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...
5. Sil Swinkels 7
Recalled to the line-up after his suspension. Tricky Amaechi caused him some early problems. Swinkels didn't take any chances after that. | ugc
6. Barry Bannan 7
Played higher up with Heskey and Mitchell behind him. Put a shift in, lots of running and did the dirty work. Replaced on 72. | ugc
7. Billy Mitchell 8
Blasted Wednesday in front just before half-time with a deflected left-footed strike from inside the area. Forced a save from Cooper not long before that after running in behind. Fought hard and drove on. One of his better recent games. | ugc
