Swansea 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 3

Last updated : 11 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Alex Rae broke the hearts of almost 5,000 Welsh fans at The Vetch Field as Wolves triumphed over Swansea City 3-2.

But the Third Division side certainly deserved credit for their part in a Worthington Cup tie that frothed with both fight and finesse.

After a ferocious start by the Wolves attack the Swans had the evergreen Roger Freestone to thank for keeping Nathan Blake and Ludovic Pollet efforts at bay.

But it was the home side that would draw first blood. A sublimely stroked free-kick from James Thomas left Michael Oakes in the Wolves goal for dead and nestled in the top corner to send The Vetch crowd wild.

It was a dream way for the former Blackburn striker to celebrate his return from injury and prove his credentials on live television.

But the Wolves side showed tremendous resilience by digging deep and responding with a Blake equaliser on 16 minutes.

The Welsh International striker had suffered a torrent of abuse by the home crowd due to his links with Swansea's rivals Cardiff City.

But a brilliantly placed header that lopped over Freestone was the perfect way to silence his aggressors and Blake was involved again as Wolves tested Freestone, this time feeding Dean Sturridge before Shaun Newton was foiled by the Swans keeper.

But any hope of Wolves taking control were dashed when Jamie Wood restored Swansea's lead on 23 minutes.

Clever play in midfield fed Thomas, whose industrious work robbed Pollet on the by-line and set up an easy chance for Wood.

But Pollet redeemed himself with a deft flick over Freestone's head 11 minutes later, to restore the balance of the tie.

And despite Wolves dominating the possession throughout, Swansea never looked far from snatching the game until Rae's howitzer 12 minutes from time sealed matters