Gary O’Neil revealed Wolves’ FA Cup dream after they reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Brighton.
Mario Lemina’s goal after just 77 seconds booked a home tie with Coventry next month, just the second time Wolves have reached the last eight since 2003.
Brighton, though, bossed the game and Facundo Buonanotte missed a fine chance before goalkeeper Jason Steele sliced a good opening wide in stoppage time.
O’Neil has underlined his desire for success in the competition and admitted he told his players the goal was to lift the trophy ahead of their third-round tie at Brentford in January.
“When we set off to travel to Brentford I remember delivering the pre-match meeting and spoke about our aim, at that moment, was to win the FA Cup,” he said.
“I know how farfetched that sounds but every win you get a step closer. We have had to give a lot to get here.
“Coventry will be a massive test, they are a good side, play good football and we will be expected to roll them over by everyone outside and that can create problems.
“Whoever we played in the quarter-final we would see it as a great chance. We’ve beat Chelsea twice and Tottenham and Man City here. We love playing here, I’m sure they (fans) will be dreaming of a semi final and I’ll be analysing Coventry.”
Wolves snatched a second-minute winner when Lemina fired in at the second attempt after Steele flapped at Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s cross.
But the hosts never built on their lead and Brighton pushed them – without forcing Jose Sa into a meaningful save.
Wayward efforts from Simon Adingra and Jakub Moder never troubled Sa but Buonanotte should have levelled instead of heading wide just before the break.
Lewis Dunk also nodded wide before Wolves lost Hwang Hee-Chan to a hamstring injury.
O’Neil added: “Someone has to play for us and we needed to get through to the next round. I’m hopeful it’s not too serious. I’d be amazed if he plays at the weekend (at Newcastle).”
Brighton pressed for a leveller which never came but they should have taken the tie to extra time in the final minute of stoppage time.
Steele raced up for a corner and when the ball was nodded down he was left unmarked six yards out but fired wide.
Boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “We played well, we made too many mistakes – especially in the first half – to score. We created a lot of chances and we played well enough to score.
“I’m happy with the performance, the style we played, the attitude, the personality. It was very tough playing without nine injured players.
“The future of Brighton was on the pitch, a lot of young players. Maybe they are not all ready for this level but we are working well and doing great things as we are keeping the same level of last season – with a lot of problems.
“The game against Fulham is on Saturday and we have to be ready to fight.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Gyokeres vs Madueke Man Utd : Hey Arteta !! Come and take a look at our shop. EPL transfer market Thoughts Lionel Messi Never had a PRIME. His Entire Career is PRIME! Toni Kroos: “I’m not going back, and Real Madrid knows it.. " Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur be like.. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Ju...
Marcus Rashford could be edging closer to a Man Utd exit.Juventus want to sign Marcus Rashford. Juventus want to sign Marcus Rashford this summer and have made the wantaway Manchester United forward their priority transfer target, according to reports. The Serie A giants join Barcelona in the frame as Rashford prepares to leave United permanently after around two decades at the club.Juventus have ...
The two clubs were close to doing business last summer - could that be the same case this time around?Alexander Isak has been linked to a Newcastle exitLiverpool and Newcastle United could find themselves tangled up in a transfer tug-of-war for the second consecutive summer. Rewind 12 months and the pair were reportedly close to agreeing a move that would’ve seen two big-name stars transfer ...
AC Milan are reportedly evaluating a group of six forwards as potential additions to bolster their attack ahead of the new season, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson among the names under serious consideration. Despite Chelsea maintaining a firm stance that the striker is not for sale unless a substantial offer is made, Milan are confident Jackson may be attainable, especially given the player&#...
Brentford win race to bring Henderson back to Premier LeagueJordan Henderson is set for a Premier League return, with Brentford winning the race to sign the 35-year-old former Liverpool captain. Following his short stint at Ajax, Henderson prioritised a move back to England, and will join the Bees on a two-year deal. The free agent completed his medical over the weekend, with an official announcem...
Chelsea FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier LeagueChelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is reportedly set for a £25 million ($34m) Bournemouth move with a five-year contract in the works after the two clubs reached a "total agreement". The move comes after Bournemouth accelerated talks with Chelsea earlier this week as they seek to fill the void left by Kepa Arrizabalaga’s return to Stamford B...
Liga MX preview Toluca begins its title defense, América aims to reclaim the throne, and Cruz Azul builds a dream team.FBL-MEX-TIGRES-TOLUCAKey matchups to watchThe wait is over - the Apertura 2025 kicks off this weekend with a triple-header featuring Puebla vs Atlas, FC Juárez vs América, and Tijuana vs Querétaro. This season promises high-level action as Liga MX clubs continu...
Levi Colwill Chelsea Nottingham ForestChelsea defender Levi Colwill is confident that the Blues can beat PSG in the Club World Cup final, as they are 'not Inter Milan or Real Madrid'.WHAT HAPPENED?Chelsea face PSG in the Club World Cup final on Sunday and the Ligue 1 giants are in truly incredible form. Having won the Champions League final with a stunning 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan, they then th...
Lionel Messi Kylian Mbappe Club World Cup 2025 trophyThe ultimate guide to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. FIFA has rolled out a brand new format for the Club World Cup, with the 2025 edition marking the beginning of an overhaul that will shake up club football across the globe.In recent years, the Club World Cup has been a highly exclusive tournament, with just seven teams from six confederations t...
CWC Top 7 playersGOAL takes a look at the seven best players of the tournament, including big moments from Saudi Arabia and Brazil starsThe Club World Cup final is set: Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain take the pitch on Sunday, with a champion set to be crowned in FIFA's expanded 32-team competition.As the tournament comes to a close, it's time to highlight some specific player performances. Al Hil...
- 1 Lionesses captain Leah Williamson strips down to her underwear
- 2 Man Utd make shock move to Calvert-Lewin
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Harry Kane, that's awful! England captain's error costs Bayern as Desire Doue & Ousmane Dembele send NINE-MAN PSG into Club World Cup semi-finals in feisty clash that sees Jamal Musiala suffer sickeni
- 5 New coach confirms Modric move to Milan
- 6 Bayern ready to rival Arsenal for Eberechi Eze and target move for Chelsea flop after losing Jamal Musiala to injury
- 7 From Maura to Maya, the stars show swimwear with sky-high cuts
- 8 Dominic Calvert-Lewin in talks with Newcastle as Man United circle
- 9 Kylian Mbappe left stunned on Real Madrid bench as Gonzalo Garcia matches Cristiano Ronaldo record with goal against Dortmund at Club World Cup
- 10 Marcus Rashford trains alone after returning to Man Utd for pre-season despite being given extra time off by Ruben Amorim to find new club