Wednesday crashed into the playoff places in the Championship at long last, thanks to a star turn by Fernando Forestieri and two goals from Gary Hooper.
After a battling first half, Forestieri and Hooper took over and put the game out of reach of the visitors within five minutes. But, that didn’t tell the whole story as Leeds had their chances and even had a goal ruled out after it initially being awarded from a free-kick whilst Forestieri was still leaving the pitch to be replaced by Joao.
The game started at typical derby pace with the Owls looking the most likely to opening the scoring. Jack Hunt created a scoring chance for Gary Hooper with a fine cross after neat build up play, but the forward headed over from close range. Shortly after Hooper again hit a shot over when the all was laid off to him by Forestieri. A combo that’d pay dividends for the Owls later in the game.
Leeds ventured forward next and nearly scored but the Owls survived thanks to a stroke of good fortune. Lewis Price recalled to the side after a back injury to Joe Wildsmith, with the Welsh international called into action in the 13th minute. First he denied a low drive from Dallas before he and Vincent Sasso blocked Doukara follow up before the Wednesday defence cleared to safety.
Leeds threatened again after Loovens needlessly gave the ball away but the shot from Cook was dragged wide. Other than a few half chances the first half ended without major incident, leaving the teams to head into the break at 0 – 0.
The second half began with a bang, and in similar fashion the the Owls last derby game on Sky Sports at Rotherham United. After earning a corner and following a neat delivery into the box that caused panic in the Whites backline. Forestieri refused to give the ball up and cut back for Hooper to tap in sending the Kop wild. Forestieri had the taken the game by the scruff of the neck, maybe caused by the Bellusci`s constant fouling. Just three minutes after taking the lead, the talented Italian playmaker carried the ball forward and hit a quickfire shot that Leeds keeper Silvestre failed to gather and Hooper followed up the rebound to steer home his sixth goal in as many games.
Forestieri was inches away from making it 3-0 in the 64th minute with a rising 20-yard effort before Doukara crashed a shot just wide at the other end after being played in by Luke Murphy.
Then, as the Owls star player was called off by Carlos Carvalhal to be replaced by Lucas Joao. Referee Taylor restarted play with him still on the pitch despite replays clearly showing he looked at the Owls star trudging off. So, Leeds looked to have hauled themselves back into the game in the 78th minute when Cooper turned the ball home following substitute Alex Mowatt’s free-kick.
But, after consultation with the fourth official he reordered the free-kick to be retaken with Cooper almost netting again but Daniel Pudil cleared off the line to ensure Price kept a clean sheet on his recall to the side.
Wednesday, have now climbed into the Championship play off places after Ipswich Town draw and Leeds remain in midtable.
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