Wolves defender Stephen Ward believes his side will survive in the top flight if they repeat that level of performance against sides less capable than Chelsea.

Chelsea left Molineux with all three points on Saturday after two goals by Didier Drogba - but the Premier League leaders were indebted to some fine saves by goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Ward said: "We limited them to chances outside the box, and it was unfortunate to concede the two goals, but we created enough chances to have got something out of the game.

"We were bitterly disappointed in the dressing room but, to put on a performance like that against one of the best teams in Europe, definitely gives us heart to push on for the rest of the season.

"Cech made more saves than Marcus [Hanneman] and Drogba was the difference. He is a world class striker.

"Over the last four or five games we've played well. If we play like that for the rest of the season, against so called lesser sides, then we will be okay.

"It was a real positive performance against a team who could win the Champions League this year. We can definitely take heart."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said: "I am not lambasting the performance. It was good. But we let them off the hook, and 2-0 is not the story of the game.

"We are not expected to beat Chelsea but we should have been talking about a draw at the very least and that is what has hurt and disappointed me

"But there are a lot of games to go, there will be ups and downs, and what we end up with is what is important."