Fletch hits the heights for Bruce’s flying Owls
STEVE BRUCE’S Sheffield Wednesday are now only two points off a play-off place after a fraught and frantic tussle.
The Owls are now 10 matches without a loss since he took charge of his first game six weeks ago.
And boss Bruce said: “We have to be happy going into the international break. Fair play to the players, who have bought into what we’re trying to do.
“We’ve given ourselves a chance. If you’d asked most sensible people a couple of months ago, they would have said we’re not capable.’’
Steven Fletcher forged a 10th-minute breakthrough with his 10th goal of the season and fifth in six games.
The Scotsman was forced off in the second half with a groin problem – but his replacement Atdhe Nuhiu headed Wednesday further in front on the hour within two minutes of his introduction.
Rovers’ sub Craig Conway pulled one back before Dominic Iorfa struck seven minutes later, with Wednesday sub Marco Matias and Blackburn skipper Elliott Bennett trading goals in the closing minutes.
Bruce added: “I thought we got the goals at the right time – I always thought Blackburn were a threat. They’re a good side going forward.’’
Wednesday lost Sam Hutchinson to injury after only nine minutes – but took the lead almost immediately.
Right-back Iorfa delivered a teasing low ball and Fletcher was on to it in a flash to steer home from close range.
Danny Graham headed a great chance wide for Rovers before Nuhiu nodded in Barry Bannan’s free-kick. Conway then swept in from Joe Rothwell’s ball, but Iorfa fired home courtesy of another Bannan set-piece.
Matias’ shot squirmed embarrassingly under Rovers keeper David Raya and Bennett hammered in soon afterwards.
Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray said: “If you have eyes in your head, you can see it was the defending.
“We’re three central defenders down, all of them experienced. It was evident against Fletcher. It was men against boys.’’