OWLS FLY ON MONK’S PRUDENCE

Bonne 26

Fletcher 17, 80 pen, Nuhui 90+4

GARRY MONK claims Sheffield Wednesday are the poor relations of the Championship’s play-off race.

Monk’s men are two points outside the top six.

Their parachute payments that accompany relegation from the Premier League disappeared long ago.

So, while the likes of West Brom and Fulham are using the money to fund their promotion charge and Leeds play to full houses at Elland Road, Monk insists that Wednesday are playing a different game.

He said: “We’ve got to keep realistic and remember where we’re coming from, which is not the position clubs like Leeds, West Brom and Fulham are coming from. We have a different perspective.” At Charlton on Saturday, Barry Bannan was majestic in midfield, spraying passes to all parts, as well as supplying the cross which Steven Fletcher headed in for the visitors’ opening goal.

With Sam Hutchinson snapping at ankles in midfield and Tom Lees in commanding form at the back, it was left to Fletcher (celebrating, above) to convert the 80th-minute penalty which put Wednesday back in front after Macauley Bonne had equalised for Charlton.

Another old stager, Atdhe Nuhiu, then sealed victory.

Depleted by injuries and a sickness bug on Saturday, a week’s rest is in order if Charlton are to turn around a slump.

Midfielder Deji Oshilaja said: “Seeing players being sick before a game is definitely unsettling, but we’re professionals. It’s good to rest up now.”