Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy accepted that his side had been fortunate to secure a 2-1 Carling Cup second round victory over Southend United.
A tight Molineux encounter was settled by a Richard Stearman goal in the final minute of extra-time, after Wolves had been pushed all the way by their League Two opponents.
McCarthy said afterwards:"We had to work hard for it, we didn't deserve it and it was certainly a cruel way for them to lose the game.
"But I'm not bothered. Not about the result and the way that it happens, because there has been many a time where we have got punished like that.
"But I thought they were excellent and made us work very hard. It proves that players who are not playing regularly at competitive level need games.
"We have got away with that one, but they will all be better for it."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
