Football / FA Cup: Wolves' world of wonder: Ipswich lucky to survive
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Your support makes all the difference.Wolverhampton Wanderers. . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Ipswich Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
AN elegant couple surveyed a deserted Molineux nearly two hours after the last hurrah. They were looking at one of the 'wonders of the world', Lady Hayward remarked to her husband, Sir Jack. 'What, is Steve Bull out there?' Wolves' philanthropic president replied.
Sadly for those in the Hayward gallery, the Tipton Terminator is currently out of commission, as his considerable presence would probably have swung a tight FA Cup fifth- round tie Wolves' way. But the 'wonder' of Wanderers exceeds one individual, however inspirational.
Any spectator unfamiliar with the English game would have assumed that the hosts, and not cautious Ipswich, belonged with the elite. The ground, if not yet the grass, is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece. The manager, Graham Turner, has built a successful recent run (only two defeats in 24 games) on mean defending and positive approach work, an attitude that contrasted with the Premiership visitors' safety-first mentality.
Executing Turner's positive tactics are a string of players who would not look out of place in the top division, notably two promising partnerships: Paul Blades and Peter Shirtliff at the back providing a platform for Chris Marsden and Darren Ferguson to probe forward. Restore Bully and Geoff Thomas, and Turner can field promotion contenders.
Molineux's fevered new self-belief, slightly reminiscent of Newcastle last year, ensured that none of the Wolves players were surprised by their superior performance. 'The divisions are getting closer, except for Manchester United,' Ferguson said. 'Ipswich just defended in depth - not pretty to watch at all.'
John Wark, the sole link with an era when Town were one of the most watchable teams in Europe, stroked the East Anglians into a 28th-minute lead after Mike Stowell had fumbled Neil Thompson's inswinging corner. For the rest of the game Wark engaged in a good-natured tussle with Cyrille Regis, another 36-year-old former FA Cup-winner.
Regis, creaking but still influential, could have scored before the break but looped his header over as Craig Forrest's goal came under concerted attack. The Canadian, who had earlier denied Andy Thompson from close range, excelled himself again with a flying save from the full- back's 56th-minute header.
Wolves' pressure was finally rewarded nine minutes from time when Regis redirected Blades' cross into David Kelly's path and the Irish striker drove the ball under Forrest to force a replay on 2 March. Wolves still have every chance of taking the Portman Road to Wembley.
Goals: Wark (28) 0-1; Kelly (81) 1-1.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Stowell; Thompson, Blades, Shirtliff, Venus; Rankine (Dennison, 75), Marsden, Ferguson, Keen; Regis, Kelly. Substitutes not used: Mills, Jones (gk).
Ipswich Town (3-5-2): Forrest; Thompson, Wark, Linighan; Stockwell, Youds, Williams, Palmer, Slater (Mason, 89); Marshall, Kiwomya (Genchev, 86). Substitute not used: Baker (gk).
Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley).
Johnny Hancocks obituary, page 14
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