosts had a chance of their own through Alfie Pond, but his headed effort was saved.
Perez was denied for a second time in the 32nd minute after a courageous defensive block from Pond kept the scores level.
Just 10 minutes before half-time, some Gracey heroics denied Martin Tejon from the penalty spot, diving low to his right-hand side and palming the ball away.
Half-time | Wolves 0-0 Valencia
In the hope of getting a foothold in the game, Fletcher Holman was introduced after the break.
The visitors were inches away from breaking the deadlock when Carlos Alos’ header hit the post, but Wolves were able to clear.
Ethan Sutherland continued to prove a threat down the left-hand side and delivered several inviting crosses into the box, however Wolves struggled to capitalise.
In the 81st minute Valencia took the lead through substitute Aimar Blazquez, as David Otorbi’s cross was perfect for the forward to break the deadlock.
Wolves continued to search for an equaliser but could not find the response they needed and, as a result, their Premier League International Cup campaign came to an end.
Collins’ side will now turn their attention to Premier League 2 action and face local rivals Aston Villa at the Aston Villa Training Ground on Saturday.
Full-time | Wolves 0-1 Valencia
COMING UP
Wolves under-21s travel to Aston Villa in Premier League 2 on Saturday 14th December.
NEXT THREE
14/12 Aston Villa (A) Premier League 2
18/12 Forest Green (A) National League Cup
7/1 Rochdale (A) National League Cup
LINEUPS
Wolves | Gracey, Ojinnaka, Sutherland, Meupiyou, Pond, Hubner, Ashworth, Cundle, Chiwome (Holman 46), Whittingham, Lopes (Reynolds 80).
Unused subs | Mabete, Amos, Igbinoghene, Carson, Angel.
Valencia | Abril, Moreno (Caro 46), Serradell (Abajas 46), Alos, Fadel, Tejon (Blazquez 59), Santana, Perez (Lopez 68), Gurendal (Cerda 76), Otorbi, Nunez.
Unused subs | Calvo, Ruiz.
Report by Thomas Gibson
