It wasn't pretty but we're through.

Last updated : 12 September 2002 By Dave Burgess
Well at least the result was better than the performance.

A stunning strike from Rae gets us into the hat with the big guns but more likely we'll be drawn away at Wigan or somewhere equally as unenchanting.

Ludo was the only 'surprise' inclusion in the starting 11 with Jo being rested and Jones stating that it was time to see what the Frenchman had to offer.

Well a mix of the good, bad and the ugly to be quite honest.

Constantly falling behind and having to chase games is not the way forward.

The defence is still too prone to mistakes and the free-kick from Thomas was not the most inspiring start.

However, Blake, who looks the most dangerous forward this season, gets us back on terms before we decide it's time for a bit of a challenge.

2-1 down and Ludo decides to show us that he's better out of the defence and can make it as a budding forward.

Rae seals the victory with another scorcher and we are out of the potential mire and into round 2.

However, less than convincing performances from several of the players will increase speculation as to who will start on Saturday at Selhurst Park.

Oakes is still looking unsure but Murray isn't ready for an extended run in the first team at this time.
Naylor is all over the place again.
Butler is leading by the example of how not to give confidence to the defence.
Ince doesn't look all there yet.
Deano is a shadow of the man we came to love last season.

So apart from the goalkeeper, defence and forward line we are fine!

It is strange that it seems to be taking the squad time to find the form we had hoped for.

There are plusses in the shape of the form of Blake, Ivar, Rae and Irwin but the rest are indifferent and you are never sure what performance you are going to get from them on a game by game basis.

Perhaps Jones's tinkering with the system and tactics isn't popular with the players or perhaps the players aren't good enough individually to put this into practice.

We do have a strong squad and when Kennedy and Cameron are back from injury then on paper we are as good as anyone in the division.

However, there does seem to be a few minor hiccups getting it right on the pitch.

We are playing well in patches. It will be great to see it when we are flowing.

E-mail me with any comments/feedback to: dave@wolves-mad.co.uk