Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OWLS BACK WITH A BANN
Wednesday’s goal drought over as Bannan fires home winner from spot
BARRY BANNAN ended Sheffield Wednesday’s six-hour, 45-minute goal drought, as Bournemouth suffered their first Championship defeat of the season.
The Scot, his side’s driving force, kept cool to net their first goal in four games from the penalty spot, to give under-pressure boss Garry Monk breathing space.
Wednesday’s form has been woeful, with four consecutive defeats and no goals in three games. And relieved Monk said: “We were excellent from start to finish. It was thoroughly deserved. I just said, ‘Keep doing what you are doing – work full speed’. We had been well below par, but today that was us.
“We defended well and caused them problems. It shows you the madness of football. A disappointing week last week, then we play a team just relegated and unbeaten this season... and win.
“It is a huge three points for our season. People thought we’d be beaten tonight, but we have fought back. That is a good sign.
“Our target was to get out of negative points at a minimum by this international break. We have to take the chance at the weekend.”
Bannan made no mistake from the spot to bank only the Owls’ fourth goal in 10 games and the first in 405 minutes of play.
The rare chance to score came after defender Steve Cook bundled over Josh Windass, as he got in behind and was about to shoot inside the area. Bannan’s brilliant ball had sent him clear.
Cook was sent off for denying a goalscoring chance, leaving his side short for the last 20 minutes. Cherries boss Jason Tindall said: “It was a soft decision. It was the one moment that decided the game.”
It was only Wednesday’s second home win this calendar year in 16 attempts, and Monk – whose side began the season with a 12-point deduction – is lucky the fans have been banished since March.
The only setback was Kadeem Harris being sent off in injury time for a late tackle on sub Lewis Cook.
Tindall added: “To win games, we need to be 100 per cent and to fight for each other. We started slow and got caught off guard. We need to make sure we get back on our standards.”