Apr 6, 2018 at 7.45pm UK at ​Cardiff City Stadium
Attendance: 29,317
CardiffCardiff City
0-1
WolvesWolverhampton Wanderers

Peltier (62'), Morrison (66')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Neves (68')
Saiss (76'), Costa (89'), Neves (96')

Live Commentary: Cardiff City 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers - as it happened

Live Commentary: Cardiff 0-1 Wolves - as it happened
© Offside
Relive Sports Mole's live commentary of Wolverhampton Wanderers' 1-0 win over title challengers Cardiff City.

Wolverhampton Wanderers took a big step towards automatic promotion to the Premier League after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cardiff City.

Ruben Neves' 67th-minute curling free kick looked to be enough for the visitors, who are now five points from sealing a place in the top flight.

However, Cardiff contrived to miss two penalties in stoppage time as Wolves held on for a famous win, in front of the biggest crowd for a Bluebirds game in over 40 years.

Relive all the action with Sports Mole's live text commentary.


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6:45pmHello and welcome to an intruiging clash at the top of the Championship as second-placed Cardiff City host leaders Wolves.

6:46pmSo, let's bring you all the latest team news from South Wales.

6:50pmCARDIFF XI: Etheridge, Peltier, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Gunnarsson, Bryson, Paterson, Hoilett, Wildschut, Zohore
Subs: Murphy, Manga, Pilkington, Mendez-Laing, Damour, Traore, Madine

WOLVES XI: Ruddy, Boly, Coady, Bennett, Doherty, Douglas, Saiss, Neves, Jota, Afobe, Bonatini
Subs: Norris, N'Diaye, Batth, Cavaleiro, Costa, Gibbs-White, Hause


6:52pmWell, changes aplenty from both sides. Four from Wolves and three from Cardiff after both sides drew in midweek.

6:54pmFor the hosts, Peltier, Wildschut and Bryson come into the starting lineup. Marko Grujic, who has been a lucky charm of late, is not in the squad.

6:56pmAlso, Bruno Manga and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing are the other absentees from the draw with Sheffield United this week. The pair are on the bench.

6:58pmNo place for Joe Ralls or Matt Connolly, who were doubts before the game. They are left out of the matchday squad altogehter.

7:01pmIn addition, both Jazz Richards and Danny Ward remain sidelined for the Welsh outfit, but there are no other injury concerns for Neil Warnock's men

7:03pmMeanwhile, Wolves welcome back both Matt Doherty and star midfielder Ruben Neves make their returns after sitting out the 2-2 draw with Hull

7:05pmHowever, Nuno Espirito Santo has opted to make changes in attack, with Leo Bonatini and Benik Afobe leading the line for the Black Country side.

7:07pmAlfred N'Diaye, Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro have all dropped to the bench and Roderick Miranda will not feature at all tonight after being dropped.

7:09pmHowever, Diego Jota is retained is what should be a three-man attack alongside Afobe and Bonatini. Expect Wolves to line up in a 3-4-3 formation.

7:11pmFor Cardiff, this evening represents a huge chance to make further ground on Wolves at the top of the table and their form has been electric.

7:13pmIndeed, the Bluebirds are unbeaten in their last 13 games and have won 10 in time and their record against Wolves will give them plenty of hope.

7:14pmThe Welsh side have also won their last seven at home in the league. The last time they won eight in a row was back in December 2012 - the year the lifted the Championship title

7:16pmThat form earned Neil Warnock the Manager of the Month award for March, but none of his players featured in the Championship Team of the Season.

7:18pmHave Cardiff lost a good luck charm in Liverpool loanee Marko Grujic. The Serbian, is yet to taste defeat. Interestingly, Warnock is telling Sky Sports that there are "a few niggles" around the squad.

7:21pmPerhaps, the secret to Cardiff's success is keeping players on the pitch. Omar Bogle's sending off against Bristol City earlier in the campaign is the Bluebirds only red card so far.

7:23pmCardiff will also look to Kenneth Zohore as a major threat against Wolves. Zohore has scored four goals and provided two assists in his last seven games (he failed to score and provided just one assist in the previous eight).

7:25pmHowever, Wolves come to South Wales with one of the best defences in the Championship. Only Cardiff have conceded fewer.

7:27pmThey are also the top scorers in the division (73 goals). The goalscoring prowess of Diogo Jota, who has netted 19 times, has made a significant contribution to that tally.

