McCarthy satisfied with a point

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was content with taking a 1-1 draw against Fulham on Saturday, despite being within minutes of a win.

Steven Fletcher had given Wolves a 22nd-minute lead before substitute Andy Johnson equalised 10 minutes from time.

A win would have moved McCarthy’s side out of the relegation zone, but he said he was satisfied with a point.

“On the balance of play I can’t say that we dominated the game, but having got our noses in front we’ve got to learn to keep that clean sheet, which unfortunately we didn’t,” he told Sky Sports.

“It was a bit nervy, but hard working as ever and fully committed.”

“It is difficult to play free-flowing football when you are bottom of the league and up against a good side, so I’ll take the point because every one is precious and it might be the point that keeps us in this league.”

The manager also praised the performance of captain Karl Henry, who worked hard in the middle of the park.

“He has been terrific and that is Karl. He leads from the front and is never lacking in effort and drive,” McCarthy said.

“He has had a great performance today and I’m delighted with him.”

Fulham manager Mark Hughes said his team showed character in coming from behind to secure a point at the Molineux Stadium.

“We were scratching our heads because we’d made a number of clear chances and were playing well,” Hughes told Sky Sports.

“But we had to show character today and we got back on level terms and could have won it.”

A frustrated Hughes was sent to the stands during the encounter after kicking a water bottle on the sidelines.

He said referee Michael Oliver made a couple of decisions that left he and McCarthy mystified.

“It was for abuse of a water bottle, which is a new one on me, and maybe because I missed my kick three times before I made contact,” Hughes said.

“But it was a little bit petty I felt. I was a little bit upset because I thought Brede Hangeland made a fair challenge and won the ball, and the referee saw fit to book him.”

“It was a little bit frustrating for myself and Mick (McCarthy) today I think. On a couple of occasions the official has made decisions that mystified both of us.”

Hughes said he was still confident his team would finish in the top half of the table.

Sat 23 April, 2011