10-man Owls have steel to blunt Blades
JOS LUHUKAY made an instant impact with Wednesday, earning them a morale-boosting Steel City derby draw at Bramall Lane despite being reduced to 10 men midway through the second half.
The game was shrouded in controversy after his skipper Glenn Loovens was sent off for a second yellow after fouling Clayton Donaldson in the 64th minute.
As the defender walked off the pitch a bottle appeared to be thrown from the stands which he handed to the fourth official as he walked down the tunnel and the incident is certain to figure in referee David Coote’s report.
Despite their lowly position before this game, 16th in the table and 13 points away from the play-offs, the Owls coped with a torrid start and, as the first half wore on, started to create the better chances. Portuguese striker Lucas Joao chipped just over from a blocked Adam Reach shot.
Joao then held off four defenders before shooting just off target after 37 minutes.
There were still moments of concern for Luhukay. United’s John Lundstram picked up a cleared ball on the edge of the area and lobbed over the bar and, just before the break, Frederico Venancio tripped John Fleck, allowing Mark Duffy a free-kick which he curled wide.
The second half promised instant improvements for the Blades as George Baldock’s cross was met by Donaldson and his header was flicked over the bar, one-handed, by Joe Wildsmith.
Loovens’ departure guaranteed Wednesday an anxious last half-hour, starting with the resulting free-kick which Wildsmith did well to punch clear at his near post under pressure.