7:29pmHowever, the Easter weekend proved to the difficult for the Championship pacesetters, who lost at Boro on Good Friday before being held to a draw at home by lowly Hull.

7:31pmIndeed, Wolves have struggled to maintain their lead in the run-in. The leaders were 13 points clear in mid-February after a win against QPR, but since then, they have taken 21 points from a possible 45.

7:33pmIf they are to win tonight, they will need the creative juices of Barry Douglass in full flow. His 14 assists are the most by a Wolves player in the second tier since Michael Kightly's 18 in 2008-09.

7:35omIt may come down to a solitary goal tonight and Wolves have a habit of holding on to lead, having won 25 games in the 28 where they scored first (D3).

7:37pmHowever, Wolves boast a poor defensive record at the Cardiff City Stadium. They bost only one clean sheet in their last 12 visits.

7:39pmNuno Espirito Santo's side have at least stabilised of late and are unbeaten in the last four outings. Their fifth outing will be in front of a record crowd in Cardiff.

7:41pmAs mentioned, Cardiff City are expecting a big crowd and this could be their biggest attendance in more than 40 years!

7:43pmHEAD TO HEAD: Wolves do at least have a better overall record against Cardiff (W27, D14, L19), but they have lost four of the last five encounters.

7:44pmCardiff have also won the last two meetings at this stadium. Can they make it a hat-trick?

7:45pmPREDICTION: As the teams are out on the pitch, it is time for a prediction and this could a difficult one. However, with Wolves only eight points from promotion, a draw won't be a bad thing. I'm going for 1-1.

7:47pmThe managers are shaking hands. A reminder of the team news. Three changes for Cardiff, four for Wolves. The stadium will be paying tribute to the late, great Ray Wilkins before the game. A wave of applause and chants of "One Ray Walkins" ring out.

0 minKICKOFF: Cardiff get the game underway.

1 minImmediately, Wolves are looking to knock the ball around. Cardiff go to sleep and Afobe sneaks in down the right. Morrison clears the danger.

2 minCries for a free kick as Conor Coady goes for the ball with Hoilett in possession. Referee Mike Dean agrees with Coady's opinion. Replays show it's a reasonable challenge.

3 minSHOT! End-to-end stuff. Bamba gets a mismatch against the much shorter Neves and the Cardiff man has chances from two successive corners.

5 minWolves will be happy to have Doherty back on the pitch. The right back his having his best season in front of goal, having netted four times.

7 minSAVE! Neves takes aim from distance and brings the first save out of Etheridge. He should be saving that.

8 minSAVE! Another save from Etheridge as Jota smashes an effort goalwards. The Cardiff stopper is equal to that one too.

10 minJota is dribbling like a man with all the time in the world! That is until he slips on the turf. Wolves are dominating possession (75%)

12 minFOUL! Zohore gets goalside of Boly on the right flank and the defender can't resist but have nibble. Free kick in a dangerous area, but comes to nothing as Ruddy collects.

14 minThis time Hoilett wrestles with Boly, but the centre-back gets the decision. The defender is seeing plenty of action early on.

15 mCHANCE! Zohore again involved as he tries his luck on the edge of the box and Ruddy needs to be alert to tip the ball around.

16 minThat was a rare lapse from Coady, who has made the switch to sweeper successfully. He was playing at right-back last year.

18 minHoilett is looking for the referee's whistle for the challenge by Neves, but the whistle is silent. The game has been absorbing so far.

20 minJota tries to cut through the Cardiff backline, but Bennett cuts out the pass before Afobe can strike.

22 minAfobe runs on to a long ball, and tries to best Bennett, only for the defender to shepherd his opponent away from goal.

24 minMorrison make an important challenge to nick the ball out of Douglas' path. Wolves are probing, but the blue wall is firm so far.

26 minI mentioned that the game is absorbing, but we have only had two shots on target as we near the half-hour mark - both from Wolves!

28 minBonatini is in a heap after Morrison's tackle. He's gets to his feet and rolling around for a few seconds. He's going to be just fine!

30 minZohore and Boly are again contesting for the ball. Peltier then tries to play in Zohore on the right side of the box, but over hits the pass.

32 minFOUL! This time Boly is penalised for a push on Zohore. Another chance to get bodies in the box.

34 minInteresting! Mike Dean has a long look at Doherty's marking of Morrison and decides against a penalty, but the wing-back is clearly grabbing at the Morrison in order to stop him heading the ball

34 minZohore wastes a great opportunity to put a dangerous cross in after Patterson's good work. What a waste!

