Warnock cut down to size

FERNANDO FORESTIERI popped up with the late goal that triggered an explosion of relief as Wednesday snatched a third straight win to cling on to their precious place in the promotion play-offs.

Neil Warnock, Cardiff ’ s manager and a lifelong Sheffield United fan, was seething, accusing an unnamed defender of ducking out of a challenge.

‘I’m really disappointed that one player can’t put his head on the line. Forestieri wanted that ball more,’ said Warnock.

‘That ball’ was hanging tantalisingly in mid-air after Jordan Rhodes, fed by Forestieri, had fired a rising shot which was palmed up by Allan McGregor.

From seemingly nowhere, Forestieri flung himself through the air to head into the roof of the net. He was a good 12 yards out, too.

On a comeback from injury, it was his 12th goal of the season, none more vital. It was a big moment, too, for Carlos Carvalhal, whose 100th game as Wednesday boss is a notable milestone for a Championship manager these days.

He said: ‘Our players were cool, waiting for the moment to score and I expected us to win in the last minutes.’

Warnock, never likely to be generous, rated Wednesday’s performance as average and could not resist following up Sheffield United’s recent promotion to the Championship with: ‘ I really hope there’s a Sheffield derby next year.’