Soccer: Wolves take share of spoils

David Jones’ promotion-chasing Wolves had to settle for a share of the spoils in another big derby game against rivals West Brom last night, but it was enough to take them back to the top of the Division One table.

Wolves took the lead at the Hawthorns with a 22nd-minute goal from striker Nathan Blake, but Albion’s free-kick specialist Neil Clement levelled with a brilliant 25-yarder in the 69th minute.

The point gained by Wolves was enough to put them back into pole position, but Clements’ vital goal denied them a sixth successive away victory which would have been a club record.

But Jones’ high-flyers are still unbeaten on their League travels this term with six victories and two draws to their credit.

However, Jones was less than happy with the performance of referee Jeff Winter.

‘‘The referee spoiled it for both teams and neither set of players knew what he was blowing his whistle for,’’ said Jones.

‘‘The referee spoilt what was a really good game, but because he was rubbish, he probably made the game what it was.

‘‘I don’t think a draw was a fair result, but we got a point and we are back at the top of the table.

‘‘I thought it was one of the worst games I have seen the referee have. He is normally good, but I thought he had a shocker.’’