Former Blues loanee Richard Stearman headed a first-half own goal but Benik Afobe equalised five minutes after the break as Town and Wolves drew 1-1 in the clash of the play-off chasers at Molineux.

Jay Tabb replaced Stephen Hunt at left midfield in a Town side otherwise unchanged from the team which beat Cardiff 3-1 on Tuesday.

Wolves, where Mick McCarthy spent six years as manager, Terry Connor was his assistant and briefly boss, and Hunt and Christophe Berra were players, included former Town loanee Stearman from the start at centre of the defence.

Town started the stronger, winning an early corner, then in the third minute Freddie Sears found strike partner Daryl Murphy inside the area to the right but the Blues’ 24-goal Championship top scorer shot across the face of goal and wide.

The home side began to get on top of a game played in sunny but breezy conditions and in the seventh minute Nouha Dicko did well to cut the ball back from the byline on the left having beaten Blues skipper Luke Chambers, but Berra diverted it back to keeper Bartosz Bialkowski, who cleared.

Dicko was proving to be Wolves’ main threat in the opening minutes and on 10 the pacy frontman broke past Tommy Smith on the right but Berra was again there to challenge as he broke into the area.

Berra halted the Malian international’s progress again on the quarter hour after he had skipped away from Smith on halfway and was breaking towards goal.

Moments later, as the home side kept up the pressure, Wolves winger Rajiv van La Parra crossed from the right but was unable to find a team-mate.

Despite Wolves having looked by far the more dangerous side, the Blues went in front in the 21st minute. Bishop whipped over a corner from the right, Smith rose with Stearman, who inadvertently sent a the ball looping over keeper Carl Ikeme and into the corner of the net.

Smith claimed his fifth goal of the season but it seems likely to go down as an own goal by the former Town loanee, who failed to find the net for the Blues during his 15-game loan spell in the 2012/13 campaign.

The home side looked to hit back immediately, van La Parra shooting over and then Dicko failed to find the target with a header. However, the Town goal seemed to knock them out of their stride and the Molineux crowd quickly began to become frustrated.

On 33 Dicko cut into the area from the left but again found Berra in his way, the Scotland international this time blocking the one-time Wigan man’s shot.

Three minutes later, Jonny Parr was shown the game’s first yellow card for bringing down Benik Afobe as Wolves broke.

Wolves came within inches of getting back on terms in the 39th minute when Smith’s header from deep in the Town area fell to Dave Edwards, whose volley beat Bialkowski but struck the outside of his right post. Referee Stuart Attwell awarded a corner much to the surprise of the Blues players.

Two minutes later, Tabb was booked for a foul on Dicko, who required treatment on the pitch before continuing. The home crowd felt the challenge might have been worth more than just a yellow and the Blues midfielder was booed each time he touched the ball prior to referee Attwell’s whistle ending the half, signalling more boos.

While the Blues had found the pace of Dicko in particular hard to handle and Wolves had presented the greater threat for the most part, the home side had been prevented from creating many significant chances - with Berra usually the man in the way - prior to Town going in front.

The somewhat fortunate goal rather quietened Wolves down until Edwards’s late volley off the post.

A minute after the restart Dicko should have put his side back on terms, but headed Bakary Sako’s freekick from deep on the left into the side-netting at the far post. On 49 Dicko failed to get Dominic Iorfa’s low cross from under his feet and Bishop cleared.

The home side had begun the second half very much on top and a minute later they levelled. Van La Parra cut into the area on the left having been found by Kevin McDonald and hit a shot which deflected off Smith and across the area to the far post from where Afobe got ahead of Tyrone Mings to stab home.

It was the former Arsenal striker's 31st goal of the season and his 12th since joining Wolves in January.

In the 53rd minute Sears unleashed a 30-yard effort but Ikeme was able to comfortably block and then claim.

Wolves continued to have most of the ball and take the game to Town but without being able to create any more major chances. At the other end, the Blues had been unable to make much of an impact, all too often long balls forward for the front two were cut out.

Wolves switched James Henry for van La Parra on 64, then two minutes later Parr made way for Paul Anderson for the Blues.

Berra superbly slid in and took the ball away from Afobe as he broke into the area on 71, then within a minute stopped Dicko in his tracks as he reached the byline on the right.

Sears scuffed a rare Town effort wide in the 73rd minute, then a minute later ex-Wolves man Hunt replaced Bishop in the Blues midfield, Tabb moving to the centre.

