Dave Challinor recorded his first win as Sheffield Wednesday manager after a 3-0 home win against a wasteful Plymouth Argyle side.
Joe Lumley saved smartly from Ronan Curtis and Bradley Ibrahim, who also missed a sitter after failing to connect from close-range, as the Pilgrims had the better chances in the first-half. However, they were fortunate not to be reduced 10-men after a high aerial challenge from Curtis on Jamal Lowe was only punished with a booking from referee Anthony Backhouse. Plymouth were wasteful in front of goal and they paid the price when Billy Mitchell’s deflected strike from Barry Bannan’ corner flew in.
Jamal Lowe and Davis Keillor-Dunn squandered opportunities to double Wednesday’s lead before the lively Xavier Amaechi missed another glorious chance for the visitors as he headed wide from a few yards out.
And Argyle were punished in the last 10 minutes when Keillor-Dunn pounced from close-range before a stunning solo goal from Bernard secured the victory and moved Wednesday back into the play-offs.
Here are our player ratings from the game...
1. Joe Lumley 7
Back in the side after injury and recorded a clean sheet. Made an excellent save from Curtis' curling strike and later blocked with his legs from Ibrahim. Punched everything clear apart from one flap. | The Star
2. Yan Valery 6
A few grumbles were aimed his way from the home stands who seemingly wanted him to liven up in the first 45. He did so after the break but his end product was lacking. | ugc
3. Di'Shon Bernard 8
Another start and what a day it turned out to be for him. Had a header cleared off the line at 0-0. Then came a wonderful moment as he collected the ball just inside his own half before firing in off the post from distance in front of the Kop. After a long time injured, nobody deserved that more than him. Absolute scenes. | ugc
4. Liam Cooper 7
A welcome return to the backline. As always, he was no-nonsense and dominant in the duels. | ugc