Blast From The Past - Sheffield Wednesday

Blues go to third place in the league after the win against Peter Shreeves' men, who had five players booked and Derek Geary sent off towards the end of the game.
Blues had the better of the opening exchanges with Bryan Hughes looking particularly lively down the left flanks.

But the first shot of the match fell to Wednesday's, McLaren, whose effort from the edge of the area fizzed to the right of Kelly's post.

Former Villa man Tommy Johnson entered what was to be a busy referee's notebook, when he appeared to say something out of turn to referee Stretton.

Johnson then had the ideal opportunity to open the scoring for the visitors after 14 minutes when he just had Alan Kelly to beat in the Blues goal, but somehow headed over from eight yards.

The lively Johnson then had a second chance just a minute later after, but Kelly made a fine save in pushing the ball away for a corner.

Steve Haslam was the second Wednesday player to be booked after 17 minutes when he hacked Bryan Hughes down from behind.

Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer was then yellow-carded just three minutes later for a crude challenge.

Boss Trevor Francis then switched midfielder Bryan Hughes to the right and Blues started to get into the game more.

As the interval approached Martin O'Connor sent in a vicious drive from 25 yards, which was deflected just wide.

The late Blues pressure finally told just two minutes before the interval.

A well-worked move down the right side released Jerry Gill who managed to haul the ball back from the by-line and over to Andy Johnson on the far post.

The young Blues striker was then left free to head simply into the top corner.

Half-time Blues 1- Sheffield Wednesday 0

Wednesday started the second half much the brighter of the two teams and almost levelled the scores when McLaren's powerful drive was pushed round the post by the outstanding Kelly in the Blues goal.

Wednesday continued to press for an equaliser and Blues were very much on the back foot in the early part of the half.

Confusion in the Blues defence then allowed Wednesday striker Efan Ekoku to turn and volley just inches wide.


AJ was replaced after 20 minutes by Paul Furlong, and immediately after his introduction, his blocked shot was met by Bryan Hughes who drilled a low shot through the crowded six-yard box to make it 2-0 to the Blues.

The goal fired Blues up, who then created a series of chances, including a delicate chip from Hughes, which was cleared off the line, and a low drive from the same player.

Wednesday tried hard to get back into the game and almost ended their goal drought, but were foiled by two further excellent saves from Blues keeper Kelly in the space of 30 seconds.

Geoff Horsfield then forced an excellent save from Kevin Pressman in the Wednesday goal.

Gill almost made it three for Blues when his goal-bound free-kick was turned over by Pressman.

It was inevitable that Wednesday would get a man sent off, and that dubious honour fell to Geary, who's challenge on substitute Tresor Luntala was punished by referee Stretton just before the end.

It is Francis' first league win over his former club and Blues get a bit of revenge over the Hillsborough outfit who beat them twice last season.