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...
9. Callum Slattery 7
Prevented what would surely have been a Pilgrims opener with a superb recovery run and interception. Created a chance for Mitchell with a quality forward cutting pass. Some good off-the-ball work. Great work ethic. Swung in the free-kick for the second goal. | ugc
10. Jamal Lowe 7
Looked to be playing left wing-back and did a fine job for the team. Took a heavy whack when Curtis chopped him down in the air. Replays showed it was high and should have been a red. Had a good chance for 2-0 but it was saved. | ugc
11. Davis Keillor-Dunn 7
Led the line down the middle and chased and harried. Had a couple of breakaways. Dragged one big chance wide. But grabbed a second from close-range. Got his rewards in the end. | ugc
12. Louie Barry
Back from his September ankle injury, replacing Bannan on 72. Had an opening but lifted over. | ugc