35 minCHANCE! Joe Bennett goes close for Cardiff. He breaks into the left side of the box, but can't decide whether to shoot or cross!

37 minSAVE! Wildschut with an unconventional free kick from 30 yards out. He strikes with a side-footed shot, but one with plenty of power. Ruddy initially misjusges, but parries away.

39 minThat shot was also Cardiff's first effort on target, six minutes before the break. It's testament to a fairly good display so far from Wolves at the back.

41 minNeves looks to get going with a through pass and Etheridge is alive to the danger and sprints out to collect before Wolves can make anything of it.

42 minPaterson rises well to beat Boly to the header, but Wolves escape. Zohore is getting plenty of work. Cardiff's best spell to date.

44 minHoilett eventually gets to his feet after Doherty's challenge in winning the header. Warnock and Blackwell are angry that Wolves didn't put the ball out sooner.

45 minFOUL! Doherty recieves some rough treatment himself and Gunnarsson trips the wide man.

45 minOne minute left in the first half.

45+1 minHALF TIME: Cardiff City 0-0 Wolves

8:36pmWell, both sides had plenty of intent, but little execution. I think this is going how Wolves would like it to and, as it stands, they are one point closer to promotion.

8:38pmSTATS: As mentioned before, Wolves are getting plenty of ball (68% possession), but no yellow cards so far. By the way both Cardiff and Wolves have only been shown 65 yellow cards each.

8:40pmBENCH WATCH: The visitors do have plenty of attacking options to call upon in the second half, with Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro on the bench. Cardiff may turn to Mendez-Laing or Gary Madine as they try to break the deadlock.

8:41pmHowever, they may need to pepper the Wolves goal more, if they are to keep their brilliant run going. They have had eight attempts, but only one on target.

8:43pmI think the return of Neves, with Champions League experience and terrific passing, has settled Wolves. His play really makes the visitors click and look more assured.

7:46pmA win for Cardiff would really keep the chasing pack at the bay. The gap to Fulham is five points with the Cottagers playing tomorrow. Meanwhile, the players are due out any second.

45 minKICKOFF: We're back underway in South Wales.

46 minJeers as Boly heads a long ball from Bamba out of play. Gunnarsson lines up a long throw, but the ball bounces off Morrison's head and out of play.

48 minBy the way, no changes for either side during the interval, but I wonder whether Nuno is planning changes!

49 minHITS THE POST! Bonatini takes advantage of Bamba stepping out of defence. He rounds Etheridge and tries a cheeky finish from the tightest of angles and hits the post.

51 minCARDIFF SUB: In clearing that ball after Bonatini's shot, Paterson appeared to twist his back and can't continue. Mendez-Laing is the replacement.

52 minImmediately, it looks like that change sees Hoilett switching to the left flank, with Mendez-Laing on the right.

53 minCHANCE! Hoilett's cross is headed away by Bennett, but only to Bryson on his wrong foot and the finish was miscued. The ball seemed to sit up to be smashed goalwards!

55 minHoilett tries to make another delivery to the back post and again Wolves get it clear. I think the visitors are plotting to bring on Costa.

57 minCardiff appear to be very much in the ascendency here, but delivery into the box has been lacking.

58 minWOLVES SUB: Costa finally makes his appearance in place of Bonatini. Wolves have had the most goals come from subtitutes this season (10).

60 minWildschut looks to weave a path through the Wolves backline, but settles for the corner. Another Gunnarsson throw is pleted into the box, but the visitors survive.

61 minHoilett is getting plenty of joy since switching flanks and pumps in another cross, but Boly heads away.

62 minYELLOW CARD: The first booking of the night for Peltier as he pulls down Afobe outside the area. Nuno visibly thinks it should be more and he looked to be the last man.

64 minThe follow up free kick from Neves was well over. More reminiscent of a Dan Bigger penalty a bit down the road in the Welsh capital.

65 minApparently, Paterson withdrawal is due to a rib injury and Bonatini is also off due to a niggle. Wolves are also readying another change.

66 minYELLOW CARD: Morrison in the book as he is deemed to catch Jota. The defender protests and replays appear to back him up.

67 minWOLVES SUB: That was Jota's last action as Cavaleiro is on in his place.

67 minGOAL! Cardiff City 0-1 Wolves (Neves)

68 minQuite stunning from the youngster! An inch-perfect free kick into the left corner. Etheridge gets his right hand to it, but can only parry it in. He had no chance.

