By Scott Cooper
August 26 2006

WOLVES bright start to the season continued today as a stunning Jemal Johnson goal early in the second half condemned Luton to their first defeat of the season.

Signed for a nominal undisclosed fee from Blackburn Rovers just over two weeks ago the small striker has had a dream start to his Wolves career. It was Johnson's neat goal against Burnley last week which condemned the claret side to their first defeat of the season and it was "JJ" again who struck early in the second half to make sure Luton Town left Molineux with nothing.

The start to the season Mick McCarthy's side have enjoyed was one which was not expected. A poll on this forum just before the season started had an overwhelming number of you expecting a relegation battle, but after 5 games Wolves sit just three points off the top of the league having won three and drawn four with the defeat to Preston being the only dark moment.

Mick McCarthy has instilled a positive attitude around Molineux and the back to basics approach he has implemented since the confusing tactics of the Glenn Hoddle days is reaping rewards.

The boss opted to start Carl Cort in attack following his three match suspension and Darren Potter started on the right wing whilst Leon Clarke and Rohan Ricketts dropped to the bench.

It was Cort who had the first chance too. A deep cross from the impressive Daniel Jones was missed by the Luton centre half and the ball caught the former Newcastle man by surprise. He should have buried the effort but he allowed the ball to hit him on the chest before bouncing to safety.

Luton were having a fair share of the play too without really testing Murray in the Wolves goal. However Wolves should have been in the lead at the break. A magnificent flick-on from the bright Johnson saw Olofinjana through on goal, but the Nigerian took a touch to many and hit his effort straight at Breseford.

0-0 was probably a fair result at the break but less than five minutes were on the clock in the second half when Wolves took the lead. A long ball forward found Johnson and the American looked like he had taken the ball too wide however he unleashed a screaming 18 yard effort which curled past Beresford and hit the back of the net via a slight glance against the post.

Wolves then had something to hold on to and they did it well. Olofinjana and Henry ruled the midfield as the game went on whilst Johnson and Cort caused Newells men trouble all afternoon.

Luton did have chances with a rocket from Edwards the closest the visitors came. However despite the decent start the Wolves boss isn't getting carried away. "It would be wrong to suggest that we won easily." Said McCarthy "We had one great strike but we can't say we were the best team for 90 minutes - so my feet are firmly planted on the ground."