The Irishman, who was applauded by his old fans as he made his way onto the field, immediately shot high and wide from distance.

Berra yet again thwarted Dicko in the 76th minute, the Blues centre-half sliding in to block after Afobe had fed his team-mate inside the area.

As the game moved towards its final 10 minutes Town started to have more of the ball in the Wolves half. On 80 Mings took a quick throw on the left but Hunt’s low cross was cut out ahead of Tabb.

But the home side were still a threat, Smith doing well to hold off Afobe to allow a wind-assisted punt down the middle to reach Bialkowski. Chris Wood replaced Sears for the final scheduled seven minutes.

Sako smashed a freekick into the Town wall on 85, from which the Blues broke and Wood curled a low shot not too far wide from the edge of the box. On 88 Dicko was booked for a foul on Chambers.

Wolves had one more chance to win it two minutes into injury time but Dicko was unable to get anything on Edwards’s scuffed shot from the right of the area.

Town boss Mick McCarthy will be happy enough with another battling away point with the home side having largely been on the front foot.

Typically staunch defending from man of the match Berra in particular meant that despite having most of the ball Wolves created only a limited number of chances. At the other end, the Blues only rarely threatened home keeper Ikeme.

Town are certain to end the day in sixth regardless of results elsewhere and have moved up to 75 points, equal with fifth-placed Derby, who are away at Huddersfield.

Wolves are now seventh, three points behind the Blues and a point in front of Brentford in eighth.

Wolves: Ikeme, Iorfa, Batth (c), Stearman, Golbourne, van La Parra (Henry 64), McDonald, Edwards, Sako, Afobe, Dicko. Unused: McCarey, Doherty, Doyle, Price, Ebanks-Landell, Jacobs.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Mings, Berra, Skuse, Bishop (S Hunt 74), Parr (Anderson 66), Tabb, Murphy, Sears (Wood 83). Unused: Gerken, Fryers, Chaplow, Williams. Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire). Attendance: 23,409.

Photo: Action Images

TimmyH added 18:02 - Apr 18 Seriously in retrospect how many good entertaining games have we watched us play in front of the cameras this season?...the answer not a lot, Fulham game not too bad and the Wigan game away wasn't too bad other than the nervy finish other than that... Mick has certainly brought his on brand and logic on how to get the club up the Championship table on limited resources but hell is it dull - to get in the play-offs will be seen in many supporters eyes to be progress (which it is) but will be even more remarkable if we get to Wembley (getting ahead of myself)...

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essexbluey added 18:15 - Apr 18 Makes me laugh how pepole moan all the time. I went to the game today and no one was moaning after the game. Pepole who moan are either depressed and ill or they just hate the life they are liveing. Stop moaning live a life enjoy it and stop being so repressed.
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blueboy1981 added 18:34 - Apr 18 .......... essexbluey .... ever thought that it may be you who should 'live a life' - and expect a bit more whilst doing so ??....
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Orraman added 18:36 - Apr 18 Cannot believe people are still moaning. We are in sixth spot, three points clear of seventh with a better goal difference and two games to go. After the last 14 years we should all be jumping up and down at the possibility of Premier League football next season. I agree the football is dire most of the time especially to those brought up on Sir Bobby but the objective is to get out of this division. There should be close on a full house next Saturday, but there won't be. Just for one more home game why doesn't everyone get right behind the team, accept their hoof balls for once and guide this team of limited skill, but 100% guts and commitment and lift us into the play offs. If we should succeed then we can all look forward to a better quality of player arriving to bolster the skills of those players who do have potential.

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BrandestonBlue added 18:45 - Apr 18 We needed to stop Wolves getting the three points off us today - job done Whilst lacking quality I love the commitment and desire the players show for each other - how many saves did Bart have to make - a repeat performance of that in the away leg of the play offs with a win in the home leg will see us queueing for a Wembley ticket Of the three teams challenging for the last play off place we have had the better day although you would never think so by the negative comments on here Let's fill the ground next Saturday roll over Forest and we are all but there

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NoelTheDub added 18:47 - Apr 18 essexbluey... Yes we are in 6th but that today was as bad a performance as Ive seen.We did not string 3 passes together all game and had little or no chances.Some might say they weren't either but that was because we had 8 players in defense.Wolves at least tried to play football but we hoofed practically all game and their equaliser came from a punt up the pitch to Murf who couldn't get control.I was getting depressed looking at that rubbish from us today and I for one is not getting to carried away with where we are at this time.The big picture is we are the worst footballing team anywhere in this league but we are having a good time at the moment playing S**T football and if that what trills you then I dont agree.

