Wolves v Everton, 21st January 1978

Brief highlights of the First Division match between Wolves and Everton at Molineux on 21st January 1978.

Wolves had struggled for any consistency all season ahead of their match against Everton and with Sammy Chung's team languishing in a lowly 16th position in the league, just 4 points clear of Queens Park Rangers in 20th, relegation was a distinct possibility for Wolves.

Chung generally relied upon the same core of experienced players that had played a prominent role in winning the Second Division title the previous season. Cultured centre-half Frank Munro had been transferred to Celtic following a loan move earlier in the campaign, but his long-time defensive colleagues John McAlle, Derek Parkin and Geoff Palmer remained at Molineux. They were complimented by midfielders Kenny Hibbitt, Steve Daley and Willie Carr and centre-forward John Richards - top scorer for Wolves in the 1977-78 season with 13 league and cup goals.

Wolves also added youthful inexperience to their team through the likes of Maurice Daly, Bob Hazell, Mel Eves and Martin Patching - although the versatile Patching had featured in a significant number of matches the preceding season. In goal for Wolves was Paul Bradshaw, who had been signed by Chung earlier in the season from Blackburn Rovers. Over several subsequent years at Molineux, Bradshaw proved to be an extremely accomplished goalkeeper for Wolves and was an integral part of John Barnwell's team that defeated Nottingham Forest in the 1980 League Cup Final.

In contrast to struggling Wolves, Gordon Lee's Everton were second in the table and, with the prolific Bob Latchford at centre-forward, had genuine aspirations of winning the league title. The England striker finished with a very impressive 30 goals for the season as Everton ended their campaign in third position behind near-neighbours Liverpool and champions Nottingham Forest. Also included in the Everton side (as substitute) was Dave Jones and he later become manager at Molineux, guiding Wolves to the Premier League in 2003 after an absence of almost 20 years from the top division.

Originally broadcast by ATV Star Soccer with Hugh Johns commentating.