Edwards shows just how ‘dangerous’ he is

 

If you aren’t Welsh, or a fan of either Shrewsbury Town, Luton Town or Wolverhampton Wanderers, there’s a chance you won’t even have ever heard the name, Dave Edwards. Not one to usually grab the headlines, although he represented Wales at Euro 2016 he found game time limited.

The midfielder has been a loyal servant and top professional during his decade at Wolves. After scoring in last weekend’s defeat to Norwich, Edward’s has now netted in ten consecutive seasons. According to the official Wolves website, Edwards is the eighth player to do so and the first since the legendary Steve Bull.

Not a fan’s favourite for much of his time at Molineux and unfairly criticised at times, his nickname ‘Dangerous Dave’ is a little tongue in cheek. Nevertheless, he deserves much credit for the way he has conducted himself over his ten years at Molineux and for the crucial goals he has delivered. Here is a look at ten of his best.

 

1. 19 January 2008 vs Scunthorpe

This is where it all began for Edwards. It took him eight minutes of his debut to find the back of the net in a 2-0 victory that also saw a goal for fellow debutant Sylvain Ebanks-Blake.

2. 9 December 2008 vs Derby County

Edwards netted three times in his first full season at the club, helping them to win promotion back to the Premier League. This was a sweetly struck left foot volley in a 3-0 victory.

3. 30 October 2010 vs Manchester City

One of the highlights of Wolves’ three year stay in the top flight was this victory over Man City. Without a win since the opening day of the season, and only off the foot of the table on goal difference, this was a huge result. Edwards diverted the ball past his friend and former Shrewsbury teammate Joe Hart to give Wolves all three points. It was a scrappy goal, and his only one of the season, but it proved vital as Wolves stayed up on the final day of the season.

4. 12 April 2014 vs Crewe Alexandra

This was the season where Edwards began to add regular goals to his game. He netted six times in the final ten games of the season as Wolves romped to the League 1 title. Needing a win to confirm promotion, Edwards’ bobbling effort found the bottom corner to put Wolves 2-0 up and ensure Championship football next season.

5. 10 August 2014 vs Norwich

Always an aerial threat, this was typical Edwards. He showed great movement and technique to glance a Rajiv van La Parra cross in to the far corner for the only goal of the game. This was Wolves’ first game back in the Championship and started a run which saw them win three of their first four games, all by a goal to nil against last year’s Premier League sides.

6. 11 January 2015 vs Blackburn Rovers

Edwards bagged the only goal of this game with a wonderful individual effort. Collecting a pass from Nouha Dicko, he took one touch to take him inside a defender, another to set himself and a third to brilliantly find the bottom corner from just outside the box.

7. 6 April 2015 vs Leeds United

Probably the goal that sticks most in the mind of Wolves fans, this was vintage Edwards. On the back of three straight wins and making a late dash for the playoffs, Wolves surrendered a two goal lead to be drawing 3-3 late on. Step forward Edwards to glance home Kevin McDonald’s cross for an 88th minute winner.

8. 28 July 2015 vs Aston Villa

This was just a pre-season friendly but was the scene of one of Edwards’ best Wolves goals. Whilst the majority have been headers or poachers goals, this one was absolutely exquisite. With Wolves trailing 1-0, Edwards lost his marker at the front post and back heeled Dominic Iorfa’s cross in to the back of the net.

9. 31 October 2015 vs Birmingham City

So often in the right place at the right time, Edwards capitalised on some defensive confusion to open the scoring in a 2-0 victory over their West Midlands counterparts. This was a much needed victory after three consecutive defeats in what proved to be a frustrating season for Wolves.

10. 1 August 2016 vs Norwich

Not one of his most important goals, other than it being the one that gave him the record, this goal was scored in a 2-1 defeat. Edwards came alive in the second half and was heavily involved in manufacturing a chance for Nouha Dicko before converting Matt Doherty’s cross. He sure does love a header against Norwich.