LOUIE LEFEVRE reports as Wolves U21 beat Blackburn U21 3-1 at Aggborough as PL2 unbeaten run continues: 7 points from 3 games
Wolves U21 vs Blackburn Rovers U21 – Friday 29th August 2025, Aggborough (PL2)
After an unbeaten start to their Premier League 2 campaign, Wolves U21s took on a team at the other side of the form table. Blackburn’s opening two games saw them concede five goals without scoring. The saving grace for the visitors would be a win when they last came to Aggborough in March. Alfie Pond was sent off that day as Joseph Boggan scored twice to secure a victory. Temple Ojinnaka and Tawanda Chirewa made their first U21 starts of the season and Dani Angel took the place of Fletcher Holman leading the line.
Lembikisa got an early chance to deliver a free-kick into the penalty area, which was volleyed goalwards by Mateus Mane after a chaotic scramble. Michalski was able to gather the ball and take control of the situation. Set pieces were the danger for both teams, as three minutes later a Blackburn corner required the intervention of Wolves goalkeeper Josh Gracey, equalling the heroics of his opposite number. Some good awareness from Blackburn nearly caught Wolves napping. A quick throw-in from a misplaced Ojinnaka pass had to be cut out by Alfie Pond to prevent the exact same goal they conceded last week to Burnley.
An excellent counter attack from Wolves broke the deadlock. Angel threaded through Chirewa who squared the ball to an oncoming Mane. The promising forward had only the keeper to beat, cleverly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Chirewa nearly had a second with a fantastic first time volley towards the roof of the net that was tipped over by the Blackburn keeper. Some relentless pressing from Angel and Chirewa resulted in a great shooting opportunity for the Zimbabwean who could only power his effort at the waiting goalkeeper. Blackburn found the leveller, and their first goal of the season, through Brandon Powell in the 22nd minute. A delivery to the back post found the 19-year-old who got ahead of Temple Ojinnaka to fumble the ball into the Wolves goal. The game died down with Blackburn’s goal as Wolves lost their momentum.
Mane fancied his chances after winning the ball just inside the Blackburn half having seen the goalkeeper off his line. Unfortunately he was unable to find the target with his ambitious dig. The performance from Wolves was fantastic, and they completely dominated the half. It’s almost unbelievable that they went into half-time level. James Collins was surely fancying his side to get a winner in the second 45.
Half-Time: Wolves U21s 1-1 Blackburn Rovers U21s
Some fancy footwork to start the second half from Tawanda Chirewa, setting up Harvey Griffiths. His shot was always curling away from the goal. Mane’s cross on the hour mark was met by Chirewa, whose header was well caught by Michalski as he came back across his goal line. Josh Gracey played himself into trouble, passing the ball straight to Doherty who took a touch and tried to put the ball back across goal. The Wolves keeper rectified his own mistake though, getting a foot to the ball to direct it out for a Blackburn corner. Michalski had a nightmare of his own, passing the ball to Mateus Mane who opted to shoot himself despite Angel being wide open in the centre of the penalty area. Once more a goalkeeper was able to spare his blushes in this game. With ten minutes to go Edozie nearly proved to be a super sub once more, a powerful strike from the edge of the area flying just wide of the post. Substitute Luke Rawlings embarked on a jinking run from midfield to try and fashion a shooting chance to grab a late goal. Lining up his effort from distance the midfielder let fly and… hit the post. Not to worry though, as Ethan Sutherland followed up and calmly put away the rebound to make it 2-1! The former Solihull Moors loanee had only been on the pitch for three minutes before finding the net.
More late drama would follow at the other end, with Wes Okoduwa having to step in and intercept a low cross destined for Boggan that looked to be a certain goal. Not wanting to be outdone, Tom Edozie still grabbed his late contribution. Blackburn were having all the ball but failing to fashion a chance. Mane found Edozie in acres of space on the counter-attack, the young forward grabbing his second goal of the season despite not starting a game. Three games into the PL2 season and Wolves U21 supporters must’ve felt they’ve aged a year with each game! Another enjoyable watch with some fantastic football on display and late heroics from Collins’ contingency crew!
Full-Time: Wolves U21s 3-1 Blackburn Rovers U21s
The unbeaten run continues for Wolves in the Premier League 2 and 7 points from 3 games has them flying in the league! Lembikisa, Lima, Mane, Pond and Chirewa are all clearly above U21 level and due loan moves before the window shuts. The Brazilian in particular looked impossible to dispossess at times and must be wanting some senior action. Mane will likely spend the season with the U21s, but with a goal and an assist here he is more than proving that the hype surrounding him is deserved. Attention now turns from league football to cup action though, with a visit to Stockport County in the EFL Trophy set for Tuesday. Tickets are available on Stockport’s website with adults priced at £10 and concessions at £5.
Wolves XI: Gracey, Lembikisa, Olagunju, Pond, Ojinnaka (66), Lima, Griffiths, Bradbury (66), Chirewa (71), Mane, Angel (81)
Subs: Ethan Sutherland (81), Wes Okoduwa (66), Caden Voice, Luke Rawlings (66), Tom Edozie (71)
Blackburn XI: Michalski, Batty, Atcheson, Carter (64), Houghton, Edmondson, Vare (78), Doherty (72), Stritch (46), Powell, Wood
Subs: Davies, Barrett (64), Farkas (78), Dunn (46), Boggan (72)