Sheffield Wednesday 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 0
Injury-ravaged Albion will have to overturn a two-goal deficit at the Amex on Monday evening (16 May) if they are to progress in the play-offs.
It could have all been so different for the Seagulls with Tomer Hemed hitting a post early on with a well-placed header.
Fernando Forestieri appeared to put Wednesday ahead but his effort was ruled out for offside after some lengthy discussion between referee Andre Marriner and his assistant.
Soon after this Albion’s problems began with Tomer Hemed and Connor Goldson going off injured in quick succession and replaced by Liam Rosenior and James Wilson.
Just before half time Wednesday went ahead. A low shot from Ross Wallace eluded David Stockdale and put the Owls in front.
Then just five minutes into the second half Steve Sidwell pulled up and was replaced by Richie Towell.
Amazingly it was Towell’s football league debut and in a game of such magnitude.
Albion almost weathered the Wednesday storm but with around 25 minutes remaining Kieran Lee doubled their lead.
Albion kept the score at 2-0 which gives them a squeak of a chance in the second leg.
But who will be available to play is anyone’s guess. Although Lewis Dunk is at least available.
Players such as Rohan Ince and Jake Forster-Caskey don’t appear to be eligible, still registered to loan teams Fulham and MK Dons. Nor does Chris O’ Grady. Although his season had ended at Nottingham Forest he may not available to Albion until the new transfer window opens.
However, it is likely that both Glen Rea and Andrew Crofts may be available if required after returning from loan periods at Gillingham and Southend.
Bobby Zamora? Well that would be a fairy story of Hans Christian Andersen proportions.
