Chris Hughton discusses Keiren Westwood’s season-saving stop for Sheffield Wednesday

Nottingham Forest manager, Chris Hughton, says that Keiren Westwood’s penalty stop for Sheffield Wednesday was a ‘big moment’ for the Owls.
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A mix-up involving Westwood and Adam Reach led to a penalty kick being given to Forest towards the end of the first half on Saturday afternoon, however the Irish international came to the rescue as he pulled off a great save to stop Lewis Grabban from giving the visitors the lead.

Wednesday haven’t won a single point from a losing position at any point over the course of the season, so history would suggest that – had Grabban scored – it would’ve meant three points for the Reds and ultimately relegation for the Owls.

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Hughton, who admitted that he was disappointed that his side didn’t win the game, said afterwards that it would’ve been a different game altogether had Westwood not got a big hand to the spot kick.

As quoted by the club’s official website, the Forest boss said, “It was a good save and it changes the game. At 1-0 down at half-time, their game has to change in the second half and they have to come out a bit more, and maybe that would give us an opportunity to increase the lead and it is a big moment for them, particularly just before half-time as it gives them a lift.

“It would have been a different game, their mindset is different, perhaps they throw an extra body up front, and the game would open up, it would have to. It would have been a half when the opposition is throwing everything at you but the spaces would have been bigger and perhaps we would have capitalised on those spaces.”

The 0-0 draw, coupled with Derby County’s 2-1 defeat at Swansea City, means that this season’s Championship relegation scrap will go down to the last day on May 8th, however Wednesday need a favour from Luton Town tomorrow night when they face Rotherham United.

A big penalty stop from Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood. (Pic Steve Ellis)A big penalty stop from Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood. (Pic Steve Ellis)
A big penalty stop from Sheffield Wednesday's Keiren Westwood. (Pic Steve Ellis)
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Should the Millers win either of their two remaining games – the other is against Cardiff City – then it’ll make it very difficult for Wednesday to stay up even if they beat Derby.

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