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essexbluey added 18:51 - Apr 18 Blueboy. I have a fantastic life with everything i could ever wish for i have and nothing handed to me on a plate i grew up on a dog rough est. I enjoy every day. Iam 42 with 2 kids 2 little grand daughter's so no i dont expect anything of anyone. And i have had a season ticket since 1991. Takr care and enjoy life blueboy.
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head1970 added 19:23 - Apr 18 Just back from the game and not only was the game pretty poor but both sets of fans were very subdued today only highlight off the pitch was the HI HO SILVER SONG. Some of you folk said on here we didn't go for it we tried but they played with four attacking players especially the right back that pushed our midfield back and because of our lack of pace in there we were frightened to go forward in case we got exposed so long ball again. After they got the equalizer I was happy with a point.

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oldegold added 20:27 - Apr 18 If essexbluey is so happy with life then why does he have to come across as a mean spirited inarticulate goon? Please remember that the whole point of these posts is that fellow Town supporters can express their ideas without the likes of essexbluey demonstrating to the world and his wife that they are intolerant of others' opinions. Clearly he has had a season ticket since 1991 but if he had had a season ticket since 1981 then he would not put up with the utter dross that MM served up today. I think the point of peoples' ire today was that our forward thinking manager said he was going for a win...so please explain to me how that could be achieved without again a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes? We were dire and had no intention of winning whatsoever so on future occasions when MM says he's going for a win, I think fans will take it for Yorkshire blarney and nothing more.

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blueherts added 20:27 - Apr 18 If, as some on here say, we need to get out of the championship 'before take root' are we not still on course to achieve that? Or have people accepted defeat.strange for such 'ambitious and positive people to have thrown the towel in.
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portmanteau added 20:30 - Apr 18 listening on 5 Live it sounded a dull game and as for the commentators...! pointless chit-chat most of the time. I did learn a lot about some big stand they have there, its apparently very steep and overlooks the penalty area... ye gods. stuart pearce actually told us as the match was starting that Town will be trying to get into the play-off places!! give me strength.

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Jimmy86 added 20:38 - Apr 18 Went up to wolves today and have got to say it was a hard earned point and second half in particular we had our backs against the wall and we're under sustained pressure, but we did well to soak that up and defended pretty well. Wolves proved today what pace can do to you, if used properly. Have a feeling if their finishing was better wolves would have won today. We are still in the play offs and it's still in our hands, but we must try to keep hold of the ball and retain possession a bit better. A lot of the time our lads treat it like a hot potato and can't wait to get rid of it. This invites pressure and is why we have to defend well. On a side note, hope the dear old boy who collapsed in front of me is ok. Certainly adds a little perspective to it all. Good day out COYB

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essexbluey added 20:40 - Apr 18 Oldegold. It may be down to my dyslexia. Sorry not up to your standard. Iam happy if you want to make it a personal attack i can live with that. Stop liveing in the past the 1980's have gone.
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essexboy added 20:41 - Apr 18 Correct me if I'm wrong,but is the object of this game to get promotion.Listen,however we are playing Town are in a play-off position like it or not and fully deserve to be there as much as any other team in this league.Ok, the football has not set us on fire but MM has done a fantastic job with the players he has and played to there strengths to the best of there ability.Do some of you not want a chance to see our great club play in the top tier because from where I'm sitting quite a few of you don't and just want to moan abobout the team.I say, wait until the end of the season them assess the situation,but not until then.The team need our support not supporters complaining.Yes,I agree we are all aloud an opinion,but let's wait till the season is over first.Fill the ground next Saturday and shout as loud as you can.Three points will do it.COYB. 😀😀

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essexboy added 20:44 - Apr 18 Yes and before some smart Alec has a go I have made a few spelling mistakes.😜😜😜
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BlueandTruesince82 added 21:09 - Apr 18 All i know is Chelsea are top of the league playing a similar style of football. I dont hear their fans complaining about style. Its a results business, no its not pretty I'll admit that but as it stands Mick is delivering what was asjed. Playoffs. Lets face it you can ping the ball around like Arsenal and fin sweet FA for the best of 10 years. I'll take winning ugy if it means winning. Now i appropriate Chelski do play a more attractive counter attacking style than us but then they don't play in the kick the $h*# out of each other championship. Top 6 = happy l. Dont really care how ee got there. now as for whether Mick has taken us as far as he can, thats a question to be answered next season depending on what he does with any Mings cash.

