Loovens off but Wednesday hang on
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY showed their mettle in the Steel City derby last night to hang on for a draw with 10 men in Jos Luhukay’s first match in charge.
The visitors weathered an early storm and late pressure from their neighbours after captain Glenn Loovens had been sent off. And Wednesday could even have won it, with Blades keeper Simon Moore tipping a last- minute Adam Reach volley over the bar.
Emotions run high in this city when it comes to football. More than 500 police officers were on patrol, with extra resources drafted in from neighbouring forces, and there were reports of disorder before kick-off.
The hosts, roared on by a raucous crowd, started strongly with John Lundstram volleying on to the roof of the net from outside the area.
After a nervy start, Wednesday responded when Jordan Rhodes headed wide from a Ross Wallace cross. And in a first half high on passion but low on quality, Lucas Joao’s rare moment of skill, a dink from the edge of the box, dropped over the Blades bar.
The same man drilled another shot wide for a visiting side who grew in confidence and Wallace, otherwise impressive, should have done better when he shot harmlessly into the stand at the end of a lightning break.
Wednesday no 1 Joe Wildsmith was at full stretch to keep out Clayton donaldson’s header early in the second half — the first attempt on target — but Loovens was then sent off on 64 minutes after fouling Clayton donaldson to earn a second yellow card.
A bottle was thrown at Loovens as he trudged away and he handed it to the fourth official.
Wednesday retreated but remained compact to see out the game and take a precious point.