Wolves 2, Charlton 1: How Iwelumo was inspired by his daughters

Mar 15 2009 by Lisa Smith, Sunday Mercury

‘BIG Daddy’ Chris Iwelumo floored struggling Charlton with a goal and had a hand in an own goal against his former club after drawing inspiration from his two tiny daughters who were mascots at the game.

The Scottish international had not scored for 17 matches before this encounter but he more than made up for it after his pre-match lucky charms, Brisesi and Nevaya, joined him on the pitch.

However, Wolves did not have it all their own way after Charlton fought back into the game with a goal from Zheng Zhi and star striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake saw his second-half penalty saved.

In the end it was a Matty Holland gift for former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy which separated the two sides.

Iwelumo, who arrived from Charlton for £400,000 two years ago, saw his opener – Wolves’ first goal on home soil in 225 minutes of play – finally exorcise a worrying run of just one win in eight matches at Molineux.

And he appeared eager to claim the second after his header caught Holland unawares.

This top-versus-bottom clash had always threatened to be some contest with Charlton fighting for at least a glimmer of pride with their fate and relegation virtually sealed. Manager McCarthy was suitably happy with the result, which now sees Wolves ten points clear of Reading, who lost 1-0 to Ipswich at the Madejski Stadium.

He said: “I am relieved that we won it, of course, and having missed a penalty as well.