LUHUKAY’S FIRST VICTORY LEAVES RAMS SUFFERING
DERBY’S promotion hopes suffered a blow at Sheffield
Wednesday, but Neil Warnock’s Cardiff capitalised on their game in hand to boost their chances.
Lucas Joao proved to be Wednesday’s hero against the Rams, scoring both goals as the Owls eased to a 2-0 win.
Joao tucked home his first from Jack Hunt’s cut-back to give Wednesday an 18thminute lead and then sealed the points with a superb 25yard effort two minutes after the break.
The Portuguese’s double earned manager Jos Luhukay his first league win since taking charge last month. It came at the sixth time of asking.
“Every game you win gives you more confidence,” said Luhukay. “It was very important.”
Derby missed out on the chance to reclaim second place from Aston Villa, who made it seven straight league wins with a 2-0 derby victory over Birmingham at Villa Park last Sunday.
Fourth-placed Cardiff moved right into the thick of things after their 2-0 home success against Bolton. It left them behind thirdplaced Derby on goal difference and just a point adrift of Villa.
Nottingham Forest loanee Armand Traore gave the Bluebirds the lead on 34 minutes and skipper Sean Morrison wrapped it up by scoring at the second attempt ten minutes later.
A delighted Warnock said: “I'm looking forward to the run-in. We've got a good side and I think we can get better.”