REPORT | OWLS WIN ENDS PLAY-OFF CHASE
Match Reports
30th April
Cardiff City's play-off hopes for 2015/16 were ended at Hillsborough on Saturday, 30th April, Sheffield Wednesday defeating the Bluebirds, 3-0.
The Owls started strongly and almost took the lead five minutes into the match through former City man, Glenn Loovens. The Wednesday captain heading just over the bar from ten yards.
Russell Slade was forced into an early change of plan in this hugely important match, as Anthony Pilkington took a knock early on. Sammy Ameobi coming onto the field of play to replace the Republic of Ireland international.
It was the hosts who went the closest in the first period. The lively Gary Hooper hitting the post from 20-yards with a low strike.
An end-to-end start to the second period was capitalised on by the Owls, who took the lead on 64 minutes. Former Norwich man Hooper tapping in at close range after Marshall had stopped Pudil's shot.
Marshall and Hooper continued their battle again after 75 minutes, Hooper getting the better of the onrushing Bluebirds keeper before firing towards goal. Lee Peltier attempted to clear on the line under intense pressure from Joao but couldn't divert it anywhere but the back of his own net.
As City tried to find a way back into the match, they were caught for a third time in the minutes added on. Hooper lifting the ball into the back of the net to secure victory, and a play-off place for Wednesday.
FINAL SCORE: SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 3-0 CARDIFF CITY
Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood, Hunt, Loovens, Lees, Pudil (Helan, 80), Lee, Lopez, Bannan, Hooper, Lucas Joao (Matias, 86), Forestieri (Nuhiu, 69). Subs Not Used: Palmer, Turner, Hutchinson, Wildsmith.
Cardiff City: Marshall, Peltier, Malone, Connolly, Morrison (Manga, 62), Dikgacoi (Harris, 71), Ralls, Whittingham, Noone, Pilkington (Ameobi, 19), Zohore. Subs Not Used: Moore, Turner, Gunnarsson, Lawrence.
