Three world-class reaction saves from Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Nicky Weaver prevented Sheffield Wednesday from recording a much-needed victory in a match they dominated at Hillsborough last night.
The Wednesdayite keeper, who has previously turned out for the Owl’s in a loan deal a few seasons back, produced a five-star display that kept his side in the contest and kept the Owls rooted in the bottom three.
Brian Laws made four changes following the defeat at the hands of Bristol City on Saturday with Tommy Spurr, Richard Wood, Jermaine Johnson and Enoch Showunmi all starting in place of Peter Gilbert, Richard Hinds, Burton O’Brien and Deon Burton respectively.
The Owls, desperately searching for a much-needed victory, pressed from the off and won a first-minute corner from which Wade Small saw his shot charged down from a yard inside the penalty area. Showunmi almost carved a sight on goal a minute later but Weaver cleared the danger.
Wednesday were dealt a blow on 19 minutes when influential midfielder Graham Kavanagh was forced to limp off but soon after the game took a fiery turn when Johnson went in late on Kelly Youga. The Charlton defender reacted angrily and the duo squared up, both were lucky to escape with only yellow cards.
On the 35-minute mark, the game stepped up a few gears. Wednesday came close to drawing first blood when new recruit Adam Bolder sent over a teasing free kick from the right which the returning Richard Wood connected with but was met by Weaver diving sharply down to his left to scoop clear.
Youga apparently had not cooled down for his earlier incident and after tackling another Wednesday player with his elbow, he was substituted on the stroke of half-time by Charlton Manager Alan Pardew, who did not want to see his defender receive his marching orders.
With just a minute to go before half time, the Owls almost took the lead after Wade Small set off at pace down the right flank and sent an accurate feed to Showunmi, but the big striker’s goalbound snapshot was expertly diverted by a diving Weaver.
Heading out for the second half, Weaver received an admirable standing ovation from the Kop appreciative of his former efforts. The Owls started where they left off in the first-half and Marcus Tudgay was presented with a chance to try his luck after only seconds following a rare defensive mistake. His shot curved harmlessly wide of the far post.
Wednesday were starting to set-up shop in the Charlton half and captain Lee Bullen almost bagged a second goal in as many games. Substitute Ronnie Wallwork’s corner looped behind the skipper ten yards out but Bullen swivelled to send a fierce volley that Weaver spectacularly parried wide.
It was beginning to feel like one of those days when soon after Showunmi tore down the left flank, cut inside and saw his shot fly high into the Kop.
Charlton did manage a brief excursion out of their half and could have won the game, although it would have been harsh on Wednesday. Following a swift counter-attack, the ball found its way to Luke Varney who buried his shot low beneath Grant into the net only to see the linesman’s flag raised for offside.
Charton’s player of the night Zheng Zhi should have done better 12 yards out but could only spoon his effort high over Grant’s crossbar, when scoring would have been easier.
Wednesday were denied a credible shout for a penalty two minutes from the end when the onrushing Tudgay appeared to be thrown over by substitute Lee Cook. But the referee waved Wednesday’s spot-kick claims away and soon concluded a thrilling evening.
Manager Brian Laws said before kick-off that he wanted a win whether it was a scruffy or polished performance, but he will be happy, even if a little disappointed with a draw. A clean sheet is a wonderful confidence boost for a team that although sit in the relegation zone, have a game in hand and play the next five championship matches in South Yorkshire, four of which are at Hillsborough.
The next game at Hillsborough is on Tuesday 19th February, when Coventry City return to S6 to play the fixture that was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch earlier in the season. Tickets are now on general sale.
By Andrew Burgess
