LOOVENS IN THICK OF IT
SHEFFIELD UNITED could find themselves at the centre of FA action after Wednesday defender Glenn Loovens appeared to have a bottle thrown at him.
The Dutchman was dismissed after 64 minutes when he picked up his second yellow for bringing down Clayton Donaldson.
But as he trudged off the pitch, he appeared to have a bottle thrown at him from the stands before he picked it up and handed it to fourth official Peter Bankes.
He, in turn, waved it in the direction of ref David Coote, who appears certain to mention it in his official report to the FA.
That flashpoint would not have lessened the enjoyment for new Owls boss Jos Luhukay, whose 10 men might even have snatched a late winner through efforts from Adam Reach and Ross Wallace.
However, it could have been a comfortable night for Chris Wilder’s side if John Lundtsram’s third-minute shot had been a couple of inches lower instead of dipping just over the Wednesday bar.
In the last minute of the first half, there was another anxious moment for Luhukay as he enjoyed his first taste of English football in the white-hot atmosphere of the 142nd Steel City derby.
Frederico Venancio hacked down John Fleck as he dribbled towards the area, but Mark Duffy could only curl his free-kick well wide of the post.
But in between those two Blades chances there was plenty for Luhukay to be pleased about as his side soaked up the pressure.
And as the first half wore on, there were even chances for Wednesday to possibly take the lead against the run of play as they sought to make up for their 4-2 home defeat at Hillsborough earlier this season. Liam Palmer’s shot was deflected behind and the full-back’s cross picked out Jordan Rhodes, who should have done better than head wide from an unmarked position. Portuguese striker Lucas Joao, who started just three games this season under old boss Carlos Carvalhal, was becoming an increasing factor. He held off four defenders before shooting wide, then held the ball up tidily, setting up a shot for Wallace which the midfielder planted into the side-netting. In the second half Donaldson flicked George Baldock’s cross goal wards and Joe Wildsmith made a magnificent one-handed save.