Lee cues Owls of pure joy
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY made sure of their play-off ticket – while Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy promised he would clear up the mess at Portman Road.
Kieran Lee’s winner 13 minutes from time guaranteed Wednesday’s place in the top-six, but the Tractor Boys, who threatened their own push early on this season, have rarely got out of second gear and are consigned to another year in the Championship.
It has been a huge disappointment for Ipswich fans, many of whom have questioned whether McCarthy’s reign has run its course.
They build ‘em tough in Yorkshire, though, and McCarthy (below) will not give up without another fight.
He said: “I will sit down with the chairman after the Nottingham Forest game to discuss the way forward regarding the players we want.
“Wednesday have got a lot of quality on the pitch and on the bench. That is what we need. It is going to be a big ask, but that is what we are striving for.”
It’s a different story for the Owls, who continue to develop under Carlos Carvalhal.
They only needed a point to secure their play-off place and achieved it with ease.
With Town in danger of finishing in their lowest league position since the late 1950s, they needed to give their fans a crumb of comfort and Tom Lawrence – a player McCarthy feels he cannot keep beyond the summer – almost provided it.
A constant threat and a serial target of Wednesday defenders, the on-loan Leicester man and Town’s top scorer is going back to the Premier League.
It should have been a toss-up between him and Wednesday duo Steven Fletcher and Ross Wallace – who hit a post – as to who was going to break the deadlock, but Lee turned in Daniel Pudil’s cross with 13 minutes left.
Wednesday will be joined in the playoffs by Reading, Huddersfield and Fulham and, with six successive victories, will fancy their chances.
Carvalhal said: “Six wins in a row gives us confidence but it is not finished yet. We can play better.” Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 42% 58% 2 2 1 6 3 6 1 6 11 13 2 6 1 0 0 0