Sheffield Wednesday were as fluent as we’ve seen them in large portions of a game they largely dominated. They passed the ball smartly and looked threatening. They were for a long time utterly relentless. They lost 2-1.
Coventry City were the benefactors of two moments of soft defending - one late spill from James Beadle a gift in injury time - and to their credit threw everything into their defending. Ellis Simms grabbed both goals; two of 19 touches in the Owls penalty area to the opposite 53.
There were penalty shouts - very good ones - and as fans shuffled out of S6 there was a real sense of ‘How on earth did that happen?’
Wednesday in so many ways were really excellent, but it’s about as frustrating a defeat you can get. Here are our ratings from a freezing Hillsborough.
9. Djeidi Gassama - 7
First involvement was to set up a fast break from his own third. Worked things well from both flanks, tag-teaming with Ingelsson. Impact faded a touch into the second halfand he was replaced by Cissoko with 10 left. Took on shots. | UGC
10. Svante Ingelsson - 7
At the epicentre of the charge early doors. Two shooting chances came about in no small part due to his running. Played an important tactical role. Off at the break for Windass. | UGC
11. Iké Ugbo - 6
Was involved in a lot of what Wednesday were trying to do going forward and released one rasping shot first half that exuded confidence. Can count himself unlucky not to have won a penalty. Another encouraging effort - off at 53 for Smith. | UGC
12. Josh Windass - 7
On at the break. Snapped straight into things and contributed. Hassled and harried and caused problems. | UGC