REPORT: SHEFF WED 1-0 CARDIFF CITY
A late goal from Fernando Forestieri saw Sheffield Wednesday take all three points from their fixture against the Bluebirds on Friday, 14th April 2017.
Ross Wallace was dangerous throughout for the home team and saw his effort cannon out off the post after ten minutes - Scotland international goalkeeper Allan McGregor with a crucial fingertip save onto the woodwork.
Joe Ralls and Aron Gunnarsson were given extra freedom to push forward in the midfield with Greg Halford providing safety to the back four, and it was Ralls who went close twice for Neil Warnock's men in the opening period. Ralls firstly seeing a powerful effort from 30-yards tipped out by Keiren Westwood after 15 minutes before the Sheffield Wednesday No.1 was called into action again just before the half hour mark - denying Ralls one-on-one.
Chances were at a premium in the first half but the second period saw a more open match with both teams looking to break the deadlock. Westwood needed to be alert five minutes into the half to gather just before Halford could pounce four yards from goal. Cardiff City's top goal-scorer Kenneth Zohore made a chance for himself on 70 minutes, beating Lees for strength wide on the left before unleashing a powerful shot, that drifted wide from the acute angle.
The home side, pushing for a Sky Bet Championship spot, introduced forwards Atdhe Nuhiu, Jordan Rhodes and Fernando Forestieri and they played their part in the only goal of the match after 84 minutes. On-loan Middlesbrough man Rhodes latching onto a flick on from Nuhiu to test McGregor from 20-yards. The City No.1 produced a fine save to deny the deadly marksman, only for Forestieri to react quickest, heading home the rebound.
City boss Neil Warnock instantly made three changes to try and fight back into the match, bringing on Peter Whittingham, Anthony Pilkington and Craig Noone. Despite late pressure, the Owls held on to secure the home win.
