Iwelumo inspires Wolves win

Iwelumo: Decisive contribution

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Chris Iwelumo scored both goals as Wolves beat Blackpool 2-0 to restore their six-point lead at the top of the Championship.

Mick McCarthy's men dominated throughout but spurned a number of chances, while Blackpool goalkeeper Paul Rachubka made several fine saves.

However, Wolves were not to be denied and two predatory finishes from Iwelumo sealed the victory.

England Under-21 international Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was a constant threat and created space for himself with a sharp turn in the fourth minute before unleashing a fierce shot from the edge of the area which drifted wide.

Wolves came within inches of taking the lead in the eighth minute when centre-back Richard Stearman's free header was expertly tipped around the post by Rachubka.

The home side completely controlled the opening period and created an abundance of chances but Stearman failed to find the target with another free header and Ebanks-Blake was denied by the inspirational Rachubka.

Breakthrough

But the breakthrough Wolves deserved finally came in the 30th minute when Iwelumo latched on to a loose ball in the area and took one touch before unleashing a ferocious strike into the top corner.

The visitors were a different prospect when they returned for the second half and they should have equalised within a minute of the restart.

Alan Gow found himself with the goal at his mercy six yards out after Gary

Taylor-Fletcher had pulled the ball back from the byline but Gow somehow contrived to skew his shot wide.

The Seasiders were now in the ascendancy and on-loan Liverpool winger Adam Hammill came close as he cut into the box before firing over.

But, testament to Wolves' character, McCarthy's men doubled their advantage just when they needed to.

In the 66th minute Michael Kightly's optimistic ball into the Blackpool penalty area was fumbled by Rachubka and Iwelumo pounced to make it 2-0.

Wolves coasted thereafter and could have easily extended their lead had Kightly, Ebanks-Blake and David Jones made more of their opportunities.