Wolverhampton 2 Blackburn Rovers 2: The reluctance of Blackburn's manager Graeme Souness to allow Dwight Yorke to join Wolves on loan proved justified last night.
Wolves, whose need for an accomplished striker is acute, looked to be heading for another morale-boosting victory but the introduction of Yorke resulted in the man they covet equalising and easing Blackburn's own relegation worries.
Andy Cole was the target for a volley of derision when he tumbled in the penalty area following a tussle with Jody Craddock. Many supporters have discovered down the years, however, that mocking Cole tempts fate and those of a Wolves persuasion joined that unhappy band in the 14th minute.
They were still cursing a timely tackle from Martin Taylor that must surely have prevented Alex Rae from putting the hosts ahead when Rovers scored on the counter-attack. The ball was moved to Brett Emerton and the Australian midfielder's cross set up Cole to score from close range.
Wolves failed to build on a promising start to the second half, huffing and puffing to little effect, and Graeme Souness appeared to add insult to injury by introducing Yorke at the expense of teenage striker Paul Gallagher on the hour only for Paul Butler to head home Rae's free-kick seconds later.
Wolves were transformed and, following a spell of sustained pressure, Rae curled a shot from the edge of the panalty area past Friedel.The advantage lasted just five minutes, however, until Yorke showed the striking ability Wolves sadly lack by equalising.
Guardian Service
WOLVERHAMPTON: Oakes, Irwin, Craddock, Butler, Naylor, Newton (Gudjonsson 83), Rae, Cameron, Kennedy, Iversen (Blake 32), Camara. Subs Not Used: Miller, Clyde, Ikeme. Booked: Cameron. Goals: Butler 63, Rae 72.
BLACKBURN: Friedel, Babbel, Short (Johansson 43), Martin Taylor, Neill, Emerton, Flitcroft, Tugay, Gresko (Baggio 75), Cole, Gallagher (Yorke 61). Subs Not Used: Yelldell, Jansen. Booked: Gresko. Goals: Cole 14, Yorke 78. Attendance: 27,393.
Referee: N Barry (N Lincolnshire).