70 minMike Dean pauses the game after a flare is thrown on from the Wolves end, but we carry on and Bennett shanks a free kick high and wide

72 minCLOSE! Nearly a second from the brilliant Neves. His curling effort not far wide of the target.

72 minAs it stands, Wolves are only five points from promotion to the Premier League! Exciting times in the Black Country.

72 minCARDIFF SUB: Madine is on in place of Wildschut. Warnock rolling the dice with an extra forward.

74 minMorrison is complaining that Saiss has pulled down the Cardiff man, but it looks clear as day that Morrison has backed into his marker.

75 minYELLOW CARD: This time Saiss is penalised for a tackle on Mendez-Laing on the left touchline. He didn't need to make the challenge!

76 minHoilett, back on the right wing, is certainly putting in plenty of effort, but a final cross fails to stay in touch.

78 minWOLVES SUB: Final change sees N'Diaye on for Afobe, who has been the quieter of Wolves' front line.

80 minWarnock quickly tries to get the ball back to his player for a throw and that causes consternation among the Wolves bench. It's not like Neil Warnock to start an argument, isn't it?

82 minWolves' officials have apparently complained about Cardiff timewasting. I'm not sure what City get from running down the clock.

82 minMeanwhile, Bamba was flagged as another move breaks down. Time is running out fast for the hosts to claim anything for the game.

84 minSHOT! The imposing N'Diaye tries a shot towards the near post of Etheridge. I'd barely call it a save, but a save it is.

85 minCLOSE! Ruddy is rooted to the spot as Gunnarsson after briefly struggling to get the ball under control. The Icelandic player is so close to an equaliser.

86 minCLOSE! Costa almost scores at the other end (and probably should). He latches on to Neves' lofted pass and beats Peltier, but fires wide.

88 minCLOSE! First Cavaleiro strikes straight at Etheridge and could have scored had he placed it either side of the keeper.

89 minYELLOW CARD: Costa gets himself in the book for a high foot as he tries to block Etheridge's clearance from hand. He doesn't need to go for it and needlessly gets booked.

90 minFive more minutes of added time left for Cardiff to get something, or for Wolves to hold on.

90+2 minCosta gifted the ball and tries to run some time off the clock. However, Cardiff earn a throw. They need down the other end as quickly as possible.

90+3 minPENALTY TO CARDIFF!

90+4 minWhat is Conor Coady doing! His hands are all over the back of Pilkington. Madine is over the ball...

90+4 minHe misses! It's a telegraphed spot kic from Madine, but it's low to Ruddy's left-hand corner and he does well to turn it around!

90+5 minANOTHER PENALTY!

90+6 minCavaleiro slides in on Gunnarsson and they argue it's outside. It's a definite penalty! Hoilett steps up...

90+6 minOFF THE BAR!!

90+7 minFULL TIME: Cardiff City 0-1 Wolves

9:44pmAs I take a breath, Cardiff should arguably have won at the end, but a missed Gary Madine penalty. Then Junior Hoilett rifles another spot kick against the woodwork. Dramatic stuff at the end, but Wolves are on course for the Premier League.

9:46pmI should say, Warnock refuses to shake hands with Nuno or a few Wolves players. He seems aggrieved with something, but Wolves take the spoils and with Fulham and the chasing pack to play this weekend, the race for automatic promotion could hot up. However, that brings us to the end of our commentary for this evening. Thank you for joining us for a terrific game. Good night!

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Nathaniel Mendez-Laing poses with his Championship player of the month award for August 2017
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Wolverhampton WanderersWolves41278674363889
2Cardiff CityCardiff40248862342880
3Fulham412212771413078
4Aston Villa4121101065402573
5Derby CountyDerby401814860382268
6Middlesbrough411991358391966
7Millwall4117141052391365
8Bristol City411614115647962
9Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd41188155548762
10Brentford4116131257471061
11Preston North EndPreston411515114943660
12Norwich CityNorwich411413144551-655
13Leeds UnitedLeeds41159175357-454
14Ipswich TownIpswich41158184952-353
15Queens Park RangersQPR411311174961-1250
16Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds411114164855-747
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest40137204358-1546
18Hull City411014175961-244
19Reading411012194660-1442
20Birmingham CityBirmingham41117233158-2740
21Bolton WanderersBolton41912203462-2839
22Barnsley40813194260-1837
23Sunderland41614214473-2932
24Burton Albion41711233072-4232

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