Hillsborough reaction: Three key decisions cost Huddersfield Town at Sheffield Wednesday, rues David Wagner

Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal believed his team deserved their 2-0 Sky Bet Championship victory over 10-man Huddersfield.
GOAL...Owls Ross Wallace after his wonder strike. Picture: Steve EllisGOAL...Owls Ross Wallace after his wonder strike. Picture: Steve Ellis
GOAL...Owls Ross Wallace after his wonder strike. Picture: Steve Ellis

The Terriers dominated the early possession in a fiery Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough and went close in the 17th minute when Michael Hefele headed wide from an inswinging Aaron Mooy corner.

However, Wednesday - who brought on new signing Sam Winnall as a substitute after half-time - took the lead in emphatic fashion in the 54th minute through Ross Wallace’s impressive 35-yard strike.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The visitors were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining when Jack Payne was given a straight red card for a reckless high challenge on Wednesday’s Sam Hutchinson.

Centre-back Hefele was pushed up front in search of an equaliser and was unlucky to see his late strike go just wide, before Forestieri sealed the win in stoppage-time - tapping in from close range after substitute Callum McManaman’s good work in the box.

Carvalhal said: “I think we deserved the win against a very good team.

“In the first half we made one or two mistakes in the way we pressed. In the second half, when we started winning the ball, we moved it faster.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was an amazing goal from Wallace, a typical Ross Wallace goal. He deserved this goal. We gave him permission to fly and he flew to a fantastic goal.

“I didn’t see the red card, I was too far away. I think Forestieri should have been given a penalty though.

“Winnall really affected the game, he’s a good player and made a big impact, just like McManaman. When we win, we win together.

“I am very happy with the fans today. We felt they were with us even when the first half wasn’t going our way.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our next game against Brighton is the most important game of the season because it’s the next one.”

Huddersfield manager David Wagner said: “I think it was a good game from two good sides, quite an even game.

“We were more dangerous in the first half but we were not clinical enough today. You have to use your opportunities.

“Three big decisions went against us; Nahki Wells was fouled in the build-up to the first goal, the red card was harsh and Forestieri might have been offside for the second goal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I think we shouldn’t forget where we are today, against one of the best teams in the division. The first half was very good but the second half was only okay. After the red card, the game changed.”

On the dismissal, Wagner added: “I have spoken to Jack Payne. To be fair, I know him and he’s one of the nicest players on the planet.

“He doesn’t have the genes to want to stamp on someone. Unfortunately he came too late. It was a yellow, not a red.”