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oldegold added 21:10 - Apr 18 essexbluey..I feel I hardly come across as someone living in the past but as someone who has high expectations of his team and if you think I am satisfied with no shots on the opposition goal when the manager has pronounced he's going for a win which would effectively seal a play off place then you're mistaken. it's clear you are a clot of the first order if you label fellow Town supporters "depressed","ill" or "repressed", because their philosophy on playing is different to yours.I think maybe you need to enjoy life a bit more and stop being so bitter and twisted or give the samaritans a call..now

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warktheline added 21:11 - Apr 18 Been working today, but listened to game on radio. All the usual remarks from commentators, workmanlike, organised etc. Really hard to disagree, but we find ourselves occupying play off position, which again doesn't surprise me, that's what you get with McCarthy, a man well capable of grinding out points in the Championship! Like it or not, that's what the owner required from manager when he walked into the mess at Portman rd. I'm not complaining, prior to McCarthy's appointment the club was a bloody embarrassment! I accept performances many times have been dire and tough to watch, but all things considered I'll take our current situation, because under McCarthy our points tally continues to trend upwards. Said this many a time, but it's horses for courses, and our combination is ,without doubt,working! Hope all Town fans stick together for remaining games....none of us know what the future holds, but at present the club has the potential to reach something none of believed possible only 2 seasons ago. @Timmyh, glad to see you posting, our very own 'stat-man'.

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BlueandTruesince82 added 21:17 - Apr 18 Oldgold, calling people inarticulate goons because they disagree with you is being tolerant is it? Pot kettle black. God knows i love Sir Bobby but if you take the rose tints off we did choke on some title attempts didn't we. See even the greatest are fallible so maybe cut Mick a break?
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TimmyH added 21:24 - Apr 18 @essexbluey - your right mate I'm moaning as I am depressed (as your post states) not because my mum passed away the other day but watching endless tripe (other than the Cardiff game which I hear was OK) game after game which would make even Kriss Akabussi run to the Good Samaritans...
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essexbluey added 21:29 - Apr 18 Your funny oldegold. Stop hideing behind your cyber life and come to the next game and protest against mm an tc see what reaction you would get. I never got personal it was just a general post to the moaners. Funny you said phone the samaritans because my own company painted a samaritans inside and out in south london last month. Come on you blues.
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blueherts added 21:30 - Apr 18 Warktheline well said. Was there today and whilst of late our away performances not great we were resolute in holding team going all out attack. ME played his last card with appt of MM and we are progressing up the league and in with a shout of play offs Progress year on year YES We have nucleus of a decent side Interesting footnote; was talking to wolves fans after and they said they recognised everything about us fromMM time at Wolves except no wide men! They had Jarvis etc I Ours just not delivered but hoping for Connolly to feature soon! Thought Wood looked bit brighter and hope Bru will be fit for Forest Let's crank it up for next Saturday one win and that should be it!

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blueherts added 21:30 - Apr 18 Warktheline well said. Was there today and whilst of late our away performances not great we were resolute in holding team going all out attack. ME played his last card with appt of MM and we are progressing up the league and in with a shout of play offs Progress year on year YES We have nucleus of a decent side Interesting footnote; was talking to wolves fans after and they said they recognised everything about us fromMM time at Wolves except no wide men! They had Jarvis etc I Ours just not delivered but hoping for Connolly to feature soon! Thought Wood looked bit brighter and hope Bru will be fit for Forest Let's crank it up for next Saturday one win and that should be it!

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Hegansheroes added 21:31 - Apr 18 Unknown100, the style of play will not change under MM, I can't see us actually winning the play offs as Norwich & the other teams in the mix (ie. those in the top six) are all better teams than us. If we don't get promotion it may be a good time to change the manager or hopefully Fulham really come knocking so we get compensation. There is the basis of a good team but various players, MM's boys if you like really aren't up to it, Tabb, Anderson, Hyam, Smith, Chambers etc. would struggle to get into any of the better Championship teams. Really wouldn't want to play Norwich in the play offs so that they could crow about beating us 3 or 4 times in a season

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TimmyH added 21:36 - Apr 18 * by the way 'endless tripe' I mean - the quality of football from ITFC as entertainment observed over 90 minutes - not regarding the results which Mick has done well to achieve as a whole over the season. Cheers @wark - have to try and keep myself busy.
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