“Very harsh” “Can make an impact” Players ratings in Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Oxford United

A moment of magic in the first half and a moment of refereeing madness in the second were the talking points as Sheffield Wednesday huffed, puffed and failed to record a win at Oxford United.

Published 7th Apr 2023, 17:05 BST

Rebecca Welch blew the whistle on Akin Famewo halfway through the second half to allow Oxford to level-up Barry Bannan’s stunning first half effort.

It was a moment of harsh punishment, of that there is little doubt. But that the Owls were unable to stretch their lead against the Us will be a concern.

With results elsewhere again conspiring against the now winless-in-six promotion-chasers, victory against Accrington Stanley on Monday feels like an absolute necessity.

Here are our ratings from the Kassam Stadium.

Called into action for the first time in the 11th minute, he did well to handle a hairy moment on the edge of the box and made a cracking reflection save a few minutes later from a dangerous Oxford free-kick. Used his nous in the second half to slow play when he could.

1. David Stockdale - 6

Called into action for the first time in the 11th minute, he did well to handle a hairy moment on the edge of the box and made a cracking reflection save a few minutes later from a dangerous Oxford free-kick. Used his nous in the second half to slow play when he could. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis

On the right of a four for the first time in a little while, Palmer did well, reading the game nicely and providing some important interventions. Sloppy in possession in semi-promising positions once or twice in the second half.

2. Liam Palmer - 6

On the right of a four for the first time in a little while, Palmer did well, reading the game nicely and providing some important interventions. Sloppy in possession in semi-promising positions once or twice in the second half. Photo: UGC/Steve Ellis

Beastly attacking balls into Wednesday’s box and a real threat at the other end, too. Made a number o fimportant blocks, not least to deny O’Donkor in the opening moments of the second half and then used his body well to rake an Oxford attack away a few minutes later. Won a frankly ridiculous 14 headers.

3. Aden Flint - 8

Beastly attacking balls into Wednesday’s box and a real threat at the other end, too. Made a number o fimportant blocks, not least to deny O’Donkor in the opening moments of the second half and then used his body well to rake an Oxford attack away a few minutes later. Won a frankly ridiculous 14 headers. Photo: UGC

A presence at the heart of defence, he brought some force to the aerial stuff alongside Flint and kept his channel solid until he was very harshly adjudged to have dragged a Us man down in the box to give away a penalty.

4. Akin Famewo - 6

A presence at the heart of defence, he brought some force to the aerial stuff alongside Flint and kept his channel solid until he was very harshly adjudged to have dragged a Us man down in the box to give away a penalty. Photo: Harriet Massey / UGC

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