Well, there were many times in the second half when I saw myself having to go the replay at Spotland. There is no doubting that after Rochdale’s equaliser Wolves wobbled. However, we finally came through to break down the dogged resistance of the Division 3 side.
But the performance would have done nothing to instill fear into the remaining 7 teams in the cup, or the other 23 teams in division 1, that Wolves are a team to be worried about.
Rochdale sat back in the first half and Wolves struggled to break them down. I think our opponents were a little in awe of the occasion at times, as they can play better than that.
The game certainly needed the Ndah goal or else the viewing figures for BBC2 would have been less than for a wallpaper documentary on Channel 5.
However, when Simpson’s strike took the deflection off Melaugh to beat Murray, the neutral at least would have woken from their slumber.
For the next 25 minutes though the game was scrappy and Rochdale, to be honest, definitely had the impetus. They might not have looked like getting a second but then again, neither did Wolves.
When Miller did score, the sigh of relief was audible throughout the whole ground. Proudlock’s third added a flattering edge to the scoreline and was a bit harsh on Rochdale.
Again some of the Wolves players went missing when needed.
What Butler and Lescott were doing in the first half is anybodies guess. Passing backwards and forwards, then passing a loose pass to lose possession just added to the frustration of the 0-0 scoreline.
We had nearly all the Rochdale players in their own half yet Ince kept coming back to the edge of his own box to pick the ball up. Rochdale face high balls into the box every week in Division 3 and there was no way that tactic was ever going to break them down.
On the rare occasion Cameron and Naylor ran at them, you could see the panic.
The goal was a bit fortuitous but it continued Ndah’s impressive recent record.
In the second half Naylor deteriorated into the player we know him to be. Butler and Lescott held firm in defence against the physical presence of McEvilly and Platt. Irwin foraged forward only to waste nearly every crossing opportunity.
Newton disappeared as it was obviously too cold for him. I’d have subbed Miller before he scored and Ince was too busy trying to get another yellow card.
Only Ndah, with his frightening pace and improved ball control and the sublime Kennedy shone for me.
The rest weren’t really at the races.
So we are into the last eight. Unless we get a home draw I can’t see us making the semi-finals.
I don’t know what the odds are on being drawn at home four successive times but our luck must be running out.
If we are going to be beaten on our travels let’s enjoy a day out at Highbury rather than lose at Bramhall Lane.
If it’s Chelsea then get your bank loan sorted for the £35 tickets.
Everyone round the radio at 1.30!
Come on the Wolves!
E-mail me with any comments/feedback to: dave@wolves-mad.co.uk