Wolves striker Sam Winnall enjoys a net gain
What a difference a year makes!
What a difference a year makes!
Almost exactly 12 months on from suffering a potentially career-threatening injury, Wolves reserve striker Sam Winnall bagged a hat-trick to confirm his return to full fitness.
The 19-year-old, from Bradmore, Wolverhampton, suffered cruciate ligament damage within two minutes of coming off the bench in the development side's opening friendly against Kidderminster.
But a year on, the memories were all happy for the former Smestow schoolboy as he scored twice to give Wolves a 3-0 lead inside 18 minutes before completing his treble with a classy shot on 70 minutes.
Development coach Steve Weaver said: "It was lovely to see Sam score a hat-trick after such a sad and traumatic time for him.
"He missed 12 months of football and he's trying to come back."
Impressive left-back Scott Malone put Wolves ahead in the 10th minute when he volleyed into the corner of the net from the edge of the six-yard box.
Striker Mana Dembele, on trial from French Ligue 2 side Chateauroux, then just failed to connect with a cross from Ashley Hemmings.
But the 21-year-old was on hand to claim an assist moments later when keeper Philip Matthews could only palm his rising drive into the path of Winnall, who coolly headed into the empty net.
Three minutes later Winnall grabbed Wolves' third goal when he netted with another header from Malone's inswinging corner.
Part-time Distillery, managed by former Newcastle and Manchester City keeper Tommy Wright, responded with a swerving effort from winger Mark Patton that just curled wide.
It was a different story after the break as Wolves lost their impetus and the hosts came into the game.
Captain Danny Batth headed off the line from Gary Browne before keeper Aaron McCarey smothered Gary Thompson's shot.
Wolves gradually re-asserted themselves and Winnall sealed his treble with the best effort of the nightwith a curler into the bottom corner.
Polish trialist Tomasz Mach denied McCarey a clean sheet when he forced home a late consolation.
