Wolves 2 Stoke 1: Full time report
A moment of brilliance from David Jones and a debut goal for Steven Fletcher handed Wolves a deserved season-opening victory over rivals Stoke this afternoon.
The pair struck in quick succession just before half-time in a fierce Barclays Premier League derby at Molineux, Jones brilliantly flicking and volleying in a free-kick and Fletcher turning in from close range.
Stoke replied with a powerful Abdoulaye Faye header but missed record signing Kenwyne Jones, who hit the bar early on but limped off after 13 minutes.
The Potters made life tough for Wolves in a full-blooded second half but the hosts created, and squandered, the better chances.
In the end victory was just reward for manager Mick McCarthy, whose side attacked with verve despite missing last season's top scorer Kevin Doyle through injury.
Kenwyne Jones went straight into the Stoke side despite the doubts expressed by manager Tony Pulis about his match-fitness after his £8million move from Sunderland this week.
Faye and Glenn Whelan also started after overcoming injury while Thomas Sorensen retained his place in goal despite pressure from Asmir Begovic.
Kenwyne Jones wasted no time in making his presence felt as broke down the right and burst into the area to fire a shot against the crossbar with just three minutes gone.
In a ferocious opening that matched the intense atmosphere, Rory Delap needed to leave the field to have his head bandaged.
David Jones put the ball in the net for Wolves before Delap returned to the field but the strike was ruled out for a foul on Sorensen.
Confusingly, Delap came back wearing a different number but, more worryingly, Kenwyne Jones took his place on the sidelines after falling awkwardly in a challenge from Jody Craddock.
He received treatment but was unable to return and, just 14 minutes into his second debut for Stoke, was replaced by Mamady Sidibe.
Wolves began to take control and created a good chance when another impressive debutant Jelle van Damme, operating as midfielder, crossed into the box but former Burnley star Fletcher fired over.
