A good start to the season. Always difficult to go away to a newly promoted team, and we did a very nice job against a Wolves team who were bang up for it.
Wolves started well, roared on by an enthusiastic crowd chuffed to back in the big-time. Both Keogh and Ebanks-Blake had chances to put the home team ahead. However, it was the Hammers who took the lead after 22 minutes. Carlton Cole played the ball to Noble, who was given time and space outside the box to bend in a superb shot.
Wolves tried to hit back, but West Ham soaked up the pressure and looked dangerous on the break, with Dyer and Jimenez linking up well. Dyer had an effort cleared off the line, and Ilunga should have done better with a header.
As expected the home side came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, determined to get an equaliser. Rob Green turned away a shot from the impressive Milijas. Green had a good afternoon, matching everything that Wolves threw at him.
Collison should have scored soon after, but his placed effort was cleared off the line by Foley. It was beginning to look like one of those games that one goal would just not be enough. The second goal came though, in the 69th minute, when Upson rose unmarked to nod in a Noble corner.
This was enough, and despite late pressure from Wolves, further good work from Green was enough to see the game was safe. A good three points against a decent Wolves team. Some very positive performances from Green, Faubert, Noble, Dyer, Jimenez and Cole. If we keep hold of Upson and get in a striker or two we could have a very good season.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Mancienne (Stearman 66), Craddock, Stephen Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake.
Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, David Jones.
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Spector 65), Noble, Parker, Collison, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Cole (Nouble 90), Jimenez.
Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.
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